Keep your pet in great shape this winter!
Winter wellness is something everyone needs to think about. It’s cold and flu season for people, but it could also be a time of subpar health for our pet dogs if we fail to provide all they need. Thankfully, general winter wellness tips for dogs in Maryland are easy to keep up with. If you need a local vet to give your pet dog a check-up, contact Everhart Veterinary Medicine.
How Your Pets Can Stay Happy and Healthy During Winter
Know If Your Dog Needs a Winter Coat
Some dogs do not have the coat type or the ability to retain their body heat when walking in the cold. They might even suffer from colder temperatures indoors. This is most likely to happen if your dog is old or young.
Inspect, Care for, and Protect the Paws
Inspect your dog’s paws for debris built up from walks. You can clean your pet’s paw pads with pet-safe wipes when the road and walkways are covered in road salt or other chemicals. If your pet’s paws are sensitive, they could benefit from winter boots.
Follow Holiday Pet Safety Tips
Holidays come with special foods, decorations, and decorative plants, all of which could pose health hazards to our pet dogs. Keep foods, plants, and decor that are toxic to dogs away from them, even if they are not prone to chewing on everything.
Keep up with Exercise
It’s easy to want to stay indoors all the time in winter, but you and your dog benefit from keeping up with physical exercise in the winter. You can play safe games with your dog indoors, keep up with mental stimulation, and still safely go on walks or play in the park, weather permitting.
Don’t Leave Your Pet in the Car
Never ever leave your pet in your vehicle by itself, whether it’s cold, hot, or anything in between. It is unsafe to leave your pet in a car, especially in freezing temperatures.
Maintain a Healthy Diet and Hydration
Keep up with your pet’s dietary and hydration needs, giving your pet even more if its energy output demands it and altering it if its health requires it.
Prevent Dry Skin
Dogs can also suffer from dry skin during winter. You could prevent this issue through a dietary supplement, special shampoo, and moisturizing oils for pets. Pet paws can become cracked in winter, but a pet paw oil can remedy that.
Keep Your Home Comfortable
Your home should be warm, draft-free, and have a healthy humidity level. That way, your whole household can avoid a lot of winter discomfort.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!