As we approach the winter season, we start to bundle up, but what about our pets? Our animals have amazing fur coats that get thicker, but they can only protect them so much. To avoid unnecessary vet visits, here are a couple helpful tips that will keep your pets warm this winter season. COATS Lower temperatures can overwhelm your pet’s heat regulation, so when their fur gets wet, they lose the ability to insulate themselves. When they can’t keep warm, their extremities, like their nose, toes, and ears, are all vulnerable to frostbite. To help keep your dogs and cats properly insulated, put a sweater or coat on them before they brave the weather. HOW TO WINTERI ZE YOUR PETS T HE BE S T WA Y S T O KEEP Y OUR F URR Y F R I ENDS WARM
TEA TIME Tea has been consumed for thousands of years and is the second-most popular drink in the world, with water being the first. It is the national drink of several nations, including China and India, and is an integral component of religious ceremonies the world over. Drinking tea has been known to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. In addition to these instant benefits, tea can also help improve a person’s long-term health through regular consumption. YOUR HEART According to Harvard Health Institute, several studies show that those who regularly drink black and green tea are at a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. These types of tea contain antioxidants and flavonoids, which are plant chemicals that help dilate arteries and reduce bad cholesterol. Studies also link tea consumption with improved vascular reactivity — how well your blood vessels respond to stress. YOUR BRAIN Flavonoids don’t only fight heart disease; these chemicals can also reduce any vascular damage to the brain. The National University of Singapore has conducted studies that link reduced risks of dementia in the elderly with regular tea consumption. The results speak for themselves: “The longitudinal study involving 957 Chinese seniors aged 55 years or older has found that regular consumption of tea lowers the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly by 50%, while APOE e4 gene carriers who are genetically at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease may experience a reduction in cognitive impairment risk by as much as 86%.” YOUR MOOD Tea leaves contain the amino acid L-theanine, which stimulates several feel-good neurotransmitters, like serotonin and gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters help boost your mood and alertness. According to a study by the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, tea even has the ability to ward off depression. The study took 22,817 participants with 4,743 cases of depression over 11 studies, and 13 reports found that individuals who drank three cups of tea a day decreased their depression risk by 37%. So, the next time you want a warm beverage that will do your mind and body good, reach for some tea and bask in all the health benefits as you sip. WHAT ’ S SWI RL ING AROUND IN YOUR CUP?
Unfortunately, wet coats and
sweaters can give your furry friend hypothermia, so remove extra layers after they come inside. Be aware that salt spread can burn the pads of their feet,
so slip baby socks onto their paws when they’re inside to get them used to wearing booties.
OUTSIDE PROTECTION Even if your dogs and cats have a pet door, it’s never a bad idea to maintain a warm shelter for them to visit outside when they get cold. Make sure your pet’s shelter is beneath a carport, porch awning, or extended roof that is dry and draft-free. If you
feel like your animals need more warmth, some companies make pressure-sensitive bed warmers that are perfect for a pet’s shelter.
Put a heated water bowl in their shelter to keep them from eating any questionable snow. Animals have a natural tendency to eat more and bulk up over the winter, so make sure to put some food in their shelter as well. While many animals enjoy the cold weather, it’s essential to keep your pet’s health in mind. If you’re feeling frozen, chances are they are too. If you need more ways to help keep your four-legged family members warm, visit ASPCA.org.
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