The seasons don’t just change the world outside your window. They bring new health challenges for pets, especially dogs, who thrive on outdoor adventures. Each season introduces different risks – summer heat can lead to dehydration and paw pad burns, spring often stirs up allergies, while autumn and winter are cold and humid.
Just like you layer up or adjust your skincare routine for winter, pets’ health also needs an update. Diet, hydration, grooming routines, and more need your attention as the weather changes.
But don’t worry. With some simple adjustments to their care routine and an awareness of what each season brings, you can protect your furry friend from unnecessary discomforts and keep them thriving every month of the year.
How to Protect Paws and Skin During Extreme Weather
Extreme weather is uncomfortable for you and your pet, but the difference is that your four-legged friend doesn’t have the tools to protect their skin and paws like you do. This is why it’s important to consider everyone’s needs before you go for a walk together.
In the summer, asphalt gets hot enough to burn sensitive paw pads. A simple test is touching the ground with your hand – if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. To make sure everyone enjoys the time spent outdoors, use protective booties or move the walk during cooler parts of the day.
Winter brings its own set of problems, like frostbite and cracked pads from ice-melting chemicals. If your pet doesn’t like booties, wipe their paws after each walk and use a paw balm to add an extra layer of protection.
Dry indoor heating in winter also leads to flaky skin or itchiness in pets. To improve circulation and spread natural oils evenly across the coat, brush your pet regularly.
Adapt Your Pet’s Diet to Match Seasonal Needs
Your pet’s nutritional needs can shift with the seasons, just like ours do. For instance, in colder months, pets may burn more calories to regulate body temperature. Consider adding nutrient-rich foods like lean protein or omega-3 supplements that support joint health during brisk outdoor play.
In the summer, hydration becomes a priority since heat leads to quicker dehydration. To up your pet’s water intake, introduce more wet food and avoid overly heavy treats. This also prevents sluggishness during warmer days.
Spring and fall bring allergy season for some pets, leading to itchy skin or upset stomachs. A hypoallergenic diet or supplements such as probiotics help calm these reactions by supporting both immune function and gut health.
Supplements that support a healthy gut for dogs and cats are a good option all year round, so talk to your vet and see which ones are good for your furry friend.
Safe Outdoor Activities by Season
Most pets love going for a walk or exploring the world outdoors, but it’s important to choose activities that are safe and season-appropriate.
For instance, in summer, early morning or evening walks keep dogs out of peak heat. Swimming in clean lakes or pet-friendly pools offers exercise and a cool-down option. Hiking is great, but stick to shaded trails and pack extra water.
Autumn brings cooler temperatures, perfect for long hikes or exploring leaf-covered parks. Just watch out for hidden hazards like acorns (which can be toxic) or ticks hiding under leaves.
Also, pay extra attention to your pets’ needs if you’re travelling together. Changes in environment and the novelty of travelling are quite stressful for pets, so make sure they get enough rest and can isolate themselves from all the noise in a place where they feel safe.
In Summary
A care regimen tailored to fit your pet(s)’ seasonal needs is the best way to keep them healthy, active, and happy year-round. Thoughtful adjustments to diet, activities, and skin protection ensure their well-being through every weather change.
I actually had no idea I should adapt my pet’s diet to march the season, this is so valuable, THANK YOU SO MUCH….
This was a great read. I found the seasonal diet idea to be very intriguing. I’ve only ever fed my dog one food year-round. I didn’t know it was a thing to adjust it!
My two dogs (spaniels) are getting quite old now and I have to keep an eye on their skin, and diet and limited exercise. They have some cod liver oil daily too to help with the coats
Great tips for keeping pets happy and healthy! Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and plenty of exercise really go a long way. 🐾
I appreciate how this post highlights simple ways to keep pets healthy year-round. It’s a great reminder that regular care, like checkups and exercise, makes a big difference in their well-being.
This is a great information. I will share this with my cousins who a fur moms for a long time.
These are all great tips. Dogs often don’t like it outside if it is wet or raining, so tend to maybe go for shorter walks especially if it is cold too.
I currently don’t have pets but these tips are really good to know.
These tips would be useful and helpful to those who have a furry pet or pets. Their needs should be met like humans, for sure.
It was interesting to see that dogs like us have seasonal nutrition needs. It’s great to hear they have supplements available too.
I love these recommendations and tips to benefit my dog’s health and well-being overall. As my dogs are both getting older, I prioritze them so they are always comfortable and healthy as they can be.
Aw this is an amazing post dog welfare is super important and these top tips will ensure owners do he right thing by their pooch all year round x
Great recommendations and also a reminder to not forget the furry additions to the family in the winter months
These winter tips for pets came just in time! We just recently adopted a new fur baby so I will be referring to this list. Thanks so much for sharing, they are for sure helpful!
Thanks for these valuable tips on keeping our pets healthy year long. Seasonal shifts can be a real challenge for the pets in general.
Yes, it is a must that we dress our pets accordingly depending on the season/ weather. Though when its extremely hot or cold, we make sure they just stay indoors.