How to Take Care of Pets in Winter Season – Natural Care Tips, Diet and Home Remedies

Abstract

Winter brings unique challenges for pets, as cold weather can lower immunity, slow digestion, and worsen joint stiffness. Pets, especially puppies, senior animals, and short-haired breeds, are more susceptible to seasonal discomforts. Proper winter care focuses on providing warmth, balanced nutrition, and immune support. Preventive care during winter plays a key role in avoiding seasonal illnesses. Simple lifestyle changes, seasonal diet and home remedies can help maintain pet health. Holistic winter care ensures pets remain active, comfortable, and protected throughout the cold months.

Introduction

Pets are sensitive to environmental changes, and winter weather can challenge their ability to maintain body temperature. Cold temperatures, dry air, and reduced sunlight may lead to respiratory issues, joint pain, and digestive disturbances in animals. Indoor pets are also affected due to limited movement and dryness. Traditional pet care combined with Ayurvedic principles emphasises warmth, nourishment, and routine. Understanding winter-specific needs helps pet owners prevent illness rather than only managing symptoms. With mindful care, pets can adapt smoothly and thrive during the winter season.

Why Winter Demands Extra Attention for Pets

1. Cold temperatures can cause hypothermia and joint stiffness
2. Dry climate leads to skin irritation and cracked paws
3. Reduced physical activity can slow digestion and metabolism
4. Seasonal infections affect immunity and respiratory health
5. Hair Fall

Early Warning Signs

In the winter season, pets usually face the following problems:

1. Excessive shivering or cold ears and paws
2. Coughing or nasal discharge
3. Loss of appetite or digestive upset
4. Limping or reluctance to move

Important Lifestyle Changes for Pet Care in Winters

1. Winter-Proofing Your Pet’s Living Space

1. Use insulating mats or wooden boards to prevent direct floor contact.
2. Avoid placing pet beds near doors, windows, or damp corners.
3. Maintain adequate ventilation without exposing pets to cold drafts.
4. Keep sleeping areas dry to prevent fungal and respiratory problems.

2. Skin, Coat & Paw Care in Cold Months

1. Apply natural paw balms or coconut oil to prevent cracks and dryness.
2. Brush regularly to improve circulation and coat health.
3. Avoid over-bathing, as it strips natural oils in winter.
4. Dry pets thoroughly after baths or outdoor exposure.

3. Seasonal Feeding Adjustments

1. Slightly increase healthy fats to support body warmth.
2. Offer freshly prepared, warm meals rather than refrigerated food.
3. Maintain fixed feeding times to support digestive rhythm.
4. Avoid cold dairy or leftover foods that reduce digestive fire.

4. Special Care for Senior Pets

1. Gentle morning movement to ease joint stiffness
2. Warm oil massage before bedtime
3. Extra cushioning in sleeping areas
4. Short walks instead of long outdoor exposure

Home Remedies for Care of Pets in Winters

1. Massage: Light massage with Sesame oil (Til Taila) calms Vata, improves circulation, and reduces joint stiffness and dryness.
2. Epsom Salt Soak for Sprains & Strains: Add ½ cup Epsom salt to warm water and allow your dog to soak the affected area for about 5 minutes, twice daily. This helps relax muscles and ease stiffness naturally.
3. Cranberry Juice for Urinary Health (Cats): Unsweetened cranberry juice can help support bladder and urethral health in cats prone to urinary issues by maintaining a healthy urinary environment.
4. Canned Pumpkin for Digestion: Adding 1–4 tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin to your pet’s food supports bowel movement and improves digestion due to its natural fiber content.
5. Butter for Hairball Control (Cats): During heavy shedding periods, ½ teaspoon of butter helps lubricate the digestive tract, making hairballs easier to pass. Regular brushing remains the first line of defence.
6. Chamomile Spray for Skin Irritation: Brew chamomile tea, let it cool, and store it in a spray bottle. Apply to irritated or itchy skin to soothe inflammation and redness naturally.
7. For Ticks: Gently rub a very small amount of fresh lemon or orange juice onto your pet’s fur, avoiding the eyes, nose, mouth, and any broken skin. You can also try Tick Fighter spray of Planet Ayurveda that is very effective in the management of ticks, fleas and lice in pets.

Diet for Pets in Winters

1. Moist, Soupy Meals to Prevent Dehydration: Pets often drink less water in winter, increasing the risk of dehydration. Soupy or gravy-based meals help maintain hydration and improve digestion. Soft stews made with rice, dal, vegetables, or meat are easy to digest and nourishing.
2. Coconut Oil for Skin & Coat Health: Adding 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to meals provides healthy fats that reduce skin dryness, shedding, and winter itching. It also supports digestion and energy levels when used in moderation.
3. Protein-Rich Winter Diet: Include high-quality protein sources such as lean meats and poultry to maintain strength, energy, and muscle health in dogs during winter.
4. Fish Oil or Flaxseed Oil Supplementation: Adding small amounts of fish oil or flaxseed oil helps keep the skin moisturised and the coat shiny despite winter dryness.
5. Root Vegetables & Leafy Greens: Carrots, sweet potatoes, parsnips, kale, spinach, and broccoli supply essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that support immunity, digestion, energy levels, and a healthy coat, and can be easily included by finely chopping or lightly steaming and mixing into your dog’s regular food.
6. Winter Protein Boost: Lean meats like turkey (easy digestion and muscle support), chicken (high-quality protein for strength and healthy weight), and fish such as salmon (omega-3s for joints and a shiny coat) help maintain energy in winter and should be given well-cooked, unseasoned, boneless, and additive-free.

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Pet Care in Winter

Planet Ayurveda is an Indian Ayurvedic healthcare company known for producing herbal formulations based on classical Ayurvedic principles. The brand emphasises the use of pure, natural herbs without added chemicals, preservatives, or synthetic ingredients. Planet Ayurveda follows GMP standards and focuses on quality-controlled manufacturing and standardised extracts. Its products are widely used for holistic wellness, immunity support, and chronic health management. Here, in this article, we will study some Ayurveda medicines by Planet Ayurveda for general issues in pets in the winter season. Let’s start!

1. For Cold and Cough– Aller-G Care Capsules
2. For Digestion- Zigr Vet Syrup, Gut Vet Tablet
3. For Fatigue– Geri Vet tablet

Product Description

For Cold and Cough

1. Aller-G Care Capsules

These capsules of Planet Ayurveda contain ingredients like Haridra (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Shirish (Albizzia lebbeck), and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are herbal ingredients that can support the management of cold and cough in pets. Haridra contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping reduce throat and respiratory inflammation. Neem bark is rich in nimbin and azadirachtin, which act as antimicrobial and immunomodulatory agents, protecting pets from secondary infections. Shirish contains flavonoids and saponins that help alleviate respiratory irritation and soothe inflamed airways. Ashwagandha’s withanolides exhibit adaptogenic and immune-enhancing effects, strengthening the pet’s overall resistance to seasonal respiratory stress. Together, these herbs can help reduce cough intensity, clear nasal passages, and support lung health.

Dosage: 1 Capsule twice daily mixed in food.

For Digestion

Zigr Vet Syrup

This Formulation of Planet Ayurveda contains ingredients like Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Shyonak (Oroxylum indicum), Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata) and many more.  Zigr Vet Syrup is helpful for pets during the winter for digestive issues. Herbs like Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) and Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri) support liver function, enhance bile secretion, and improve appetite and digestion. Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) and Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata) help maintain healthy metabolism and prevent toxin accumulation that commonly increases in cold weather. Patol (Trichosanthes dioica) and Pittapada (Fumaria indica) aid in relieving indigestion, bloating, and gas. Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) supports gut detoxification and improves nutrient absorption, making Zigr Vet Syrup beneficial for managing winter-related digestive discomforts in pets naturall

Dosage: 10 ml twice daily for dogs, cats, and small pets; 30 ml twice daily for horses and big animals, or as directed by the physician.

Gut Vet Tablet

Gut Vet Tablet of Planet Ayurveda is formulated with Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) to support healthy digestion and gut comfort in pets. Brahmi helps regulate gut–brain coordination, reducing stress-related digestive disturbances. Mulethi soothes the gastric mucosa, helps reduce acidity, and supports the healing of the digestive lining. Shatavari nourishes the gut tissues, improves digestive strength, and helps maintain proper moisture balance in the intestines. Together, these herbs enhance digestive efficiency, support nutrient absorption, and promote overall gastrointestinal wellness in a gentle, Ayurvedic way

Dosage: 6 tablets twice daily for horses and 3 tablets twice daily for dogs.

For Fatigue

Geri Vet Tablet

Geri Vet Tablet of Planet Ayurveda, formulated with Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), is highly beneficial for managing fatigue in animals. Wheatgrass acts as a natural energiser by improving haemoglobin levels and cellular oxygenation. Giloy helps strengthen immunity and supports metabolic balance, reducing weakness and chronic tiredness. Tulsi acts as an adaptogen, helping the body cope with physical and environmental stress. Together, these herbs enhance vitality, improve stamina, and promote overall rejuvenation, making Geri Vet Tablet effective for fatigue-related weakness in pets.

Dosage: 6 tablets twice daily for horses and 3 tablets twice daily for dogs.

Conclusion

Taking proper care of pets during winter is essential to protect them from seasonal illnesses, digestive disturbances, and reduced immunity. Adequate warmth, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and timely grooming play a key role in maintaining their overall health. Incorporating warm, easily digestible diets, herbal support, and gentle routines helps maintain digestive fire (Agni) and strengthens natural immunity. With mindful care guided by Ayurvedic principles, pets can remain active, comfortable, and healthy throughout the winter season.

FAQs

How to take care of pets in winter in India?

• Provide warm bedding, protect pets from cold drafts, and ensure a balanced, nutritious diet to maintain immunity. Gentle sunlight exposure and regular health checks help prevent winter-related issues.

How to take care of pets in winter at home?

• Keep pets indoors during cold nights, use soft blankets or pet sweaters, and offer lukewarm food and water. Maintain cleanliness and proper ventilation without exposing them to cold air.

Is taking dogs out in freezing weather safe?

• Short outdoor walks are safe if dogs are properly protected with warm clothing. Avoid prolonged exposure and watch for signs of shivering or discomfort.