Winter is gradually closing in and things are getting a little chilly, not just for us, but for our pets as well. There are a lot of things we can do to take care of our pets and keep them comfortable, before the cold starts to take its toll.
Arthritis often worsens when the weather cools. Dog and cat joints can stiffen and become sore, especially after lying for a while. Gentle exercise helps. Homeopathic remedies such as daily fish oil supplements and warmth in the form of jackets and heat packs can help. Medication can be helpful in severe cases.
Warmth in general is great at night and for those particularly wintry days. You can add this in the form of a hot water bottle or plastic soft drink bottle. Only use warm tap water and make sure it is covered with a towel or old sock, to prevent burns. Don’t use boiling water as pets, especially dogs, sometimes chew through the bottle.
Alternately, you can use rice packs. Or make your own by putting a cup of rice into a thick old sock and microwave it no more than a couple of minutes. Again, be careful not to make it too hot.
There are also commercial heat pads available. They are electric, controlled by a thermostat and can be placed under your pets bedding to provide a gentle, constant heat.
Bedding is important in keeping your pet healthy and happy during winter. There is such a variety available from many sources, including the internet and many markets (we could name a few), as well as the traditional pet supply shops. It is important to keep your bedding elevated or insulated, off concrete or anything that chills the bones.
If your dog has a kennel, give it a good Autumn clean, add new or freshly cleaned bedding with plenty of insulation on the floor. Make sure it is water proof and move it to a sunny spot for the duration of winter.
An insulated winter coat is great for keeping your pet warm and snugly, whether they live indoors or out. Outdoor pets will benefit on those especially chilly winter days and freezing frosty nights.
Indoor pets will benefit when they venture outdoors as they are not acclimatised to the cold and need that extra warmth.
Exercise is still important during winter, maybe more so as, like us, your pet could be less reluctant to venture outside. Don’t overheat them with their coats. Take them off as your pet warms up. Exercise is great for the arthritic dog, for keeping off that winter flab, and for keeping warm. Remember, in the early morning, when there’s frost about, it can be awfully cold so close to the ground.
Keep a vigilant eye out for fleas. They should be dormant, but they still respond to warmth. And just because there aren’t as many mozzies about doesn’t mean you should stop that heart worm treatment either.
