WINTER ADVICE FOR PET OWNERS
DOGS
Dogs tend to require slightly more food during the colder months, so you should raise their calorie intake. For short haired, young and elderly dogs, a coat may be worn. We stock a range that keeps the underside of the dog clean and warm as well as their backs.
Dogs are more easily lost during dark nights and the fireworks season. A secure collar and ID tag are advisable, as are pet blinkers and high-visibility jackets. Always walk dogs on leads during the fireworks season as even the best trained dogs can be spooked by loud bangs and can run away. We sell products for over-fearful dogs which help calm them during the peak firework nights, and most dogs that are scared are best fed in the morning as when evening comes they rarely touch their food.
Salt on the road can be a hazard and can dry out nails and pads. Washing their feet down after each walk will help, and a small smear of Vaseline on pads and nails will keep them crack-free. Regular nail care will also keep feet healthy and excessive hair on the bottom of pads should be kept short to stop slippage. We can trim nails at a reasonable price, and remove excess hair. Please call for advice.
When walking near frozen canals, lakes, etc, keep dogs on leads as the number of cases we hear about each year of dogs falling through ice and drowning are increasing.
As our winters seem to be getting colder we'd advise dogs not to be kept outdoors as the housing provided is usually inadequate. If there is no choice then please use straw and not blankets as the latter become damp and can freeze. Always change at least twice a week. We sell Snuggle Safe which is a microwaveable heat pad that stays warm for up to twelve hours which will help keep your pet cosy.
Dogs tend to require slightly more food during the colder months, so you should raise their calorie intake. For short haired, young and elderly dogs, a coat may be worn. We stock a range that keeps the underside of the dog clean and warm as well as their backs.
Dogs are more easily lost during dark nights and the fireworks season. A secure collar and ID tag are advisable, as are pet blinkers and high-visibility jackets. Always walk dogs on leads during the fireworks season as even the best trained dogs can be spooked by loud bangs and can run away. We sell products for over-fearful dogs which help calm them during the peak firework nights, and most dogs that are scared are best fed in the morning as when evening comes they rarely touch their food.
Salt on the road can be a hazard and can dry out nails and pads. Washing their feet down after each walk will help, and a small smear of Vaseline on pads and nails will keep them crack-free. Regular nail care will also keep feet healthy and excessive hair on the bottom of pads should be kept short to stop slippage. We can trim nails at a reasonable price, and remove excess hair. Please call for advice.
When walking near frozen canals, lakes, etc, keep dogs on leads as the number of cases we hear about each year of dogs falling through ice and drowning are increasing.
As our winters seem to be getting colder we'd advise dogs not to be kept outdoors as the housing provided is usually inadequate. If there is no choice then please use straw and not blankets as the latter become damp and can freeze. Always change at least twice a week. We sell Snuggle Safe which is a microwaveable heat pad that stays warm for up to twelve hours which will help keep your pet cosy.
CATS
As with dogs, cats that tend to go out may need a few extra calories during the cold months. We advise keeping them indoors during the night and during fireworks season. Also a secure reflective collar and ID tag will help to keep them safe whilst out.
If you don't have a cat flap and your cat's out during the day a cosy kennel with a Snuggle Safe heat pad will keep them warm and dry until your return. If you do have a cat flap please check it throughout the day and evening as there have been cases of them freezing shut due to condensation, leaving the cat stranded out in the cold.
It's also advisable to check you cat's feet regularly in case of salt damage, and once a week a small smear of Vaseline will help keep paws in good condition. Also regularly groom your cat as matting and a build-up of undercoat will stop a cat from insulating itself whilst out.
As with dogs, cats that tend to go out may need a few extra calories during the cold months. We advise keeping them indoors during the night and during fireworks season. Also a secure reflective collar and ID tag will help to keep them safe whilst out.
If you don't have a cat flap and your cat's out during the day a cosy kennel with a Snuggle Safe heat pad will keep them warm and dry until your return. If you do have a cat flap please check it throughout the day and evening as there have been cases of them freezing shut due to condensation, leaving the cat stranded out in the cold.
It's also advisable to check you cat's feet regularly in case of salt damage, and once a week a small smear of Vaseline will help keep paws in good condition. Also regularly groom your cat as matting and a build-up of undercoat will stop a cat from insulating itself whilst out.
RABBITS, GUINEA PIGS, FERRETS & OTHER SMALL OUTDOOR PETS
Our personal opinion is that all pets should be housed indoors during the winter, usually from September to March. They can survive outside but why not let them thrive inside? Pets that are kept outside are usually more neglected during winter months as it's cold and wet, and it is up to an adult to ensure their wellbeing and not left to a child as basic checks need to be made, eg. their nails, teeth and rear end.
Young and old pets are particularly susceptible to hyperthermia. A good shed, unused garage or outbuilding would be perfect, or a utility room. If however there is not the option to bring your pet indoors then a good hutch cover will keep out the worst of the elements, but please remember to clean the hutch at least twice a week as ammonia can kill your pet if allowed to build up within an enclosed area. Increase your pet's food as they will be burning more calories. A water bottle cover or an old sock over your pet's drinking bottle will help keep it drinkable and in the evening it is advisable to put warm water into the bottle to slow down the freezing process so your pet has drinking water throughout the night.
We sell a very good product called Snuggle Safe which is chew proof, safe and once heated in the microwave for five minutes will keep your pet warm for up to twelve hours. Regular nail care and grooming are essential to keep your pet healthy throughout the year. Please talk to us regarding nail clipping.
Our personal opinion is that all pets should be housed indoors during the winter, usually from September to March. They can survive outside but why not let them thrive inside? Pets that are kept outside are usually more neglected during winter months as it's cold and wet, and it is up to an adult to ensure their wellbeing and not left to a child as basic checks need to be made, eg. their nails, teeth and rear end.
Young and old pets are particularly susceptible to hyperthermia. A good shed, unused garage or outbuilding would be perfect, or a utility room. If however there is not the option to bring your pet indoors then a good hutch cover will keep out the worst of the elements, but please remember to clean the hutch at least twice a week as ammonia can kill your pet if allowed to build up within an enclosed area. Increase your pet's food as they will be burning more calories. A water bottle cover or an old sock over your pet's drinking bottle will help keep it drinkable and in the evening it is advisable to put warm water into the bottle to slow down the freezing process so your pet has drinking water throughout the night.
We sell a very good product called Snuggle Safe which is chew proof, safe and once heated in the microwave for five minutes will keep your pet warm for up to twelve hours. Regular nail care and grooming are essential to keep your pet healthy throughout the year. Please talk to us regarding nail clipping.
WILDLIFE
We sell a large range of wild bird foods and treats, and suitable feeders. Wildlife benefit from extra feeding during the winter months as it is very difficult for them to find food in the urban environment. Bird seed, nuts and suet products are enjoyed by most birds and can be fed freely throughout the day. Dry and wet cat food can be put out for the odd hedgehog that might awaken from hibernation, and this is also suitable for foxes and badgers, along with a handful of nuts and dried fruit.
If feeding wildlife please ensure that fresh water is available in a shallow dish nearby. Check regularly as it is likely to freeze over.
We sell a large range of wild bird foods and treats, and suitable feeders. Wildlife benefit from extra feeding during the winter months as it is very difficult for them to find food in the urban environment. Bird seed, nuts and suet products are enjoyed by most birds and can be fed freely throughout the day. Dry and wet cat food can be put out for the odd hedgehog that might awaken from hibernation, and this is also suitable for foxes and badgers, along with a handful of nuts and dried fruit.
If feeding wildlife please ensure that fresh water is available in a shallow dish nearby. Check regularly as it is likely to freeze over.