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Winter and Your Pet

“WINTER IS COMING” 

With the arrival of winter many pets may find the weather uncomfortable.   

It's cold, the days are shorter, and there is less time for exercise or outdoor interaction with our pets before and after work.  

So there are a few things you can do to help your pets.
DOGS

Increase their enrichment, play games, use food dispensing toys and train new behaviours. Get their brains working to supply mental enrichment.

Bring pets inside to keep them warm. Be careful that your dog cannot touch fireplaces or heaters.

Dogs can wear warm coats – make sure your dog is comfortable with this, is able to move freely and toilet without touching the coat.

Also it is important that they have time without the coat to avoid skin disease, or the dreaded beanie hair.

If you have an outside dog and are unable to allow them indoor access, ensure they have a kennel or crate that has covered sides, raised floor and secure weather proof roof. Make sure that your dog has an area that they can escape to away from cold winds or rain.

Some dogs may also require a larger amount of food due to the increased calories required to keep their bodies warmer.

If you need to wash your dog during the cooler months, use warm water and make sure you are able to dry them thoroughly.

If your dog is long coated, remember to brush regularly to prevent knots, tangles and skin diseases.

Walking your dog in the darker hours. Use reflective leads and harnesses and equip your dog with a LED flashing light or blinker.

Dogs, like humans, are more likely to have joint or arthritic problems during the cooler weather.

Ensure your dog has a comfortable bed. A raised bed, with firm bedding is suitable especially for our arthritic pooches. Check out the Rover Pet beds (orthopaedic, therapeutic beds) online or test one out at Chew Chomp and Chill.

If your dog is struggling with mobility consult your vet.

Signs of Arthritis include:
  • Lameness or limping
  • Licking joints
  • Not wanting or hesitation to jump
  • Reluctance or difficulty rising
  • Not wanting to play
  • Inappropriate toileting or accidents inside
  • Vocalization/aggression as a result of pain

Nutraceuticals that may help with arthritis and joint degeneration are:

Chondroprotective agents – medications that are stimulate cartilage repair and inhibit ongoing cartilage damage.

Glycoasamines – extracts from green lipped muscles or fish oil supplements

Products you can use include:

  • Rose Hip Vital
  • Pernaease Powder
  • Glyde Powder
  • Paw Osteosupport capsules
  • Coconut oil
  • Fish oil supplements
  • Antinol
  • 4Cyte supplement

Your vet may prescribe NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) such as Meloxicam or Carprophen – these are analgesic anti-inflammatory drugs used for pain relief.

Some dogs will benefit form a course of Cartrophen (or similar) injections and follow up 1-3 monthly booster. Cartrophen is a polysaccharide – these injections help improve the lining of the cartilage. Discuss if these will be of benefit to your pet.

Another thing to consider during winter (and all year round even in some of the warmer climates) is exposure to antifreeze. Antifreeze is sweet and many dogs and cats like to have a taste. Unfortunately this product is deadly to cats and dogs even in small amounts. Many cars even those in warmer climates have antifreeze in them.

If you suspect your dog or cat has been exposed please seek veterinary advice immediately.

To avoid antifreeze exposure keep containers tightly sealed and out of your pets reach. Make sure your car is not leaking any antifreeze – it is the green fluid in your car’s radiator.


Parasite Control:

Heartworm – your dog is still at risk through the winter months. Queensland winters are not cold enough to eliminate mosquitoes or therefore your dog’s risk at being infected with the deadly heartworm larvae.

Gastrointestinal worms – your dog should be on regular product for this. Treatment at a minimum of once every 3 months. Your dog does not need dog to dog contact to be infected.

Fleas – flea control should be used all year round for any pet at risk of picking up these critters.

Ticks – tick season starts now. Make sure your dog and cat are protected and check them daily. Talk to your vet about the best choice of tick control for your pets.   Be aware that many products safe for dogs are not safe for cats, and care should be taken when using a couple of these products on dogs with cat family members.  

Discuss with your vet what tick prevention is recommended in your area.

CATS

As for dogs, increase their enrichment, play games and use food dispensing toys.

Bring cats inside to keep them warm. Be careful that your cat cannot come into contact with fire places and heaters.

Allow your cat access to a sunny area or windowsill (safely inside or catmaxed). We don't want any falling kitties.

Remember that as days get cooler, cats will be attracted to the warmth of recently run cars. Please check wheel arches and engine bays before starting or moving your car again.

Does your cat have long fur?

Brush his/her coat regularly to prevent knots, tangles and skin disease.

Cats are renowned for sleeping a lot. Beds that they may like (apart from yours) include pet igloos, cardboard boxes (yep kitties are all class), or cat caves. Kmart has a great range of beds for cats.
​

Why not put out their cat carrier (with the door off or tied back)? Pad it with something comfy (old towels, a pillow etc). This will help them get used to sleeping in it and also give it some positive associations, rather than the sight of it meaning a car trip, followed by vet exam or stay at a cattery.

Arthritis also occurs in cats – signs can include:
  • Limping or lameness
  • Aggression
  • Reluctance to groom (usually missing the area above the base of their tail or midline of back)
  • Reluctance or inability to jump on to beds or couches
  • Difficulty getting in and out of litter tray
  • Inappropriate toileting

What you can do?
Consult your vet regarding medication

Lower your cat’s bed, or put stairs or a ramp in place for easier access to beds etc.

Use a larger litter tray with lower sides.


Parasite Control:

Gastrointestinal worms – your cat should be on regular product for this. Treatment at a minimum of once every 3 months. Cats do not need cat to cat contract to become infected..

Fleas – flea control should be used all year round for any pet at risk of picking up these critters.

Ticks – tick season starts now. Talk to your vet about the best choice of tick control for your cat and continue to check them twice daily.  

Products safe for dogs are not necessarily safe for cats - they can be deadly.

Discuss with your vet what tick prevention is recommended in your area.
BIRD

Indoor birds – move their cages away from doors or open windows. Cold breezes can make your pet sick.
Cover their cages at night will help insulate them and keep them a little warmer.

If you use heaters or fireplaces be careful with your birds – especially with free flight time

Outdoor birds – make sure the aviary or cage has a draft free section that is protected from the weather elements.

Reconsider the use of bird or snuggle buddy products. If your bird chews on these they can end up with gastrointestinal obstructions.

Your bird will require more food due to the increased calories expended to keep warm.

If your bird is showing any signs of illness please sick help from an experienced avian veterinarian.


Signs of ill health include:
  • Ruffled feathers/Fluffed up for an extended period of time
  • Sitting on the ground
  • Watery motions
  • Sneezing
  • Weight loss
  • Decreased appetite
  • Feather loss
  • Sleepiness
  • Change in chirp
  • Increased respiratory effort (look for a tail bob)

SMALL ANIMALS (Guinea pigs, rats and mice)

Many people have rodents as pets.  However, often these little guys get forgotten about.

Guinea Pigs usually cope well with the cooler weather. However rats and mice need extra attention.  

Make sure, where possible, they are brought inside (at least at night). 

Whether inside or out, they must have secure safe sleeping areas that are enclosed and protected from wind and rain.   

Provide extra nesting material.   

There are some great hanging slings and hammocks available for rats and mice. 

For guinea pigs ensure they also have somewhere cosy to sleep.   

 

Don’t forget the shelter pets – donate your old blankets, old but still good condition dog coats etc. – RSPCA, AWL and local pounds.

Updated May 2021


All Material Copyright All Pets Education and Training 2024
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I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where I work and live. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging. I celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.