uTIPS & TRICKS
www.vetnpetdirect.com.au
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It is very important to keep your pets warm
during cold weather to avoid such ailments
as colds, flus and pneumonia developing.
The cold weather also aggravates arthritis and
joint health problems, which can make animals
stiffer, slower and in more pain. During cold
periods it is also common for animals to drop
off in weight because they are requiring more
energy to stay warm and therefore are burning
more calories than in the summer months.
Keeping your pets warm during winter is
essential for their health and comfort. Here are
some top tips to help keep your pets warm
this winter:
ü
Let them inside. Where possible letting your
pet come inside and sleep inside will offer
them the best protection against the cold.
ü
Provide them with a protective shelter or
kennel where they can escape from the weather.
It should have three sides and a sloping roof.
The Hound House Collapsible Kennel is an
example of a suitable dog kennel.
ü
Provide them with warm bedding. Give dogs
and cats nice warm padded beds with lots of
blankets. Small animals that live outside like
chickens, guinea pigs or rabbits can be given
straw or shavings as bedding to keep them
warm. Caged birds can be given a hutch or
nest that they can sit in.
ü
Dogs that need extra warmth can wear a dog
rug or vest, which not only keeps them warm
but also looks really cute and fashionable. There
are a wide range of rugs and vests available.
ü
Give them a heat pad that goes under their
bedding for them to sleep on and keep them
warm. There are a few heat pads available
that dogs and cats love, like the Snugglesafe
Microwave Heat Pad or HoundHouse Heated Mat.
ü
Exercise is also important during winter as it
gets the circulation moving and helps keep joints
from becoming stiff.
ü
Provide extra feed if required or if animals drop
off in weight. This will provide them with extra
calories so that they have extra energy to use to
warm themselves.
ü
Don't forget your fish - provide them with a
heater to keep their tank warm.
Follow these tips to keep your pets warm this
winter but also remember the best way to warm
their hearts is with lots of playtime, cuddles
and kisses.
[winter
pet health
care]
