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Fighting The Winter Blues

Pets Get Cabin Fever, Too Pets and people have a lot in common, including the winter blues. Even if you live in one of the warmer states, the change of season affects pets and people.  It can be tough on a pet, especially one that normally spends much of its time outdoors.

Prescription-Free Solutions   Pet owners who ignore their pets’ need for winter stimulation will find their companions gaining weight, becoming irritable and sleeping too much. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take that will make you and your pet happier during the long cold months: Brighten the lights. Dogs and cats respond to illumination like we do: they get peppier when the light is brighter. So even if it’s too cold to go out, open drapes and let in any sunlight there is, turn up indoor lights, and even replace bulbs to create a more day like environment.  For reptiles, turn up the heat. Consider a slightly higher wattage bulb in their enclosure to produce more heat. Encourage play time. Cats love to play, and the best place to play is in the house. Make toys, drag enticing objects around, get your cat rolling in old sheets or other expendable cloth—anything to keep him busy and burning energy.  Install a window perch because cats love to sit by the window and watch the birds.  It’s free entertainment and can keep them busy for a while. For dogs, games like tug-of-war and wrestling can mean a great workout while building their appetite.  The best time to play with rabbits is in the early morning or as it begins to get dark. Make toys, drag enticing objects around, get your cat rolling in old sheets or other expendable cloth—anything to keep him busy and burning energy. Reduce food quantities. Since your dog or cat is not out as much, he or she doesn’t need to eat as much. Less food means less weight gain and more energy. Enhance scents around the house. Scented goodies keep dogs busy as they try to find the source of the smell.  Cats would not be as interested and would rather fill their time with a scratching post.  However, if you use scented candles, keep them far away from birds since such candles use volatile toxins to create their fragrances, and these toxins can be fatal to birds if inhaled.  Go outside. Even if your cat roams freely, you might not want him to do this in the winter. So to get a cat outdoors and under control, spend a few weeks training him to walk on a leash. It takes patience, but it’s possible.  Dogs would welcome romping in the snow and can do this using a long retractable leash. To find the right indoor toys that will occupy your pet on a cold afternoon as well as bedding, houses and accessories, visit retail specialists such as Doctors Foster and Smith or firstrax.net. Return to the VPI Pet HealthZone >>

Suggested Reading Exercising Your Pet In Cold Climates Take safe measures when outside. Pet Obesity Danger A leading cause of poor pet health can be easily avoided. Clawdius' Story Clawdius' sudden weight loss wasn't a result of a new diet. A visit to his vet revealed a more serious issue.  Read More >>