As we start to pull out our winter woollies and electric blankets let’s not forget that our pets feel the cold too and most of them will appreciate a little bit of protection from the cold as well.
For pets that sleep outside, an insulated doghouse is ideal to protect them from the wind and rain. Place it in a position where it faces away from any prevailing winds. If your pet sleeps in the garage or shed be sure to provide them with a bed that is kept off the cold concrete and in an area that is draught-free and dry. This is particularly important for those pets that suffer from arthritis. Give them an old blanket, towel or rug to snuggle up to (choose materials that can be easily washed). It is also important to ensure that you give very young pets extra warmth and protection.
For those pets that have a very short coat and not much body fat, coats are highly recommended. They will love you for it. You can buy woolly coats or rainproof coats which are great for walks in winter. Just be sure never to leave your pet in a wet coat for long periods of time. Also, if your pet gets wet, dry them off thoroughly.
Older cats should be kept inside during the cold nights. They tend to really like the “cubby-house” type beds that are fully enclosed to keep them cosy. In-door cats really enjoy sitting in a sunny spot during the day for some extra warmth. I think that winter is the perfect time to snuggle up to your pet. I know that my cat is better than a hot water bottle because he never goes cold on me.
This article was written by Natasha Rodionov.
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