Kashmir winters can be harsh (often –10°C or lower), so pets need extra care to stay warm, healthy, and stress-free. Here’s a practical, Kashmir-specific guide 🐾❄️
🏠 Shelter & Warmth (Most Important)
- Keep pets indoors at night, especially dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds.
- If outdoors:
- Provide a windproof, waterproof shelter
- Raise bedding off the ground
- Use straw, dry hay, or thick blankets (avoid damp cloth)
- Never let pets sleep directly on cold cement or snow.
- Pets may enter Hamaams, sit under car engines and roam inside kitchen for warmth. Please be cautious and ensure that pets do not enter such areas.
🧥 Clothing & Bedding
- Dog sweaters/jackets for short-haired or small breeds (Pugs, Labradors, Indies with thin coats).
- Change bedding regularly to keep it dry.
- Avoid electric heaters inside pet beds (fire risk).
🍲 Food & Nutrition
- Pets burn more energy in winter.
- Slightly increase food quantity (especially for outdoor pets).
- Offer warm food when possible (not hot).
- Ensure fresh, unfrozen water at all times.
- Add healthy fats (vet-approved) for warmth and coat health.
🚶 Exercise & Walks
- Shorter but regular walks during daytime sunlight.
- Clean paws after walks to remove:
- Ice
- Salt
- Chemicals
- Use paw balm or coconut oil to prevent cracks.
🩺 Health Care
- Watch for hypothermia signs:
- Shivering
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Winter increases risk of:
- Joint pain (arthritis)
- Respiratory infections
- Keep vaccinations up to date.
- Consult a vet if coughing, limping, or appetite loss appears.
🐕 Stray Animals (Very Important in Kashmir)
- Provide cardboard boxes + straw as temporary shelters.
- Leave food and unfrozen water outside.
- Old blankets can save lives.
🐦 Birds & Small Animals
- Keep cages away from windows and drafts.
- Cover cages at night (leave airflow).
- Provide warm foods (grains, seeds).
🚫 What NOT to Do
- ❌ Don’t bathe pets frequently in winter.
- ❌ Don’t leave pets in cars or tied outside overnight.
- ❌ Don’t ignore frostbite on ears, tail, or paws.
