By Andres Ramos Soto
Winter is a season that affects many people around the country, especially in parts where it snows. We know winter affects us in different ways but how does it affect our pets? Many animals in the wild that live in regions that experience winters have different adaptations to overcome the cold season. The most well-known example of this is how bears will hibernate throughout all winter until early spring. We can see different behaviors in different species of animals that help them survive in the harsh conditions of winter: some animals such as the snowshoe hare can change the color of their fur to camouflage in the snow better and birds will tuck their heads in their feathers to remain warm. These adaptations help these animals in times where food is scarce, and temperature is low in the wild. With all this said, does winter affect our pets? Domesticated animals (Pets) Our pets are mostly kept indoors where they can be warm and cozy along with us, so we usually don’t see any major change in their behavior during winters but, it doesn’t mean there is no effect on them. With all this said we still need to be aware of our pets during this season. Cats and dogs are still at risk of frostbite and hypothermia during cold temperatures. Our pets will also eat more due to not just the change in temperature but also the change in daylight. This is due to their instincts since the longer days in the spring and summer since they know there is more time to eat during these days but due to the shorter days in winter our animals will see this as a decrease in time to eat so they'll eat more but, every pet is different, and it varies from animal to animal. For reptile and amphibian owners they will notice their pets will hide more than usual and eat significantly less during the winter. Reptiles and amphibians will go in a state of hibernation called brumation. Hibernation is a deeper and longer version of torpor. Brumation on the other hand is specific to reptiles and amphibians that enter a state of 'deep sleep' where they undergo the same process of inactivity and low body temperature, heart rate, metabolic rate, and respiratory rate drops. Hamsters, duprasi or fat-tailed gerbils, deer mice, prairie dogs and skunks can fall into a brief, hibernation-like state called torpor if they are exposed to cooling temperatures and shortening daylight. So, if you see any changes in your pets don't be alarmed, our animals are more than ready to take these cold times and it is on and is on us to make sure they have all they need for a safe winter still. If you think your pet is acting unusual and seems sick, take them to a veterinarian to clarify any doubts and chances of sickness.
1 Comment
Lynn Girven
1/25/2024 09:23:26 am
Very interesting!
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