With winter upon us we are all looking for ways to keep warm. Keeping our pets warm is important too whatever their age.
Arthritis
Pets with arthritis will become more stiff and sore in the colder months, making this harder for them to get up and down. Starting your pet on arthritis treatment is essential and we usually recommend this for pets over the age of 5years. Those with stairs at home you may find pets reluctant to go up and down, and keeping them on one level or helping them could be necessary. Cats may stop jumping around the home as much and look for warmer safer spots. Providing more bedding around the home will be helpful.
Bedding
Elevate beds off the floor, by using folded blankets under them, or perhaps cushions. Heated beds are available from pet shops and pets love them. Please make sure you take all the necessary safety advice on instructions and if using heaters in your home that your pet cannot knock over and cause injury or harm to themselves or your property.
Provide a kennel for dogs that are outside with bedding in it. Dog coats are another way of keeping them warm, and come in many sizes and patterns. If you have an outdoor cat, make sure you check car engines and around tyres before driving as cats seek out spots that are warmer and higher off the ground.
Weight
Have you ever thought about your pet’s weight and how it affects them? If they are over weight this may keep them warmer in winter, but the associated health risks (including heart conditions, arthritis, diabetes just to name a few) far out way this benefit.
Underweight pets will definitely feel the cold more along with if they have short-haired coats, so it’s most important to keep your pet at a healthy weight for winter and long term for a happy healthy life.
