Happy and healthy

As the darker nights are drawing in and the days get colder, PDSA is offering advice to help keep our pets safe, happy and healthy over the coming months.

PDSA vet nurse, Nina Downing, says: “With reports of wet, stormy and freezing weather expected over the next few months, it’s important to remember that, despite their fur coats, pets can suffer from the cold just like we do.”

To keep our four-legged friends cosy and content this winter, Nina has put together some top tips for pet owners.

Make sure they always have access to warmth and shelter – never leave them outside for long periods. A suitable waterproof coat can help keep dogs dry.

Dogs will still need daily walks and cats may still want to go outside, but keep these excursions short and frequent. Don’t force pets to go outside if they don’t want to. After a walk, toweldry them straight away if they get wet. A hair-dryer on a low setting can be useful to dry off dogs with longer hair.

Check pets’ paws regularly and clean any build-up of salt, grit or dirt from them, as this can be painful.

Prepare to move guinea pigs and rabbits to a warm, dry and sheltered spot – a shed or car-free garage is ideal, but remember that these can get very cold so you may need a heater to keep the area warm. They will still need sunlight and a run for exercise and stimulation.

Provide extra bedding for warmth, and consider covering the hutch with a duvet, blanket or even an old carpet to keep out the cold. Make sure they have plenty of good quality feeding hay – this is separate to their bedding and particularly important if they no longer have daily access to grass.

In freezing temperatures, check water dishes and bottles twice daily to ensure they haven’t frozen.