The Haslemere Pet Company

Brr…Baby, it's cold outside! If you're anything like me, the second you get home you are reaching for your woolies, lighting the fire and having a cuppa, but what about your chilly pets?

Certain dogs are more affected by the cold than others, particularly older pets and/or those with certain ailments, like arthritis. Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Aviary Birds are also feeling the cold, and don’t even talk about cats as many are simply refusing to go outside at all!

So here are a few of our top tips to keep your critters comfy.

Keep them indoors:

Common sense I know, but this is the surest way to keep your pet warm. Bring Rabbit/Guinea Pig hutches inside – perhaps move them to a garage or a shed, or even better, purchase an indoor cage suitable for their breed/number.

Dogs, while enjoying outings in the snow, should not be left outside in these conditions unless you have a purpose built kennel block with suitable heating and damp proofing facilities. Nor should they be left to wander about during potty times. The less they are exposed to the elements the better in terms of salt and grit on their paws. 

Cats should also be kept indoors so make sure you provide them with a litter pan and a good supply of suitable cat litter.  Many cats who are used to going outside will not even think about doing the business on fancy crystal litters, so sticking to old fashioned Fuller’s Earth is the better option.

Aviary Birds present a bit more of a challenge, but try your best to provide some sort of suitable indoor cage.  Even if it’s a tiny bit on the small side, it is better for them to be a bit cramped then suffer from the cold.

Protect them from the elements:

If your home is a little chilly or if you are one the hundreds in our area still suffering from power cuts, jackets and sweaters can keep dogs and cats warm inside the house. There are loads of fleecy dog/cat beds on the market, and you can also buy microwaveable heat pads, as well as thermal heat reflecting blankets for older pets who may have difficultly generating their own body heat. 

If they are going outside with you into the snow (dogs more than cats!), it's better to choose a jacket that has a waterproof nylon outer covering with a warm fleecy lining and reflective qualities rather than a fashionable “hoodie” or similar. Smaller dogs will also appreciate a jacket with a built in “belly guard” to keep their tum tums dry.

Make sure that whoever fits your dog does so properly, as an ill fitting coat is just as bad as none at all.  If you feel you can’t bring your dog into the pet shop, measure your dog’s back from the base of his neck to the base of his tail in order to ensure a good fit.

A thin layer of Vaseline will also help protect your dog’s paws but don’t put on too much or it may pick up even more salt and grit from the road than it repels.  Booties are another option, but many dogs simply HATE them, and getting the right fit can often be a very tricky process.

It goes without saying that you MUST keep a sensible head when embarking on a walk with your dog. If the weather is poor, and there is a risk of frostbite, please stay indoors.  Your dog won’t fall to pieces if he misses a walk, and it is better to be safe and warm at home than lost (or worse) out in the cold. If you are heading out, make sure someone knows where you are going and approx. when you will be coming back.  Keep a fully charged mobile phone with you and make sure it contains your vet’s contact details – including the practice’s emergency number.

If you can’t bring your Rabbit or Guinea Pigs indoors, PACK their hutches with lots of good quality dust extracted straw for insulation, and move the hutch away from draughts, wind, or falling snow.  Clear away any snow that has accumulated on top of the hutch, and also check their water bottles frequently for ice. You can buy covers as well as insulated water bottles which will prevent this. Also check your fence for any gaps as foxes will be prowling about looking for food too.

If you can’t bring your Aviary birds indoors, insulate their box with lots of nest building material, and if possible, wrap the box with some old towels or fleecy blankets making sure you leave enough room for them to get in and out. Keep checking that ice and snow have not bent or twisted the aviary wire and make any repairs as soon as you spot them.  

“Après Ski”:

When you get back from your walk, make sure you wash your dog’s feet in a bath of tepid (not hot!) water, and dry them accordingly. You may wish to work in a bit more Vaseline to keep them soft, but again don’t go mad as your dog will probably lick it off if you use too much.  If your dog has picked up ice in his coat, use a warm towel to slowly work out the ice clumps.  Never pull or chop out the ice as this can be quite painful to already sensitive skin – not to mention wreck his coat.

Please don’t give in to the temptation to give your dog hot drinks as this will do his tummy no favours at all.  Simply make sure he has a warm, dry place to curl up that is away from draughts and close to his favorite humans!

Provide more food:

Animals use up more calories in the winter trying to stay warm and this is especially true for Aviary Birds.

Feed your dog or cat a little more in the winter months, especially if you have been spending a lot of time outside. Don’t go crazy, as this is not the time to put weight on your pet, but a little extra kibble, or an additional .tbsp of wet food goes a long way to keep the internal furnace burning.

Some dogs may develop dry skin as, just like humans, moving from cold to hot enviroments can put more stress on already weather beaten skin. Adding a .tsp of vegetable oil to their dinner may help or you can mix a .tsp of oily fish (such as sardines in sunflower oil NOT brine) with one of their daily meals. If the situation is getting out of control, you may wish to purchase a dry skin oil such as Yumega, or Vetzyme's Dry Skin Tablets - both of which are very effective in treating seasonal skin problems. Avoid over bathing your dog as this will dry his skin out more. If you must, try a brush out shampoo or Quistel's Organic Dry Lotion - both of which will get him smelling fresh and clean in no time.

Aviary Birds will be especially hungry but breaking up seed uses valuable energy so make it easier for them by providing easy to eat high energy foods such as already shelled sunflower seeds, and blocks of fat similar to wild bird treats.  Put extra bowls in the aviary and keep them well topped up making sure to dust off any fallen snow as soon as possible to avoid the seed freezing or spoiling. Keep checking their water supply and break up any ice. A wine cork placed in the bowl can help keep the water from freezing, provided they don't see it as a toy and chuck it out!

Rabbits and Guinea Pigs would also appreciate a bit more food, but try to provide them with more roughage instead of pellets. Lots more hay or alfalfa grasses will give them plenty of extra energy and whatever isn't eaten can provide more insulation.

Remember, we are here to help, so please ring if you have any questions about keeping your pet warm.  And, if you feel your dog could use a bit of a break from a cold walk, please pop in and take advantage of our heated shop!  Tea and coffee on tap for the owner, nice crunchy treat for the dog.

See – every cloud has a silver lining!

Take care, and keep warm – Claire