As winter approaches, it’s a good idea to think about ways you can prepare your pet for the cold weather. Just like humans, dogs and cats go through seasonal transitions that can show up as allergies, anxiety, or pain. To get your pet ready, think about supplements, adjustments to their food and exercise, and accessories that will help outfit them for fall and winter.
Anxious pets
Fall is often a time of change; it’s common for families to get caught up with kids starting back up at school again, and workplaces tend to get busier. Then the holidays arrive, so it’s natural that pets sense these changes, and some become anxious as a result.
If you’re busy at work and your kids are in school, your pet may experience separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a challenging condition that can take quite a bit of time to overcome. There are many tactics out there, but one of the best is keeping your dog below his or her anxiety threshold. Some dog owners find that anxiety medications can work wonders for improving the condition, but you can expect to do some dedicated training with your pup to help them learn to cope on their own. Another option is bring your pup to a doggie daycare to keep them socializing and engaged.
Another great option for anxious pets is CBD oil. There’s a wide range of options out there, so find out what dosage is right based on your pet’s breed and weight. Be sure to look for oils that are all-natural, and avoid those that contain gluten or dairy. Read reviews of each brand, and consider cost as you choose. CBD oil has been shown to help not only with anxiety but also with pain and inflammation.
When trying to reduce your pet’s anxiety levels, try to keep your own stress under control as pets can sense tension. Find ways to manage your stress whether it’s exercising, getting enough sleep, taking deep breaths, or identifying triggers.
Coping with pain
Have you ever noticed that your joints become sore when the season changes? This is a phenomenon that can happen to pets too, especially for those that experience arthritis.
If your pet seems to be moving more slowly or takes much longer to stand up after his nap, stiffness and inflammation may be to blame. To mitigate this, try to keep your pet as warm as you can. Find a padded, warm bed, and for dogs, purchase a coat they can wear on walks.
Along with CBD oil, there are anti-inflammatory medications available to help your pet deal with sore joints. Ask your vet for options, as medications can vary depending on breed and size.
Another thing to watch out for, especially in dogs, is their paws. Winter can cause cracked and dry paws, which can become painful and infected if untreated. Check your dog’s paws daily for cracks, and if you notice any issues, be sure to keep their paws clean and treat them with a paw balm to keep them moisturized. There are paw booties available for dogs with sensitive paws, so do some research and try them out during cold winter walks.
Allergies
Just like humans, pets can experience seasonal allergies. Cats and dogs sometimes have sneezing fits, but oftentimes the allergies show up as itchy skin or paws. If you notice extra paw licking, scratching, or excessive coat cleaning, your cat may be experiencing allergies. Allergies for dogs show up as watery eyes, runny noses, and ear infections. There are some over-the-counter medications you can get for your pet, but it’s a good idea to have a veterinarian consult to ensure that allergies are in fact the culprit.
Many pets will welcome the cooler months, especially if you live in a hot climate. However, even the most winter-prone dog or cat will go through some changes with the seasons. Watch out for signs of anxiety, and be sure to treat any pain and inflammation as it comes up. Try out CBD oil as a great natural supplement to treat both anxiety and pain, and be vigilant about watching out for allergies.
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