BY DR NICKY THOMAS, WYNNUM MANLY VETERINARY HOSPITAL
As we move further into autumn, temperatures start to drop, and it is important to make sure our pets stay safe and warm during the winter months.
Winter coats
Dogs and cats with thin or short fur and older animals often feel the chill. During especially cool weather, it may be useful to invest in a coat for your furry friends, especially if exercising early or late in the day when the temperature is lower. A comfortable coat that fits from the neck to the base of the tail and protects the less-furred skin on the abdomen can help keep your pet warm. Be mindful of overheating, however. if your pet is in a heated environment, you may need to remove any coats.
Bedding
We all enjoy snuggling under warm blankets when it’s cold, and our pets are the same. Provide your dogs and cats with beds away from drafts and elevated from hard, cold surfaces. Extra blankets can be added for warmth – many pets like making a “nest” to cuddle down in.
Outdoor pets
If your pet lives outside, it is important to provide shelter from the cooler weather. A kennel or cat enclosure can keep your pet warm, and a supply of clean, warm blankets provides extra protection.
Keep moving!
The cooler months offer a great opportunity to get out and exercise without the overwhelming heat and humidity that are so common in Brisbane for much of the year. Keeping your pets well exercised, even when the mercury drops, helps prevent boredom and stops arthritic joints from seizing.
Extra safety considerations
The use of heaters and fires should be carefully monitored to avoid pets being unintentionally injured. Turn off heating devices when not home and always supervise animals around fireplaces to reduce the risk of burns.
Stock up on hot chocolate supplies, dig out the fluffy slippers and take the opportunity for extra snuggles with your living heat packs (aka dogs and cats!) during the coming months!
