A vet checks a dog at his Boring Road clinic in Patna on Monday. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Patna, Nov. 21: Last winter, Manisha Kumar had a difficult time as her Pug fell seriously ill. For several days, she ran from one veterinary to another to get her loved one cured.

“It was only after a vet told me that I need to arrange a sweater for my pet throughout the cold season that he recovered. But it took a lot of time,” the woman in her 40s said.

Manisha is not the only person to be unaware of the health hazards that their pets have to face during this time of the year. Many proud owners of pets in Patna are equally ignorant of the ways to keep their pets fit during winter.

Dr Ajit Kumar, a veterinarian and owner of a pet clinic in Patliputra, said pet owners should be cautious during winter as the northern wind brings along with it several ailments for animals.

“This is the season when you need to take utmost care of your pets. Owners often forget that their pets, too, need a warm shelter. If the pets are allowed to stay in the open for a prolonged period in winter, the animals are likely to fall ill. Steps should to be taken to keep the animals warm,” he told The Telegraph.

Dr Kumar’s prescriptions for the season are simple: Don’t let your dogs stay out for long in early morning hoursand after evening; When you take your puppies out, make sure they are not left alone; Keep your pets indoor when the mercury dips.

Specialists also advised people to take their pets to veterinarians for a check-up before winter sets in. The aim is to take all precautionary measures. “The pets should definitely be taken for a check-up before winter. This alone can solve a number of problems. Precautions should be taken before any problem crops up. Veterinarians can say it best whether the pet is susceptible to catch cold,” Dr Kumar added.

Dr Vimal Kumar, another vet and owner of a clinic on Boring Road, said proper diet is very important for the pets during winter.

He added: “Like human beings, even pets need to be dressed up properly from time to time. Jackets are available to protect them from cold. Besides, it is advisable to maintain a proper diet for them. A healthy diet should include an egg and boiled chicken every day. Such diets keep the animals warm. Fruit intake should be less.”

Dr Vimal Kumar further said as the physical strength of these animals decreases during winter, they should be given protein tonics. “They should be bathed twice a week because they tend to lose their fur with a drop in temperature,” he pointed out.

“Be gentle with the elderly and the arthritic pets during winter. The cold can make their joints extremely stiff. Keep an eye on the pets when they climb a staircase or a ladder. The owners can also modify the pets’ surroundings to make it easier for them to go around,” the veterinarian added.