Tag: winterize

As the calendar year approaches the holidays, you might have a lot on your mind. Perhaps you’re thinking about what type of pie to have at Thanksgiving, or maybe you’re wondering how big your Christmas tree needs to be to fill your place. If you’re a pet owner, especially of a cat, you know that they’re going to be near the top of your concerns. However, no matter how well of a cat aficionado you are, you may have forgotten one thing:

How do I keep my cat cozy during the holiday?

The winter weather will have a demonstrable effect on your feline friends, but there are many things to consider to make sure they are comfy.

Cats Sleep More During the Winter

The holidays fall around the same time that daylight outside becomes sparse. As a result, this can cause melatonin levels in pets to increase while serotonin levels to decrease. While the former leads to more lethargy or relaxation, the latter as a neurotransmitter affects mood regulation.

What does this mean for cats? More sleep! This is not to be a cause for concern, as sleeping is considered a show of being “content” with their surroundings. However, you can give your snoozy cat more light by placing their bed closer towards the window to get greater sun exposure.
Cats Eat More During the Winter
Not only does winter impact the sleeping pattern of cats, but it can affect their eating habits. The old adage of “eating more for winter hibernation” is not just for bears and other creatures in the wild. Cats increase their eating during his time in order to keep energized and warm during activity.

This is important to know if you’re concerned about your cats weight. Moderate your cat’s food intake during the winter to ensure that they are not overeating, and encourage more eating during the summer months when they are not as prone to eating as much. By tipping the “food scales” in this manner, you’ll allow your fluffy friend to keep a consistent weight right around the holidays.

Not All Cats Stay Warm During Winter

At first glance, you may think that a cat is able to survive against the harsh winds and snow of winter because of its fur. While this may be true for some cats, it definitely isn’t the gold standard for all. Cats with thicker fur will be able to handle it better, but species with thin fur will not be as lucky. This is especially true if they are “outside” pets or happen to find themselves out of the house.

To prevent your feline family member from getting hypothermia or other cold-weather ailments, consider keeping them inside at all times and blocking any exits that may get them out. Once inside, you can help keep them cozy with small sweaters or coats designed for them (provided the material does not irritate their skin). Not only will this add an extra layer of protection against cold temperatures, it allows your pet to take part in the holiday festivities!

Winter weather makes a wonder of us all, and that includes our pets. If you’re a cat owner and concerned about how the cold air will affect your little friend, don’t panic. By knowing how their sleep and eating habits will increase and what to do in case they do come across frosty temperatures, you can ensure that your cat will stay cozy through the holidays and beyond.

Sources:
https://www.petassure.com/new-newsletters/do-cats-get-cabin-fever-in-winter/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140528114828.htm
https://www.purina.co.uk/cats/health-and-nutrition/grooming-and-daily-care/winter-cat-care

The cold weather is upon us, which means plenty of food, fun, and family time. It also means blistering cold winds and rainy nights. While this may be fine and well for people, it may not be ideal for your furry friends, especially if you’re looking to keep them sleeping.

To get the most out of your pup’s sleep schedule during the winter, remember:

Keep Them Inside

This may seem like a no-brainer, but keeping your pet indoors is the first line of defense against cold sleepless nights. While there is nothing wrong with having an “outside” dog, dogs are just as susceptible to cold weather as humans. In fact, dogs that are adverse to the cold weather (ex. smaller breeds or those with thinner coats) begin to feel uncomfortable when temperatures fall below 40° F. When you begin to reach the 20’s, all dogs can be affected by ailments like frostbite.

If you’re concerned with housetraining (or lack thereof) and winter, start your training earlier by autumn at the latest in preparation for winter. However, if you’re already in the midsts of the snowy season, you can still provide consistent training to get your furry friend ready for cold nights provided that the wind and snow does not disrupt your training time.

Be Mindful of Your Pet’s Sleeping Space

After you’ve gotten your furry friend indoors, they should be fine sleeping anywhere, right?

Well, not exactly.

Treat your dog as if you were sleeping: with warm blankets and bedding. Regardless if your dog is still in the kennel or sleeping in your bedroom, ensuring that they have proper bedding that is elevated from cold tiles or floors is a must for comfort. In addition, while it may appear ideal to set their bed near a heat source, bear in mind how close they are. Worst case scenario, your dog might be tempted to get closer (especially if it’s a heater or fireplace) and burn themselves on the source. Just like you did when you first brought them home, be mindful of your surroundings.

Know Why Their Sleep is Changing

Dogs typically sleep more during the wintertime than in any other season as a result of light exposure. During these months when light is sparse, your dog’s melatonin (the hormone related to sleep) levels go up while their serotonin (the neurotransmitter that regulates mood) conversely goes down. The resulting shift in chemicals in the brain can cause more sleep along with more lethargy.

This is not to say that it should be a cause for immediate concern (though there have been some associations with Seasonal Affective Disorder and dogs during the winter), but it does mean less playtime with your pup. If you’re looking to regulate their sleep during the day, consider increasing their light exposure naturally by taking them outside during the brightest daytime hours, keeping their bed or kennel near the window, or using artificial lights that closely resemble sunlight. This process could slowly invert the aforementioned melatonin-serotonin levels and provide your dog with more energy to play and explore.

This holiday season, make your dog’s tail wag with glee by giving them the best sleep possible. By keeping them inside, providing them with a safe and comfortable bed, and keeping an eye on their nap times, you make snowy nights feel as comfortable as sunny days.

Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/how-cold-too-cold-dog
https://www.therapydogs.com/dog-care-winter-months/
https://topdogtips.com/do-dogs-sleep-more-in-winter/