Snow fun for dogs
To keep moving
Most dogs are well prepared for the cold with their fur. Basically, outdoor exercise is fun and healthy, even when it's frosty. It is important to keep moving. So the four-legged friends do not cool down. So you shouldn't leave your darling waiting in front of a store while you do your shopping - not even "just for a moment". The risk that the four-legged friends will lie down and catch a bladder infection is too great. Dogs are the least protected on the belly. Just like humans, our furry friends can catch colds - especially in cold and wet weather.
Trim paw hair
So that the four-legged friends can romp carefree. It is advisable to clip the hair between the paw pads a little. But not too short, so that the sensitive dog paws are not irritated on the hard ice or by sharp gravel and burning road salt.
Often short instead of once long
Is your dog shaking all over? He pulls in his rod and walks slower? Clear signs that he is freezing. Better not to do that on winter walks in the first place. It's better to go out with your four-legged friend more often than to go for a huge lap. After the walk, you can dry your dog thoroughly and make sure that he does not doze on the cold floor afterwards.
When the nose runs
If you notice a cold or watery eyes in your darling, you should consult a veterinarian . If you caught a cold yourself, keep as far away from your four-legged friends as possible. You should avoid extensive cuddling and kissing in the next few days.
Caution unhealthy
In addition to the cold, it is mainly man-made obstacles that can spoil the mood of our faithful companions. These include road salt and antifreeze. It is better to choose field, forest and meadow paths for walks. In this way you not only protect the paws - for many dogs the snow is a culinary temptation. However, the enjoyment is short-lived: the coldness of the snow and the pathogens and pollutants it may contain can lead to stomach and intestinal inflammation. Typical symptoms of snow gastritis are vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, choking, coughing and fever. If symptoms persist, please visit a veterinary practice. Antifreeze, which is used for the windshield washer system, is really dangerous. It contains ethylene glycol, which can cause severe poisoning. The problem: It's hard to see in the snow. It also tastes sweet, so most dogs lick it with relish. After walks, you should clean your paws and fur well and crumble or thaw out any lumps of ice in them and brush them out carefully.
Look here!
Reflectors, light strips and flashing lights on the collar or harness ensure that your dog is seen by drivers and cyclists even in foggy and dark conditions. Never leave your pet unleashed near the road. Cars and bicycles can brake hard in the wet and on icy roads if a dog suddenly shoots at the road. There is also a risk of slipping for the four-legged friend - injuries can easily occur, especially when sprinting and jumping. Forgo action on slippery surfaces and switch to exciting indoor games .
Wrapped up warm
Large, healthy dogs with long coats are naturally protected from the cold. Small dogs, sick, old and weak animals as well as breeds with little or no undercoat can be helped with special dog clothes .
Snow fun for cats
Get in quick! Or out?
While dogs happily romp around outside in almost any weather, cats are more sensitive to the weather. Most velvet paws prefer it sunny and warm, which is why only the hardiest outdoor cats are now drawn outside. Everyone else turns around after a short time and looks reproachfully at their owner through the patio door. Then a little game begins that many "door and can openers" know only too well: Mieze wants to go outside. Five minutes later she meows and wants to go back inside. And the game starts over...
Because the inner urge for exercise and adventure simply cannot be suppressed in cats. Annoyed owners can remedy this with a cat flap . Everyone else has to keep their eyes open, because a freezing kitty should be able to get back into the warmth as quickly as possible. It is important that your cat can decide for itself in winter whether and for how long it wants to go outside.
youngsters and oldies
Care should be taken with young, sick and old cats. Your stay at Freude should not last too long. If they don't let that stop them from romping in the snow, provide them with a cat house. The main thing is that the kitty finds a dry, comfortable shelter, which can be equipped with a heating pad if necessary. Even hardened cats should always be brought into the apartment overnight. Don't forget to occasionally check the paws of velvet paws. Frosty ground, salt and dry air cause the bales to tear open. You can counteract this with paw balm.
Dry quiet places
Now that winter temperatures are hitting, cats may seek refuge in car engine compartments and wheel wells. So please tap the bonnet a few times before you drive off.
Speaking of which: ice and snow do not provide an inviting environment for doing urgent "business". Therefore, it makes sense to set up a litter box indoors for outdoor cats in winter too.
Winter time is cuddle time
When the temperature outside is around zero, we humans would like to hide under a cozy blanket all day long. Many cats now also like to stay near the heating and spend most of the day sleeping. That is why they are now particularly happy about cuddly and warm lying places .
Many fur noses now enjoy regular combing or brushing in their thick winter fur more than in summer. The same goes for cuddling together. When you return from a stressful Christmas shopping session, when your children or grandchildren have been romping around you all day, hearing your darling purr is a blessing. Accept your cat's invitation to cuddle with thanks! So you are doing something good for yourself and your kitty at the same time.
