How to keep your pets safe as temperature plummets.

With weather warnings issued, it is important that you and your pets are prepared for dipping temperatures, snow and rain.

It is not just dogs and cats that need looking after in cold weather, winter can also be a tough time for smaller animals too!

Check their Water Bowl

If you keep your pet outdoors make sure to check their water supply to ensure it has not frozen over. Remember to top it up regularly.

Provide Safe Shelter

Check your pet’s shelter to ensure it is watertight and well ventilated. Your pet should have someone dry, warm and safe to sleep during the winter months. If you happen to have a rabbit hutch make sure to cover it up for extra warmth.

If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet – Never leave your four-legged friend outdoors unattended in the cold weather, they may start to show signs of hypothermia such as shivering and disorientation.

Where possible in freezing conditions take your pet indoors.

Clean feeders and nest boxes

Cold damp air can result in feeders and nest boxes building up with dirt and other debris. Make sure to clean them regularly to avoid any bacteria build-ups.

Take extra caution when using anti-freeze

Ethylene glycol, a chemical commonly found in antifreeze products, can be poisonous when ingested by dogs and cats. Keep antifreeze products out of reach from little paws.

Stay visible when out

Reflective products ensure that you and your pet will be seen by pedestrians, cyclists and people out walking in the darker evenings. If you are taking your dog on a walk make sure the dog has some reflective gear on.

Stay warm while outside

Dogs still need to be walked regardless of weather conditions. Invest in a jacket to keep them cosy while out on their daily walk. Young dogs, small or toy breeds, and closely clipped breeds may feel the cold more than usual so it’s important to pick a padded jacket.

Chilly nights indoors

For those chilly nights make sure you give your pet some extra warmth. An extra blanket or a cuddle pouch will help keep them warm and cosy for a good nights sleep.

Take care of paws

Cracked paws are a common problem for dogs in the winter months so make sure your dog’s paws are prepped and protected from the winter chill. Paw balm is rich and nourishing for paws. Sniffe and Likkit Fab Paw is made with natural ingredients to calm, soothe and condition dry cracked skin on paws and minor irritations as well as protecting paws from sores.

After each walk, rinse your dog’s paws to wash off any salt, grit, ice or snow.

Wash your pup after muddy walks

Make sure to wash off any mud from your dog after a muddy walk in wet weather conditions. Wash with warm water and thoroughly dry, and brush your dog after this, to keep their coat in good, healthy condition.