Banish winter blues
The falling mercury may trigger trouble for your pet, particularly if he is sick and ageing; also if he is very small or has little hair. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your pet is warm and cosy.
Special care for the colder months

HOUSING
Keep your pet warm and dry. Line his bedding with a blanket and keep him in the warmest nook of your house.

CLOTHING
Dogs with short hair may need sweaters. But don't put them on for more than a few hours a day. It hinders breathing through the skin, essential to keep fungal and other skin infections at bay.
Avoid walking your dog during the colder parts of the day.

DRY SKIN AND DANDRUFF
To prevent dry skin and dandruff bathe your pet only as often as essential to keep his coat clean; use a moisturising shampoo. To counter dryness, discourage your pet from sitting too close to room heaters, and add fish oil to his diet.

FEEDING
Pets need to eat more during winters to maintain body heat. Increase portion sizes and boost carbohydrate intake by adding extra rice, potatoes and wheat to each meal.

GROOMING
Dogs and cats usually grow an extra coat of hair which may harbour fleas. Brush daily to get rid of fleas, remove dead hair and stimulate oil production from the skin glands to give an extra sheen to the coat.