Wrap up to keep your pets warm

By Kath Gannaway
WITH Victoria having already had a taste of below-zero temperatures, Animal Aid in Coldstream is urging all pet owners to keep a watchful eye on their furry friends to help keep them warm and comfortable during the chilly season.
Animal Aid General Manager Nell Thompson said great care needs to be taken by pet owners to ensure that companion animals are provided for with sufficient warmth and protection during winter.
“At Animal Aid, we ensure that the dogs and cats in our care have adequate dry, comfortable bedding that is off the ground to avoid the cold floor,” Ms Thompson said.
“When temperatures begin to drop to single figures at night, we should recognise that dogs and cats deserve the same basic needs that humans require, without compromise,” she said.
Very old and very young animals are more susceptible to developing complications and health problems from getting too cold as their bodies cannot moderate and maintain their temperature well.
Here are some tips from Animal Aid to keep your pets healthy and comfortable.
1. Indoor access, especially at night is crucial for some animals. Dogs and cats need access to a warm dry area, ideally off the ground and not on a cold surface. Heated beds can be useful for indoors. If outside, a kennel or other area where your pet can escape from the wind and cold is important.
2. A warm blanket is essential for comfort and warmth in the colder weather.
3. If cats or dogs get wet or muddy they need to be dried thoroughly to avoid getting too cold and losing body heat.
4. Jackets for dogs are a great idea for an extra layer of insulation, and especially useful for clipped or short coated breeds.
5. Access to food may need to be increased as cold animals may want to eat more to generate more energy to keep warm.
6. Cats seek out warm areas, so always check your car engines before taking off.
7. Use a screen around open fireplaces to avoid any nasty accidents.
8. Make sure your cat is inside by night fall as more cats are killed on the roads in winter.