How to keep your furry friends happy this winter

BHOPAL: Our furry friends need a little extra care during the ‘under-the-covers-front-of-heater’ weather . Pet parents share tips on how to keep our animals happy and warm during the winters.

Like humans, pets too are susceptible to cold and cough. “To avoid risk of infection and cold during winters it is important to change pet’s drinking water regularly, because it tends to get cold really quickly,” says Diya Shrotiya, who has two dogs – Agatha and Candito.

Dogs with flat faces—like pugs—have difficulty in breathing, and must be taken extra care of. Baths should be limited to once a month in winters,” says

Neeti Khare

, an animal activist who has three dogs – Ganga, Gauri and Netri.

Allowing them time in the sun is important too, says

Kankika Soni

. “My cat loves sun bathing. We have put a bed and blanket for him on the terrace where he spends most of the morning,” she says.

Tanu Awasthy, a dog parent and a member of Foster for Furballs, which helps in rehabilitation and rescue of animals, says ‘outside time’ for pets should be restricted during evenings. Play with them indoors in the evenings, so that they can release their energy. Pets forced to remain inactive for long hours may get irritable.

Evening time is also jacket time. “It’s not correct to think that your dog does not feel cold because it has fur. Animals feel cold just like us. It is also essential to ensure that they have a comfortable and warm place to sleep,” says Neeti

Khare

, an animal activist. For those who wish to help stray animals, you can place old bed sheets in a secure dry place in your locality for them to sleep on, says Awasthy. Soni says she cuts up old clothes to repurpose them as sweaters for puppies in need. “Jute beds cost just Rs 100 and can help save lives of stray animals who do have any place to go to, to escape the harsh winters,” says Khare. Cats usually try to find warmth near tyres and under the engine of vehicles. Before you start your car check under your vehicle to avoid accidents.

Van Vihar’s defence against the cold: To ensure that the wild animals are comfortable, the doors and windows of their rooms have been boarded up. A cot and room heater has also been placed in the shelter so that the animals can sleep comfortably.