How Colder Weather Affects Pets & How CBD Can Help
The fall and winter seasons offer numerous delights for your pup, from frolicking in leaf piles to joining you for a pumpkin spice latte run (with a pup cup, of course) and savoring the enticing scents of cider and donuts at the neighborhood pumpkin patch.
Nevertheless, the colder weather can impact pets, influencing their well-being much like it does for us humans. (For further insights into how the fall season affects us, explore our blog here.)
To keep their spirits high, and their health and well-being in check, CBD can be a useful resource and comfort. Read on to discover how cold weather affects pets & how CBD can help aid their discomfort.
How Cold Weather Affects Your Pets Joints
Much like how humans often grapple with increased joint discomfort during colder months, pets can also contend with achy joints. The extent of this experience varies based on factors like age and any pre-existing conditions, such as arthritis, that your dog may have.
As the temperature fluctuates and barometric pressure changes in the air, your furry companion may encounter various effects, including heightened joint discomfort, weight fluctuations, dry skin, irritations, and even shifts in behavior.
For dogs facing health challenges or those at the more vulnerable ends of the age spectrum – the very young or the elderly – coping with very cold temperatures can be particularly demanding.
How Cold Weather Affects Dog’s Metabolisms
The fall and winter seasons can usher in metabolic shifts for pets. The effort to stay warm consumes energy, translating into extra calorie expenditure.
Consequently, some dogs may require a slight calorie boost in colder months to counterbalance this effect. Without an adequate calorie adjustment, you might observe your pet shedding weight due to their altered metabolism.
This is especially relevant for highly active dogs compared to their more sedentary counterparts. As the temperature drops, it’s essential to monitor your pet’s weight, and if you notice fluctuations, you can make necessary adjustments to their food intake to maintain their well-being.
How Cold Weather Affects Your Pets Skin
Just like how humans find themselves doubling-up on moisturiser and hand cream during the colder months of the year, pet’s also need a little extra TLC to ensure their skin stays soft and supple.
The arrival of fall and winter often brings about a drop in humidity and lower temperatures, which can lead to common issues like dry and irritated skin for pets.
The outdoor weather has a significant impact, resulting in itchiness and flaky skin. Moreover, spending more time indoors during these months can elevate the risk of indoor allergies, such as dust mites and mould.
As you can’t slather moisturising creams on your furry friend, it’s important to help care for their body and coat by prioritising their health. Ensuring your pet is getting a great amount of nutrients & is staying hydrated is key to helping them avoid dry skin.
How Cold Weather Affects Your Pet’s Mood
Just as humans can undergo behavioral changes during the colder and darker months, our four-legged companions may experience similar shifts.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), linked to the regulation of sunlight-dependent chemicals like melatonin and serotonin, can also affect dogs.
These chemicals require sunlight for their production, which tends to decrease during the fall and winter months due to seasonal variations. Indicators to watch for in your pet may encompass:
- Signs of lethargy
- A general demeanor of feeling down or sad
- A reduction in activity and playfulness
Spending more time indoors, they may also grapple with boredom, leading to behaviors like destructive chewing of remotes and furniture, as they attempt to substitute the outdoor exploration and entertainment they miss during these months.
It’s essential to be attentive to your pet’s emotional well-being during these seasons and engage in activities that help alleviate the effects of reduced sunlight exposure.
How CBD Can Help Your Pets in Winter
Now we’ve explored how colder weather affects pets, let’s talk about how CBD can be used to help combat the negatives.
CBD can help with a multitude of symptoms that pets can experience in the fall and winter months. It may help behavior management, support overall health, and help pets cope with stress.
CBD can help dogs by interacting with their endocannabinoid system, regulating various physiological functions. It offers relief from pain, inflammation, anxiety, and seizures, promoting relaxation and overall well-being. CBD is a natural and safe option for managing a range of canine health issues.
Our Range of CBD for Pets
Our Healthy Roots CBD Pet Num Num Chews are an easy and effective way to incorporate CBD into your pet’s routine. These high-quality chews each have 5 MG of CBD, and 60 of them come in each full-size container. We also offer a sample sized option, so you can give it a trial period before you commit to a full box.
Num Nums offers more than just CBD; our calming chews feature ingredients like chamomile, magnesium, and valerian root to relax and soothe your pet. These peanut butter-flavored treats are irresistible, even to humans.
We also provide Pet CBD Oils in various strengths based on your pet’s size. Explore our full range of CBD products for pets and shop now to ensure your furry friend has a fantastic season!
