Winter isn’t always easy on our furry friends and it can be especially uncomfortable for older animals.
Both older dogs and cats with age related conditions such as arthritis or diabetes can be particularly vulnerable in colder weather and it can irritate their already aching joints.
During the colder months it's important that we give our pets a little bit of extra care. Here are a few tips from Collie Veterinary Services to help keep your pet happier and healthier this winter.
Collie Veterinary Services veterinarian Jules Vandenbergh tells the Mail 6 tips to keep your pet more comfortable throughout the colder months.
- 1. Does your pet spend most of the time outside? Try and keep them indoors a little more during the colder months, especially at night time.
- 2. Having some sort of shelter outside is also important, if your best buddy gets soaking wet then even on a mild winter day they can get extremely cold. If they're going to be outside then a nice draft free shelter will go a long way to a happy pooch.
- 3. Sleeping on a cold floor is never fun. Try and give your pet somewhere to lay off the ground, whether it's a very thick blanket or a risen bed they will definitely love you for it.
- 4. During the colder months your pet will likely have more of an appetite as they use up more energy keeping warm. Likewise with their water intake, keep an eye on their outdoor water bowls making sure they're not iced over.
- 5. Keep an eye on their weight. Indoor pets often sleep more in winter to conserve energy and when they do go outside they're often not as active as they would be in the warmer months. Speak to your vet if necessary and they'll advise you on how best to adapt their diet to avoid turning your best mate in to a porky pudding.
- 6. Cars are often very attractive during winter time, especially for cats looking for a warmer place to sleep. To avoid any furry mishaps remember to knock on your bonnet before starting your engine.
The Collie Veterinary Services are holding free health checks for pets aged seven years old and over from 8:30am – 5pm until July 27.
Call 97341155 to book an appointment.
