Your Guide to Keeping Pets Warm This Autumn & Winter
Snuggle Up! Your Guide to Keeping Pets Warm This Autumn & Winter
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s time to prepare our homes and routines for the colder seasons. While our furry friends have a built-in coat, they are still susceptible to the cold. This guide will help you ensure your pet stays warm, safe, and happy throughout the autumn and winter months.
Creating a Cozy Indoor Sanctuary
Warm Sleeping Spots: Place your pet’s bed in a draft-free area, away from external doors and windows. Consider elevating their bed off a cold tiled or wooden floor. Add extra blankets or a microwavable heat pad designed for pets to make their sleeping area extra inviting.
Monitor Home Temperature: A good rule of thumb is: if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet. Ensure your home is a comfortable temperature and be mindful of pets that are more vulnerable, such as puppies, senior pets, or those with short coats.
Staying Safe on Outdoor Adventures
Winter Apparel: Not all pets need a coat, but short-haired breeds, thin dogs (like Greyhounds), and older pets can greatly benefit from a warm sweater or jacket during walks.
Paw Protection: Winter brings a host of hazards for paws, including salt, grit, and ice. Protect your dog’s pads with a pet-safe paw balm or booties. After every walk, make sure to wipe their paws clean to remove any harmful chemicals and check for ice balls that can form between their toes.
Stay Visible: With shorter days and darker evenings, visibility is key. Use a reflective or light-up collar, harness, or lead so you and your pet are easily seen by traffic and other pedestrians.
Frozen Water Warning: Never allow your dog to walk on frozen ponds or lakes. The ice may not be thick enough to support their weight and can lead to a dangerous situation.
Special Considerations for Outdoor Pets
Insulate Their Shelter: If you have outdoor pets like rabbits or guinea pigs, ensure their hutch is raised off the cold ground and positioned away from prevailing winds. Add extra insulation to the outside, such as a tarpaulin or old blankets, and line their sleeping area with extra bedding like straw or hay for them to burrow into.
Prevent Frozen Water: Water bottles and bowls can freeze quickly. Check them multiple times a day and use a thermal cover or wrap them in an old sock to help prevent the water from turning to ice.
Health & Wellness Check-ups
Grooming: While you may be tempted to let your pet’s fur grow long for warmth, a well-groomed coat is more effective. Regular brushing prevents matting, which can reduce the coat’s insulating properties. Avoid over-bathing as it can strip away essential oils, leading to dry, flaky skin.
Diet & Hydration: Some pets may need a slight increase in calories to maintain their body temperature during colder months, but be mindful of weight gain due to less exercise. Most importantly, ensure your pet has constant access to fresh, unfrozen water.
Know the Signs of Hypothermia: Watch for signs that your pet is too cold, such as shivering, lethargy, cold ears and paws, or general weakness. If you suspect hypothermia, immediately move your pet to a warm place, wrap them in a blanket, and contact your vet.
