Winter Wellness Guide for Senior Pets
Posted - November 22, 2024
Winter can be challenging for senior pets, with colder temperatures, shorter days, and more indoor time. Like people, older dogs and cats experience changes in mobility, immune systems, and energy levels. However, there are many ways to prepare your aging pets for the colder months.
In this Winter Wellness Guide for Senior Pets, we’ll share expert tips and practical advice to help keep your dogs and cats thriving. From nutrition to mobility, here’s what you need to know to help your pets enjoy a safe, comfortable winter.
Grooming Matters in Winter Months
Proper grooming, including baths, is important year-round. However, pets should be bathed in the winter months despite the colder temperatures. We recommend soothing bath products to prevent dry skin and help your pet stay moisturized.
Our favorites are the ZYMOX Shampoo and Leave-in Conditioner, which work with a LP3 enzyme system. They hydrate the skin with vitamin D, contain no harsh ingredients, and will not strip your pet’s coat.
Long-time Cocker Spaniel breeder and dog groomer Lisa Gaertner does not bathe her dogs as frequently in the winter months.
“The dogs are not outside long because it’s cold and you don’t want to dry out their skin with too much shampooing,” she says.
Hydration Matters Even More
Pay attention to how much water your senior pet drinks year-round, especially in winter. Dehydration is sneaky, so monitoring your pets is crucial. Pets may be less interested in water during the cooler months or be dealing with a medical issue.
Talk to your veterinarian if your senior pet consistently appears uninterested in water. One tip we recommend is using a recirculating water bowl. Dogs and cats tend to be drawn to the water moving and are more likely to drink it.
A second pro tip is to keep pets hydrated while promoting oral hygiene with the ZYMOX Oratene Water Additive. This flavorless concentrate promotes oral hygiene quickly and effectively.
Paw Protection
“Be conscientious about where you walk your dog in the winter months,” Gaertner advises. “You never know what chemicals people put on sidewalks in addition to the icy, snowy elements.”
Dry air can dry out skin and paws, so check your pet’s paw pads often. Ensure nails are not overgrown and keep a “just in case” product on hand for skin support.
ZYMOX topical cream with 0.5% hydrocortisone is free of antibiotics, veterinarian-recommended, and ideal for itchy, inflamed skin on the face, paws, and in the skin folds of dogs and cats.
Ear Care Maintenance
Even though pets spend more time indoors in the winter, ear care remains important. Cold, damp conditions can lead to more dirt, debris, and infection.
Winter weather brings snow, ice, rain, and dampness, which can cause moisture in dogs’ ears, especially floppy ones like Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Dachshunds.
Keep ZYMOX ear cleanser and ear wipes in your winter survival kit. The ZYMOX Enzymatic Ear Cleanser helps clean and maintain the non-infected ears of dogs and cats. The ZYMOX Advanced Enzymatic Ear Wipes are portable, easy to use, and help clean and soothe the other canal.
Draft Proof Your House
Add weatherstripping to doors and windows to prevent cold air from entering your residence. Draft blockers at the base of exterior doors block cold air from seeping in.
Create cozy sleeping areas for your dogs and cats. Place their beds in a warm, draft-free area. Elevated pet beds and those with thick padding or ‘bumpers’ help insulate pets from cold floors. Cover hardwood and tile floors with rugs or carpeting to keep pets comfortable.
Ensure air vents are not blocked with furniture, curtains, or pet beds. Warm air should flow freely so it circulates throughout your residence.
Consider a Humidifier
When indoor air gets dry from heating systems, a humidifier adds moisture. This helps prevent your pet’s skin from drying out, itching, and flaking. The moisture in the air also helps pets breathe more easily.
Like people, pets may suffer from dry eyes and nasal passages in colder months. A humidifier may help moisten these passages to prevent itchiness, irritation, and discomfort.
Lisa Gaertner installed a whole-house humidifier a few years ago to help keep moisture in the air. The added humidity helps her dogs look and feel good all winter long.
Extra Pro Tips for Winter Care for Senior Pets
• Consider Apparel: Senior pets may have difficulty regulating their body temperature in colder months, especially if they have arthritis or joint issues. A sweater can help, both indoors and outside.
• Keep Pets Active: Senior pets are older but still need mental and physical stimulation. Here are over 100 things you can do with your pets indoors.
• Watch Your Pet’s Weight: Contrary to some myths, pets who spend most of their time indoors and are not working animals do not need to gain winter weight.
• Beware of Antifreeze: Dogs and cats find the taste appealing, but it is a deadly poison. Clean up spills, be cognizant on walks, and keep antifreeze out of reach.
Always talk to your veterinarian if you notice sudden health changes or concerns in the winter. Pets cannot speak for themselves, so they rely on us as their advocates and voice. Happy, healthy winter to one and all!
