Keeping your pet warm in the winter

The weather is brisk, so we thought it might be a good time to share some suggestions for keeping your pet toasty-warm. We humans have the luxury of being able to flick on a heater or electric blanket, but spare a moment to think of your pet….they might need a little extra help on the chilliest days! Here are some strategies to help your pet through the winter.

• Consider your pet’s breed and species – some animals might have inbuilt defences to battle the elements, such as a long-haired cat, dog, rabbit etc. But if you happen to own a very short-haired pet then it’s worth paying attention to their warmth and comfort in the cold (especially in the early mornings and at night). 
• If you're an owner, discuss bedding and sleeping arrangements with your pet sitter before a dog boarding booking. It's important to view the space where your pet will be staying beforehand, which is why a meet and greet is so essential for dog boarding. 
• If you're a pet sitter, it's worth keeping your client pets inside when it’s particularly cold. This way you know they will be warm and dry (and close to you for easy cuddle access!). 
• If keeping pets indoors isn’t always possible, always make sure they have a cosy, dry spot to shelter outside away from the wind and rain – this might be in a cat-run, a solid dog house, a garage, the laundry or covered area.
• Elevate their bedding if there’s a chance it could become damp or wet, and make sure you wash and air it out in the sun regularly to stop it from getting smelly or mouldy.  
• Little pets such as rodents and birds shouldn't be exposed to very cold temperatures, so move their pen or cage into an indoor space and provide plenty of dry, warm bedding for them to curl up in. 
• You might notice that, like yourself, your pet’s appetite increases in winter. Make sure you provide them with healthy pet food and plenty of exercise and fun, stimulating activities. If you are dog boarding, be sure to plan to have a supply of extra food, just in case.
• Be aware that your pet's skin might become dry and flakey during the cold weather, due to dry air conditioning, less hydration, under or over-bathing.
  
• Senior pets and young pets can suffer from the cold, so pay special attention to these furry friends. And if you do happen to be the owner of a more vulnerable pet, consider buying a cosy pet coat (or better yet, make one yourself if you’re feeling crafty!). Make sure you purchase one with room for your pet to move comfortably and start with a few short practice sessions so that your pet can get used to wearing it.

• And for the humans in your household - always encourage family members to leave doors shut and use draft blockers at the edges of unsealed doors and windows. This will not only keep the warmth inside, but it will also assist in insulating your house naturally and reduce your need for heating and, in turn, your carbon footprint. We're sure you agree that anything for a smaller heating bill in winter is a good thing!!

How do you keep your pet warm in winter? Share your tips in the comments below or visit the Pawshake Facebook page!