Essential Pet Care Tips for the Colder Months

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Keeping Cats Healthy & Happy this Winter

The great indoors: How to transition outdoor pets for winter comfort

As temperatures drop across Australia, pet owners must take extra precautions to ensure their four-legged friends remain warm, comfortable, and healthy throughout the winter months. Just like humans, pets are susceptible to the cold, and their needs change with the season.

Whether they’re young, old, scaly, short-haired or long-haired, Petstock Vet Dr Sasha Nefedova shares expert guidance on keeping pets warm, active, and healthy throughout winter.

Shelter and warmth

Even indoor pets can feel the chill, so it’s important to provide warm and cosy bedding, preferably placed in a draft free space and away from hard ﬂoors.

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For pets that spend time outside, ensure their shelter is weatherproof and lined with insulation or blankets.

Aside from bedding, pets can beneﬁt from extra layers in colder weather. Certain breeds and senior pets may struggle to maintain body heat, making winter apparel an essential addition to their routine while keeping them stylish.

Pet jumpers, coats and waterproof jackets can help keep pets warm on chilly walks, while socks protect sensitive paws from cold surfaces. Ensure any clothing is well-ﬁtted, comfortable, and doesn’t restrict movement.

Grooming and skin care

Dry winter air and heating can cause skin irritation, so regular brushing can help distribute natural oils and keep fur healthy.

Be sure to avoid excessive bathing and pay attention to your pets paws, ensuring you’re checking for cracks or dryness which can be exacerbated by cold or rough surfaces. If you do notice any cracks or dryness, applying pet-safe moisturizers or paw balms can help.

No matter their hair length, tangles and matting can be more prevalent in winter so consistent grooming is crucial to maintaining coat health.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Although winter weather can make outdoor play less appealing, regular activity is still essential. If you do plan on going for a walk once it’s dark, consider a light-up collar to keep you and your pet safe.

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Shorter, frequent walks during the warmest parts of the day, as well as interactive indoor games, will help prevent boredom and behavioural issues.

For those staying indoors, look to integrate slow or puzzle feeders and training exercises to keep your dog mentally stimulated.

Cats can beneﬁt from climbing structures, scratching posts, and interactive toys to maintain their physical and mental well-being.

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Pet-prooﬁng your home

With many pet owners admitting to leaving the heating on speciﬁcally for their four-legged friends, it's imperative to take proactive measures to pet-proof your home and ensure their safety.

✔️ Candle Safety: Store lit candles away from pets' reach to prevent burns and ﬁre hazards.

✔️ Wood Heater Safety: Use a safety screen or guard with indoor wood heaters or chimneys to protect pets from burns and prevent accidents.