Cold weather safety tips for pets
Keep pets indoors or provide shelter for them to protect them from the elements.
Freezing weather hit Gauteng on Thursday, July 22 as a cold front moved from the Western Cape to the central parts of the country.
Just like people, pets’ cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health.
According to Dr Gavin Hudson-Lamb from Cradle Vet Bird and Animal Hospital in Ruimsig, it is important to keep pets indoors or provide shelter for them to protect them from the elements.
“Dog clothing/ jerseys are available from most pet stores. Providing blankets and beds for your pets is also important and these are available at most pet shops.
“Changing food should be a gradual transition over five to seven days to avoid gastrointestinal upsets. Increase the amount of new food by 25%, 50%, 75% and then 100% while reducing the old food,” said Dr Hudson-Lamb.
Cold weather safety tips:
• Keep your home humidified and towel-dry your pet when wet as soon as he comes inside.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter.
• Wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach.
• Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells.
• Feeding your pet a little bit more during the cold weather months can provide much-needed calories.
• Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside.
