Bedding
Just as we like to snuggle up in cold weather, so do our cats and dogs. As the weather gets cooler, you might notice them spending more time snuggled up in their bed. To make sure they stay properly protected from the cold, you might need to make a couple of adjustments. Place their bed away from draughts and elevate it off cold, hard surfaces (such as tiles). You can add an extra blanket for warmth, but avoid making the bed too high, especially for older pets with stiff joints. Another idea is to use a heating pad to warm up the bedding and create a cozy sleeping space (just stay away from hot water bottles to avoid any chewing/hot water accidents!).
Keep moving!
Winter might make you want to hibernate indoors, but your dog or cat still needs exercise or mental stimulation to keep boredom at bay. Keep playing indoors with soft toys or a ball, or if you fancy braving the cold and/or rain, grab the lead, put on your winter coats, and head out for a brisk walk with your dog! Your cat will be happy just playing inside!
Winter coats
While many dogs have thick fur, they can still benefit from an extra layer of warmth when they're outside. This is especially true for thin, older, or short-haired breeds. Look for a good pet coat or jumper that covers their neck to the base of their tail and provides protection to their stomach. Just make sure it's the right fit and remember to take it off when they are back inside a warm house, to prevent overheating!
Avoid too much heat
Cats and dogs love to find warm spots in the house, like basking in the afternoon sun or snuggling up next to heaters. However, be cautious about them getting too close to heaters or fires, as they can fall asleep and end up with dry skin or burns.
Older pets can have a harder time with the cold weather, as it can aggravate arthritis and joint stiffness. Exercise helps with circulation and muscle tone but make sure you don’t overdo it. Keep dog walks up to 20 minutes a day on even ground.
Also, make sure that your senior pets have a warm and comfortable rest area that's away from drafts, and elevated away from cold surfaces. If you notice signs of discomfort related to arthritis, such as stiffness, chewing or licking certain joints, difficulty with stairs, slow eating, or behavioural changes, take them to the vet for a check-up.
Source: rspcaqld.org.au
And here are a few things you can do if your dog gets spooked by a thunderstorm.
