A Cheat-Sheet For Keeping Our Pets Happy and Healthy Through the Winter

Over the years, the Beijinger and beijingkids have provided Beijing’s pet owners with all the information they could possibly need for a happy, stress-free life. Now, with the change of seasons, we have once again turned to one of the many expert voices we have come to rely on for all things pet health in Beijing, ICVS, for a refresher course on what we all need to do to ensure our furry and scaly friends enjoy a healthy, happy, and comfortable winter.

Just like us, our pets need to visit the doctor often for routine checks

ICVS: Pets with arthritis, skin problems, and other medical issues may begin to feel discomfort as the weather turns cold. A comprehensive examination and basic diagnostic testing can help ensure your pet is in good health to face the winter or before they are boarded or left in the care of friends and family should you be traveling. As the COVID-19 pandemic continued in early 2020, many flights were canceled and some countries closed their borders, preventing pet owners from returning as planned. Knowing your pets are healthy and in good condition can give tremendous peace of mind this season.

While at the vet, don’t forget to dot the I’s and gas the fleas!

ICVS: Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos do not completely disappear during winter. These parasites can take shelter and hide in our homes when temperatures drop and they can feed off warm hosts including, dogs, cats, and humans.

To paraphrase Destiny’s Child, “can you get my pills?”

ICVS: Whether your pet needs insulin, heart medications, nutritional supplements, or prescription pet food, having a good supply on hand will help you make it through the winter season. China relies on a global supply chain for many imported drugs and prescription foods. Should air cargo-flights be reduced or canceled, it could cause stock shortages of the medications and prescription diets our pets rely on.

What’s the doggy version of hot cocoa and marshmallows?

ICVS: Tolerance for changes in temperature is often age-related. If you have a senior pet who is 7 years or older, he or she should be protected against very cold weather. The bodies of our pets cannot adjust as well to changes in the environment and if they are out too long in temperatures colder than their own body temperature (e.g., 39° Celsius), their own body’s internal “thermostat” may not be capable of keeping them sufficiently warm. To provide some protection for your pets, jackets, coats, raincoats, and all manner of clothing are now available. This would be especially helpful for shorthaired dog breeds and hairless cats. Now is a great time to get your pet accustomed to wearing a jacket or sweater so that when the very cold weather arrives, they are already used to wearing these items and you will have an easier time getting pets dressed before heading outdoors.

Puppies are similar to older aged dogs in that they are also less able to control their body temperature in cold weather. They should be well protected against the weather when taken outdoors, and attention should be given to their tolerance level (e.g., shivering, lack of activity, etc.). Puppies should be brought indoors immediately if they cannot handle the outdoor temperatures.

Proper nutrition for your pet in cold weather is also very important. A dog or cat that is outdoors in very cold weather for longer periods of time will require more calories to keep warm, and additional protein in their diet would be recommended.

Spa days are fundamental (but you don’t need to do them that often)

ICVS: During the dry, cold winters in North China, it may be better to reduce the frequency of bathing your dog or cat to no more than once every four to six weeks. Frequent bathing may exacerbate dry skin and cause skin irritations. If needed, use a warm, damp cloth to wipe down the hair coats of your dog and cat in between baths. Please make sure pets are completely dry before they go outdoors.

Winter can still be fun for families and pets. Dogs can and do spend a lot of time outdoors in cold weather, especially breeds that live in the northern hemisphere. Certain breeds such as the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute will naturally develop a very thick hair coat for the winter and this acts as natural insulation allowing them to enjoy more time outdoors.

Information courtesy of International Center of Veterinary Services, Mary Peng, and veterinarians at ICVS. 

Address: No. 13-16 Rong Ke Gan Lan Cheng Shang Jie, Futong Xidajie, Wangjing, Chaoyang District
Ph:  8456-1939, 8456-1940
Email: reception@ICVSASIA.com
Website: www.ICVSASIA.com
Official WeChat: ICVSCHINA

READ: Beijing Pet-iquette: Tips on Responsible Pet Ownership in the Capital

Images: Chewy (via Unsplash), Pexels, courtesy of ICVS