Looking After Your Pet This Winter

Just as with their human owners, winter can be a very dangerous time for pets. With the sharp drop in temperature, muscles can become strained, chances of viral infections is increased and respiratory issues may become more prevalent.

Animals, paticularly smaller pets, can be just as sensitive to the cold weather as we are. Despite having their own natural defences against the weather, animals can still feel the harshest of conditions and can still come unstuck by any one of a number of dangers during this time of year. Therefore it is essential that you ensure that they remain comfortable and safe throughout the winter months, providing them with ample shelter and warmth for the duration. With winter comes longer, darker nights. For dog owners this can pose quite an issue as their pet will become far less visible to them and others, which is a particular issue around roads. To keep a keen eye on your dog whilst out taking walks, why not invest in a fluorescent collar or overcoat. This will ensure that they stay visible to you at all times and won’t come to harm if they do venture off on their own. There are also bright flashing lights that can be attached to your dog’s collar, this provides even greater levels of visibility wherever your dog goes.

Another potential issue for dogs and, to a certain extent, cats is ice. Not only can they slip and hurt themselves on puddles or black ice, they may also find there way onto frozen ponds and lakes. As we know, the surface of an area of water may be frozen, but beneath it remains liquid and extremely cold. If your pet is inquisitive and you are walking near frozen water, it may be best to put them on a lead or at least ensure that they are kept to heal to try to prevent them from venturing on to the ice. If the worst should happen and your pet falls into deep frozen water you should not try to rescue them on your own. This can make a bad situation worse, instead try to get help or see if you can provide assistance safely from the shore. Whilst it is a nightmare scenario, animals have a strong survival instinct and will often be able to find their own way out in time; however you should take whatever reasonable precautions to ensure that they don’t get into this situation in the first place.

If your pet is susceptible to the cold then you might also want to consider covering them with specialist clothing. Whilst these have become something of a fashion accessory for many celebrity pet owners, they do also serve an extremely practical purpose in conserving your animal’s well-being. You may also have to try it out first to ensure that they are comfortable with the new out layer as not all dogs will respond to being covered up in this way. It is during the winter that having comprehensive pet insurance can also be invaluable. With the added danger of seasonal issues such as snow and ice your pet could well be more susceptible to injury or poor health. In this situation you don’t want to be without coverage that will help you to pay for any veterinary bills and surgical procedures. You won’t need me to tell you how expensive just one visit to the vets can be, so there really are no excuses for not having sufficient level of cover for your dog or cat.

Dog insurance will ordinarily provide your canine friend with vet cover along with help for kenneling costs and any other routine procedures your pet requires. Cat insurance is very similar indeed, although of course it is tailored towards the specific needs of felines instead. Whilst you will of course have to pay something towards any veterinary work, it is often on a very small percentage or just a standard one off statutory charge, which again is significantly less than trying to fork out for the whole lot in one hit. So this winter don’t forget about your furry little friend and make you all remain safe and well for the duration. Here are a few key tips for keeping your pet safe and well this winter:

• Keep away from bonfires and fireworks
• Keep away from frozen water
• Buy special protective clothing
• Maintain walks and exercise
• Keep smaller animals inside