Keep your Pets Warm during the Colder Months

Some breeds of dogs and cats are lucky enough to have a double coat, made up of a soft undercoat (which provides insulation) and a coarser topcoat. However, pets that only have a single coat or are hairless have far less protection against the chills of winter.

There are so many ways we, as pet owners, can help our pets stay warm and safe when we have to go out and leave them in the cold yard. Shelter is a necessity. If they can’t get into the house through a dog/cat flap or open window, then another means of shelter must be available for them. Both dogs and cats should have a kennel or cat box that is easily accessible to them.

It should be dry, draught-free and large enough for them to sit, lie and turn around in, but not so big that it doesn’t keep in their natural body heat.

Line the shelter with comfortable, warm blankets, but if you have a dog that loves to drag blankets through the rain and mud then it would be better to use straw which is available at most pet shops for rabbit hutches. Pet clothing can help to keep your dog warm in winter, especially for the smaller dogs, single coat dogs and hairless breeds. Make sure that the clothing is comfortable in all the right areas and is not likely to get wet when nature calls.

If your pet is going to be outside for a considerable amount of time then look for pet clothing that has a waterproof outer layer to ensure your pet doesn’t end up wearing cold wet material which could lead to hypothermia. Grooming is still essential during the winter, but remember that your pet still needs its layered fur to keep warm. If the fur becomes tattered and clumped, the fur will no longer act as an insulator and will not be water resistant. Long- and thick-haired pets need to be brushed regularly to ensure this does not happen.