Keeping warm in cold weather is easy enough for us, we can always add a few more layers for comfort–not so easy if you’re a dog or a cat. According to New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 1999) by Amy D. Shojai, in order to maintain a thick, protective coat, dogs and cats need to get fatty acids in their diets.

Giving fatty acid supplements will cause the coat to grow in a bit thicker for the cold months. Follow the instructions on the label.

Pets that spend time outside also need extra calories in the cold months in order to stay warm. If your pet is on a homemade diet, double the amount of oil and increase the percentage of meat.

If he’s on a commercial diet, add some flaxseed oil or olive oil to his food. For dogs over 50 pounds, give a tablespoon of oil a day; pets between 15 and 50 pounds can have a teaspoon.