Here are our top 10 winter care tips for pets, to help protect them during winter and sommer spruce up lockdown in process too.
Let’s begin:
1. LET THEM LOOK HOT, FEEL HOT AND BE HOT TOO
If your pets have short fur or no fur, be sure to add some warm winter CLOTHING to their winter wardrobes.
This way they’ll stay warm, even when their blankets are stolen by a sibling in the middle of the night.
Of course, pet clothes work wonders for thick-furred pets too, especially when heading out for a quick winter walkie.
2. WARM UP THE HOUSE
Winter-proof your home with warm NOOKS, BEDS and blankets for them to curl up in.
If you have tiled-floors, please invest in a raised / soft / thick pet bed for your pets to sleep in. Because let’s get real – tiles are the absolute worst during those colder months. Brrr! And for older pets with stiff and sore joints, this spells trouble.
You can always pop on the heater for a minute or two as well – BUT BEWARE of pets who love to snuggle dangerously close to those heating sources. So do be on the constant lookout.
3. HIDE DANGEROUS ITEMS
With all that inside time, pets could defs start to snoop. Make sure household cleaners aren’t mistaken for chew toys and that PILLS and POISONS are locked away.
4. CHOOSE OUTSIDE TIME WISELY
If lockdown is still a thing during June, July and August, then those 6 am – 9 am walks may not be preferred. Remember, it’s always advised to take your dog out for a stroll when temperatures are a little warmer nè.
Rather run around the garden at around noon. Don’t forget their ears, paws and tails are all susceptible to the cold, so limit outdoor time as well. Safety first.
5. LEAVE THE SCALES FOR THE REPTILES
Prevent dry, flaky and scaly pet skin from making an appearance this winter with skin supplements and other skin-loving products for DOGS and CATS.
6. FOOD FOOD FOOD
Pets, just like us humans, tend to eat more to either help keep those body temperatures up, they’re bored or just because it’s lekker. So invest in premium food, but please DON’T OVERFEED THEM.
If your pet insists on NOT moving AT ALL during the chill, consider buying a weight-maintenance diet or consult your vet about adjusting your pet’s diet.
ALWAYS check that your pet always has fresh and clean water available, or invest in a PET DRINKING FOUNTAIN for constant fresh water on tap.
7. BATHTIME
DRY SHAMPOO. Full stop.
Why torture them with lukewarm water? Just don’t.
8. TRIPS IN THE CAR
If you’re going to take your pet on an outing to the corner shop, PLEASE NEVER EVER leave your pet unattended in your vehicle – no matter the weather or temperature – it’s just so uncool.
Best to leave your pets at home when you go out to run errands.
9. SPECIAL CARE FOR SENIOR PETS
The cold weather could defs aggravate existing medical conditions in your pets, particularly arthritis.
Be mindful of slippery surfaces and consider investing in joint supplements for DOGS and CATS. If unsure, please do consult your vet.
Also make sure your older pets with aching joints have a soft area to recuperate after a long day. Treating them to an ORTHOPEDIC BED or STICKY SHOES is never a bad idea either.
AND don’t forget that cats definitely NEED MORE warmth as they age too nè. As those who were able to handle cold temperatures when they were young, may not be as able to deal with the cold now.
10. PROTECT THE UNPROTECTED
And of course, let’s never forget that ALL pets need protection from the elements during winter, not just our own.
Why not donate warm BLANKETS and scrumptious DOG and CAT food to those pets in need at your local shelter?
And when heading out in the morning, remember to always double-check under your car and a bump on the bonnet, for pets who may have searched for shelter during the night too.
CONCLUSION
Winter is a whopping 3 months long and with lockdown, well, who knows how long inside time will last.
So make sure your home is the place to be during the cold with out winter care tips for pets, stock up on all those winter warmers today.
Hi there, Do you sell heatpads for cats? the one that heats up when the cat steps on it and switches off when it goes away?
Hi Sarah, we unfortunately do not sell those at this moment in time. We do however sell the cooling pads – that are absolutely all the rage during summer. For now, and for winter, I definitely recommend our Scruffs range of self-heating beds and blankets, as the closest thing to a heating pad 🙂 . Hope this helps.