7 Ways to Keep your Pet Warm this Winter

As the weather gets colder, we retreat to the comfort of the indoors, turn on the heating or light the fire and put on some extra warm layers. But what about our furry friends, especially those that sleep outside or in the laundry. If we start to feel the cold, chances are our pets do too. Luckily there are a number of ways you can keep your pet warm and safe this winter.

1. Winter coats

Winter coats can provide some much needed warmth to our pets, particularly those with a thin, older or shorthaired breed. There are so many different options available, giving you lots of styles to choose from. Make sure the coat is the right fit and doesn’t limit their movement or breathing and check for dangly cords or buttons that could become choking hazards or lead to injury.

Remember to take their coat off once they are in a warm, heated environment, as you don’t want them overheating either!

2. Warm bedding

Check on your pets bedding and make sure they are away from drafts and elevated off cold, hard floors. Consider adding an extra blanket or cushion for additional warmth and comfort. Indoor pets will love it if their beds are placed in a cosy, sunny part of the house. Whilst outdoor pets need a protected, weatherproof shelter where they can escape the elements.

For pocket pets provide extra straw and hay so they can burrow and hide and move their hutch inside the house or garage.

3. Appropriate shelter

If you pet spends a lot of time outdoors then you will need to ensure they have appropriate shelter where they are safe from the elements. Fill your pets shelter with warm, comfortable bedding and check it regularly to ensure it is clean and dry. If their kennel sits directly on the ground, you may need to elevate it using bricks or timber to prevent the base from getting wet.

If it is particularly cold, bring them inside overnight to sleep where they can stay warm, dry and away from drafts.

4. Regular exercise

It is tempting to stay inside and snuggle up over winter, however regular exercise is important year round, offering physical and mental stimulation that you will both benefit from.

There are plenty of indoor games you can play with your dog, cat or pocket pets to get moving and have a bit of fun together. You can also grab the lead, your dog, both of your winter coats and head out for a brisk walk together.  

5. Watch for heat seekers

If your pet is feeling the cold they will naturally seek out warm places like beds, lounges, sunlit areas, heaters and fireplaces. They may also avoid lying on tiles, choosing warm rugs or carpet to lie on instead.

Keep an eye on your pet near heaters and fires as they can fall asleep or lie too close which can lead to dry skin or even worse, burns. Also make sure they always have access to plenty of fresh water as heating can make your pet dehydrated.

Washers & dryers can be a tempting warm spot to rest, especially for cats so keep doors on appliances closed and always check inside before turning them on.

6. Winter grooming

It is important to maintain a regular grooming routine throughout winter, especially for pets with long hair. Your pet’s fur is designed to keep the warmth against the skin, but this doesn’t work so well if the hair is matted or tangled. Regular brushing and grooming at home helps keep your pets skin and coat in great condition or speak to a professional groomer if you are not confident in doing it yourself.

If your dog needs a wash make sure the water is warm and dry them off completely so they don’t get a chill. At Woofpurnay we have DIY hydro baths available during opening hours (call ahead to ensure they are open due to social distancing regulations). Our hydro baths offer a warm shampoo flea rinse and blow dry. Dry shampoos are a great way to offer a calm, waterless wash. These are especially useful for cats and pocket pets if they get dirty.

7. Senior Care

Its no surprise that older pets can struggle with the colder weather, with many of them showing symptoms of arthritis and stiffness as the cooler weather approaches. Common signs of arthritis include:

• Reduced activity

• Reluctance to walk, jump, climb or play

• Difficulty getting up or lying down

• Limping/lameness

• Licking, chewing or biting at joints

• Yelping when touched

• Irritability

Although arthritis cannot be cured, there are various remedies and treatments that can help ease the pain for your pet:

• Find a local vet – they can determine the cause of pain and inflammation in your pets joints and offer a tailored plan on how to ease the pain and manage your pets arthritis

• Home comforts – ensure your pet has a soft bed in a warm place, away from drafts. Use a ramp for going upstairs or getting into the car so your pet doesn’t have to jump. Place food and water bowls up a bit higher so they don’t need to bend their neck. For cats make sure their litter tray is easy to access.

• Weight management – for pets with arthritis, carrying extra weight on damaged joints is not only painful but it can also speed up the cartilage deterioration. If your pet is overweight your local vet is your best resource to create a diet and exercise program to start improving your pets overall health.

• Regular exercise – talk to your vet about an exercise program for your pet. Short gentle play or walks may be helpful in some cases. Your vet may also advise swimming as a therapy for dogs with arthritis. Vigorous play and activity such as jumping, leaping and turning should be avoided

• A complete and balanced diet – is essential for your pet’s health and wellbeing. Speak to one of our vets, as your pet may benefit from a special diet that contains ingredients designed to target joint and mobility issues, helping with inflammation and stiffness over time.

• Gentle massage and grooming – pay special attention to grooming areas of your pet’s body that are hard to reach. When they are relaxed and at ease, give them a gentle pat and massage.

• Anti-inflammatory medications or joint health supplements - can help to improve your pet’s overall comfort and joint health. Talk to our vets about how your pet might benefit from different arthritic treatment options.

Pets are wonderful companions and can help fight off the winter blues with a little extra love and attention. So snuggle up and stay warm together this winter and if you have any questions about your pet’s health call us on 03 8784 4444.