By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

As mercury levels plummet across the country, it's time for you to give your pets some extra care and protection. Winter in some parts of India can get extremely cold, hence it's best to make some quick adjustments to acclimatize your pet's routines. Here are some tips on how to keep your furry friends warm and cosy in the cold months.

Wrap them up in woolens: You just can't imagine stepping outside without a sweater in the winter. The same applies to your pets. Choose from a variety of options available for your cats and dogs. Make sure you pick the right size and keep them warm while taking them out for a walk. In case you have rabbits and birds, you can cover their cages with a shawl, leaving a little space for aeration.

Keep them hydrated: The winter season lowers your pet's want for water consumption. However, dehydration can be life-threatening for them. So, make sure their water bowls never remain empty. Keep a close eye on whether they are drinking adequate water or not. Always carry a water bottle while taking them out for walks.

Accidents indoors: Cold winters can result in unintentional urination inside the house. Take them out often to relieve themselves. Holding pee for too long can cause urinary tract infections in your pets. You can consider potty training your pets indoors. Pee pads and pee trays can be used to make sure as an option. Ipsita Gupta, pet parent of a labrador says, "During the winters, Mia sometimes ends up accidentally peeing in the house. I use a pet-friendly floor cleaner like ITC Nimyle, which is a 100% natural action floor cleaner made with neem that keeps the floors clean and also does not cause rashes on Mia's skin, unlike other floor cleaners I've used before. Activated with the Power of Neem, Nimyle also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties."

Arrange warm bedding: Never let your pet sleep on the cold floor during winter. Make sure they have warm and cosy bedding. Place the bedding in a warm spot, preferably where they sleep every day. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly with water and a pet-friendly floor cleaner. Unclean surfaces may lead to underbelly rashes. Many pet owners use pet-friendly heaters and warmers to keep the room temperature controlled.

Keep their outdoor hours restricted to daytime: Try to keep your pets indoors, especially during the night. Go out for walks with them during the late morning hours. Being exposed to the sun during these hours will give them much-needed Vitamin D.

Check for hypothermia: If the temperature drops severely, your pet needs special attention. Ushija Asthana, pet parent of a dog Cooper and a cat Silver said, "The paws of your dog or cat need to be protected from the freeze as they aren't covered by fur. If your pet is picking up their paws off the floor, it is a sign that the weather is too cold for them. In case there's a drop in your pet's body temperature, make sure you cover them up with warm blankets and feed them hot drinks like chicken broth." (SJ/IANS)