Winter Wellness: Caring for Your Pets During the Colder Months

When the weather changes and temperatures drop, we like to ensure we have everything we need for a comfortable and safe winter. Just like us, our pets require forethought when it comes to the cooler months.

Weather conditions vary from region to region, and different animals adapt to the cold in several ways. But some pets need us to make specific preparations for their safety at the height of the harshest seasons.

As pet parents, we want nothing but the best for our furry friends. So how do we ensure our pets are all set for cold weather?

Here we look at a range of common pets and their individual needs for a safe and cosy winter.

Senior pets feel the colder weather more. If it is an option to have them inside the home during winter, this will help minimise some of the effects. 

Any older pets kept outside should have shelters away from wind and drafts. These should be equipped with thick, insulated flooring to limit cold coming in from the ground. They should also have plenty of blankets to provide extra warmth and comfort.

Older dogs will benefit from a jumper or coat, and if they spend a lot of time in the alpine regions, grip booties help with both grip and insulation.

Pets with arthritis need even more TLC when the cold weather arrives, so having a good arthritis plan is essential:

Pets that live inside the home and can roam freely will actively seek out warm spots and love nothing more than a warm fire or heater to curl up in front of. To keep your pet safe from getting burned, ensure that open fires and heaters have safety guards.

Pets that roam outside have the potential to get lost. Making sure your pet is chipped and tagged with your contact information means that if they get lost, they can be returned home and reduce the time spent outside in the cold weather. 

While we can apply general advice for all pets in winter, each animal type has its own needs to ensure they are safe and comfortable:

Bedding

Extra blankets for your dog's bed are recommended for the winter months. 

Some pet parents like to invest in a heat pad for the bed. When choosing a heat pad, it is essential that they are high quality and safe to use in the home. 

Clothing

Dogs with shorter hair are more likely to feel the cold during winter. Well-fitted dog jumpers, coats and booties are a great way to retain body warmth during walks.

Food and water

Dogs subjected to colder temperatures may require more food to create insulation from fat stores. For any change to your dog's diet, please consult your vet.   

Dogs that spend time in air-conditioned homes need to drink more water to replace any moisture lost.

Supplements

To ensure your dog has the right balance of nutrients, consider adding supplements to your dog's diet. Consult your vet for specific advice on what is best for your dog. 

Fur and paw care

If your dog has become wet during a walk outside, it is important to dry them thoroughly as soon as possible. If they require a bath, be sure to use warm water and a dryer so they don't get too cold. 

Booties can help protect your dog's paws when outside if you live in a cold region.

Food

Cats tend to eat more in winter. Offering your cat more food during these months will allow them to replace the energy lost by keeping warm.

Supplements

Like dogs, cats can experience joint pain as they get older. They may even start to show signs of arthritis. In winter, pain can worsen, and adding nutrients to your cat's diet can help with joint support.

Bedding

A cat's coat will provide much of the warmth they need over winter. However, to prevent cats from roaming at night, getting cold, and potentially hunting native animals, a well-insulated enclosure with warm bedding is recommended. 

Food and water

During winter, horses need more energy to maintain their body temperature. They also need more water to replace the moisture they get in the summer from lush pastures. Speak to your equine veterinarian to determine the increased percentage of food and water your horse will need.

Supplements 

Just like your joints may ache more in winter, older, arthritic horses feel the cold more than younger ones. Your vet will advise you on the best supplements for your horse to help aid in more comfortable joints.

Blankets

Horses develop a natural winter coat that insulates them by trapping and warming air. However, in extremely cold weather, blanketing a horse may be necessary to reduce the effects of the elements. 

Shelter

Horses should have constant access to shelter from the wind and rain — especially if there aren't many trees to take cover under. A stable or an open-sided shed is ideal.

Hoof care

Horse hooves grow much slower in winter. However, hoof trimming should still be maintained but reduced to once every 6-12 weeks.

Shelter

Rabbits and guinea pigs should be brought inside in extreme weather conditions. If their enclosures are outside, ensure they have a lot of litter to provide insulation, are protected from the wind, and are safe from predators.

Guinea pigs and rabbits are social animals and love a partner to snuggle with in cold weather. Make sure you get two or more guinea pigs from the start, as introducing a new one later can lead to fights. 

Heat pads

Heat pads are also available for smaller mammals. If you use heat pads, watch your pets safely and check the pads for chew marks.

Whether your pet is big or small, needy or independent, they all need extra support and care over the cooler seasons. With the proper knowledge and the best resources at your disposal, you can prepare for the cosiest winter yet.

This article was written by Dr. Jane Miller