KEEP PETS HAPPY IN CHILLY WEATHER
As the winter months draw near and temperatures begin to drop, it’s important to plan ahead and give our pets a little extra care to keep them safe and comfortable. Here are some of our top tips for ensuring your pets stay happy and healthy during the colder weather.
CATS
Always ensure your cat has access to a warm indoor space. If your cat uses a cat flap, regularly check that it hasn’t frozen shut or been blocked by snow. In extreme cold, it’s best to keep your cat indoors if possible, and if you don’t usually, be sure to provide a litter tray.
Indoor cats should have a cosy bed placed away from cold drafts, especially elderly cats or kittens who may struggle to stay warm.
Cats are also known to crawl under car bonnets seeking warmth from engines, so make it a habit to check under your car and knock on the bonnet before starting it.
Remember, antifreeze is highly toxic to pets and can be fatal if ingested, so contact your vet immediately if you think your pet has been exposed to it – don’t wait for symptoms to show.
DOGS
Dogs with thick, fluffy coats typically handle the cold well during walks, but short-haired breeds, puppies, and senior dogs may benefit from wearing a coat or sweater (or both!).
Be cautious on icy surfaces, as they can be just as dangerous for dogs as they are for humans. For older dogs, even small slips on ice can worsen arthritis and cause significant pain.
Watch out for salt and grit on roads, as these can irritate your dog’s sensitive paws. Be sure to wash and dry their feet after walks, and if it’s snowy, check between their toes for compacted ice, which can be softened and removed with lukewarm water. This is more common in dogs with furry paws, so keep the fur around their feet trimmed.
Also, keep curious dogs away from frozen ponds or lakes to prevent accidents on thin ice – it’s just as risky for them as it is for us.
RABBITS AND GUINEA PIGS
Don’t forget about small outdoor pets like rabbits and guinea pigs, who are also vulnerable to cold weather. If possible, bring them inside to a sheltered area like a shed or garage. If that’s not an option, add extra insulation to their hutch using heavy blankets or bubble wrap, but ensure there’s still adequate ventilation.
Provide plenty of additional bedding, such as straw, to keep them warm when temperatures drop. You can also use pet-safe heat discs that can be microwaved to provide warmth. Protect their enclosure from the harsh elements with covers or shields.
BIRDS
For birds kept in outdoor aviaries or coops, ensure they have plenty of warm, dry bedding and cover their enclosures to shield them from wind and snow. Birds often eat more in cold weather to maintain body heat, so always provide ample food.
Regularly check their water to make sure it hasn’t frozen over.
If you have chickens, applying a layer of Vaseline to their combs and wattles can help prevent frostbite in freezing temperatures.