As winter is in full swing, many of us may be concerned with how we are going to keep ourselves and our homes warm throughout the colder months and dramatic drops in temperature. And as we begin to carry out what seems like an endless list of chores, such as replacing the boiler, bleeding the radiator and buying thermal clothing in an attempt to stop us feeling the bitter chill of the colder months, most of us seem to forget about our pets. Just as we humans change our activities, routines, behaviours and wardrobes for the winter season, it’s important that we do the same for our pets, too. Just because they have a fur coat doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be fully able to adapt to the winter months with ease, in fact, they may struggle in the winter- especially if they aren’t acclimatised to harsh weather conditions. Before the temperature drops dramatically, here at We Buy Any House we have compiled our top tips to help you protect your pet at home during the winter.
Create a Warm and Cosy Environment:
As temperatures begin to fall dramatically, no pet should be left outside in the cold- especially at night. Its essential to keep your pets sheltered at all times and limit outdoor access to either walk times or an hour or so for cats etc. to roam outdoors. If your animal is outdoors throughout the day for any reason, then protect them by installing a draft-free shelter that is big enough for them to move around in, but isn’t so big that they will lose body heat.
When it comes to their indoor shelter, it’s important to make it as warm and cosy as possible. Most cats will appreciate a radiator bed, or some type of igloo bed, whereas dogs prefer a heated bed alongside extra blankets for them to snuggle into. It’s vital that you regularly wash your pets’ indoor beds, as throughout the colder months it can be a breeding ground for fleas as they thrive off the warmth.
Upgrade Their Wardrobe:
Despite how thick your pet’s fur is, or how mild the temperature may be outside, windchill can propose a serious threat to your pet. Exposed paws, noses and ears are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia during the extremely cold months. Due to this, it’s a good reason to have your dog’s wear sweaters- especially if they are short-haired.
Regular Weigh-Ins:
When your pet gets its winter coat, it can become harder to tell whether they have gained or lost weight. As their thick coats can be a disguise, it’s important to weigh them regularly and keep note of their weight, especially if they aren’t getting regular exercise.
Don’t Skip Walks:
Although you may be put off by the conditions and temperatures outside, its important that you still allow your pet to get exercise- even if it’s just for half of the regular time you would go out for. Considering shorter walks is a great way to enable your pet to get the same exercise- without long exposure to the cold weather. When doing so, it’s important to keep your dog visible to vehicles and passers-by. Invest in some reflective collars and small light attachments.
Adjusting Meals:
Throughout the colder months, your pet will use more energy and burn more calories- so you may need to ensure that they have more food and are being fed more regularly. However, on the flipside of this, if your pet isn’t going out at all, then you may want to reduce the amount they’re eating as they’re not getting the same amount of exercise.
This article was written by a quick house sale company We Buy Any House. If you’re wondering “how can I sell my house fast?”, head to the We Buy Any House website for more information relating to all property related enquiries.
