With summer passing by, many of us are welcoming autumn with open arms. Cooler temperatures and pretty leaves are here, and our pets might be as excited about it as we are! With that said, a change in season means that we will need to help our pets adjust in certain ways. To keep your pup happy and healthy in the cooler months, consider these simple, effective tips:
Reduce their stress, anxiety, and pain.
Dogs deal with stress, anxiety, and pain just like humans do. And if you adopted your pup from rescue organization, they may be even more prone to stress and anxiety. One product that many dog owners are finding helps with each of these issues is CBD oil. Some CBD oils are even proving to alleviate pain and discomfort from arthritis in dogs. Like other types of products, not all CBD oils are made the same way. Be sure to read customer reviews, and consider factors like formula, ingredients, and strength to find the best fit for your pup.
Pay attention to their skin and coat
One thing that can be significantly impacted by the change in temperatures is your dog’s skin and fur. More so than being outdoors, your dog’s skin is more prone to dry out in the cooler months since the heat will be on in your home, and this can itchiness and overall discomfort.
To help keep your dog’s skin and coat stay healthy and lustrous, consider ways that you can increase omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. This is relatively easy to do. Whitefish and salmon are great sources for omega-3’s, and you can even switch to a high-quality fish formula dog food.
Furthermore, increasing the sulfur in your pup’s diet can also benefit them in the colder months, particularly their hair. Fish, poultry, and red meat are all great sources for sulfur. In any case, keeping your dog on an animal-based high-protein diet will help to keep them at their healthiest.
Keep their body temperature regulated
Just as your body temperature is affected by the weather, so is your dog’s. Although they are not necessary for Pyrs, if you also have a smaller short-haired pup, consider investing in a sweater, jacket, or coat that can help to keep them warm in cooler temperatures. If your pup has longer fur, consider skipping trims during the cooler months. Their long fur is a natural protectant against cold temperatures. However, this doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be groomed; year-round grooming is still essential.
Another way to help maintain healthy body temperature in your pup is to spend time outdoors when the sun is shining. In fall and winter, late mornings and early afternoons are the best times to walk or play with your dog outside because that is when the sun is shining the strongest.
Make sure they are getting exercise
Oftentimes, we exercise a little less in the cooler months, especially winter. As a result, many dogs don’t get the exercise they need during these months. Therefore, be conscious of getting your pup some much-needed exercise. As previously mentioned, late mornings and early afternoons are the warmest times of day, making them the most comfortable times to exercise outside.
Even though fall brings with it mild weather, among other benefits, fall quickly turns to winter. That’s why it’s essential to prepare your dog for the colder months. Remember to consider ways that you can alleviate any stress, anxiety, and pain your pup may be feeling. Also, be sure to foster the health of your dog’s skin and coat, and take any necessary steps to help them maintain healthy body temperature. Finally, make sure that your pup is getting the right amount of physical activity.
