【VMC Vets Tips | Time to get prepared for cool weather!】

Hong Kong’s weather is finally getting cooler, it’s time to get our pets prepared to keep warm and stay healthy! Our pets have a natural fur coat to protect them, but it doesn’t mean that they do not need extra help to stay warm. Here are some practical tips for you:

1. Elevated the bed
Are you having tiled or hardwood floors at home? These materials can get cold easily in cool weather. You can choose a thicker dog bed and putting it on top of the carpet, or elevating it with towels can prevent the cold from seeping into the bed at night.

2. Add blankets
If your dog is not having thick fur, you can consider adding blankets to their bed when the weather is getting cooler. For cats or small dogs, they may enjoy sleeping in tent or cave-like bed to stay warm.

3. No haircut
Some dog owners like to cut or shave their dog’s hair to keep them neat and tidy. Please do not do so in late summer or early autumn, as your dog needs time to grow back enough hair to stay warm in winter!

4. Need a coat or not?
Hong Kong’s winter is relatively mild. Do pets need protective clothing such as sweaters and coats? It depends on your dog’s size, breed, and whether you are heading outdoor. If your dog is very small, from a short haired breed or a breed that is originally from a warm climate such as Chinese Crested and Chihuahua, they may need to put on an extra layer during cold weather when you are going outside.

5. Stay moisturized!
Dry weather could create skin issues to your pets. You can prevent them from getting dry, flaky skin by adding a skin and coat supplement to their food. You can try adding wild caught Alaskan salmon fish oil as a tasty food topper that provides dogs and cats with Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA) to keep their skin healthy during winter.
Besides, coconut oil is also a good natural moisturizer that can help keep your pet’s skin healthy. If you find your pet’s paws, ears or tail are getting dry, you can apply coconut oil to keep them moisturized.