5 Tips to help your pets through the colder months

Winter – some live for it, others count the days until spring.

The Pet Food Industry Association of Southern Africa (PFI), a non-profit industry association, says our pets need special attention during the colder months.

“Winter, love it or hate it, that’s one thing we should all agree on, giving special attention to our pets, especially the senior ones,” the PFI states.

Common sense, together with these few tips, will help your special furry family members cope in the cold.

• If you’re cold, they’re cold:

It’s particularly important, during the colder months, to keep your pets dry and warm.

Keeping them inside is your best bet, but if this is not suitable for your circumstances, provide adequate shelter that is protected from wind and rain, as well as additional warmth such as blankets and pet jerseys, which work well.

Keep in mind that if you’re feeling the cold, your pet is too, even with his fur coat.

• Be extra cautious:

Be aware that pets will seek warmth in weird and wonderful places, especially cats.

Underneath the bonnet of the car is particularly enticing, so always check carefully or give the bonnet a few knocks before starting the engine and heading out so as to avoid injuring your cat.

• Ensure nutritional requirements are being met:

Complete nutrition and access to fresh, clean water is always important, but never more so than during winter.

You may also find that your pets’ intake may need to be adjusted to match their changing energy requirements. Some pets will spend more time sleeping inside (to conserve warmth and energy) while others are more exposed to the cold (outdoors), so will require a bit more sustenance to sustain a higher body temperature and support higher energy requirements.

Always choose a pet food brand that has committed to putting the health and nutritional well-being of your pet first.

Confirm their PFI membership by either noting the PFI logo displayed on their packaging or via the PFI website.

• Adjust you exercise routine:

Although winter days are shorter, help your best friend remain stimulated and in shape by maintaining a routine of regular exercise, even if this means walking earlier in the evening or later in the morning.

Adding a few extra minutes of training and games can compensate for lesser exercise time.

• Special care for older pets:

Ageing pets need a little extra TLC in winter as age-related health issues can often be intensified in the cold.

Pain associated with arthritis can be alleviated by installing ramps where necessary and providing extra bed padding or blankets and positioning beds in warmer areas.

Also consider the option of a PFI member’s special or prescription diet, depending on the severity (ask your vet for guidance), to support this and other age-related conditions.