Protect Your Pet During Winter and Cold Weather

Follow our tips to keep cats, dogs and horses safe and comfortable

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  Pets are happiest and healthiest when kept indoors, especially during extreme cold snaps. iStockphoto

In many areas, winter is a season of bitter cold and numbing wetness. Make sure your four-footed family members stay safe and warm by following these simple guidelines:

Keep pets indoors 

The best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time.

Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. During walks, short-haired dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater. No matter what the temperature is, windchill can threaten a pet's life. Pets are sensitive to severe cold and are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage.

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Take precautions if your pet spends a lot of time outside

A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If for some reason your dog is outdoors much of the day, he or she must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

Help neighborhood outdoor cats

If there are outdoor cats, either owned pets or community cats (ferals, who are scared of people, and strays, who are lost or abandoned pets) in your area, remember that they need protection from the elements as well as food and water. It's easy to give them a hand.

Give your pets plenty of food and water

Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

Be careful with cats, wildlife and cars

Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

Protect paws from salt

The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.

Avoid antifreeze poisoning

Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and keep antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Coolants and antifreeze made with propylene glycol are less toxic to pets, wildlife and family. Read more about pets and antifreeze »

Speak out if you see a pet left in the cold

If you encounter a pet left in the cold, politely let the owner know you're concerned. If they don't respond well, document what you see: the date, time, exact location and type of animal, plus as many details as possible. Video and photographic documentation (even a cell phone photo) will help bolster your case. Then contact your local animal control agency or county sheriff's office and present your evidence. Take detailed notes regarding whom you speak with and when. Respectfully follow up in a few days if the situation has not been remedied. 

Horse owners: provide special care to your outdoor pets

Give your horses shelter and dry warmth

Be sure your horses have access to a barn or a three-sided run-in so they can escape the wind and cold.

While not all horses will need to be blanketed, blankets will help horses keep warm and dry, especially if there is any rain or snow. If you’ve body-clipped your horses, keep them blanketed throughout the winter.

Supply food and water to your horses around the clock

Give your horses access to unfrozen water at all times. You can use heated buckets or water heaters/deicers to make sure the water doesn’t freeze.

Feed your horses more forage—unlimited amounts, if possible—during extreme cold. This will help your horses create heat and regulate their body temperatures.

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Winter Care Tips for Dog and Cat Owners

When it’s cold outside, extra precautions are required to ensure your pet’s well-being. Follow these tip to keep your pet warm and cozy during these chilly months.

THE OUTDOOR FACTOR

• Cats can get frostbite, and many seek warmth by crawling into car engines, which can be dangerous or fatal. Cats should be kept indoors year-round.
• Dogs also should be kept inside if possible. If kept outside, they should have a draft-free shelter large enough to stand and turn around in, yet small enough to retain body heat. Use a layer of straw or other bedding material to help insulate your pet against the cold. Different breeds of dogs have different sheltering needs. Purchase a commercially produced doghouse, or contact your local humane society for construction plans for a doghouse suitable for your climate. Please be sure to contact your veterinarian if you have questions.
• After letting your pet out to relieve herself, be sure to wipe her paws when she comes back inside. Tender pads can be injured from salts and other ice-melting chemicals. These products can be irritating to skin and mouth. Signs of ingestion include excessive drooling, vomiting, and depression.
• Outdoor animals typically need more calories in the winter. This allows their body to produce body heat. Increase the amount you feed your pet if she is allowed to go outside. Indoor-only animals may actually need fewer calories to avoid weight gain.

WATCH WHAT YOUR PET INGESTS

• Batteries contain corrosives that, if bitten or swallowed, can cause ulceration in your pet’s mouth, tongue, and gastrointestinal tract.
• Antifreeze is deadly to pets. The sweet taste is irresistible to animals kept in the garage in colder months. Look for “safe” non-toxic antifreeze and make sure all spills are cleaned immediately and thoroughly. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet may have ingested any antifreeze!
• Winter typically is the cold and flu season. Medications as basic as aspirin can be harmful and dangerous to pets. Do not medicate your animal yourself unless under the direction of your veterinarian. Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs out of animals reach.
• Rat and mouse killers are used more frequently during the winter months. Place these products in areas that are inaccessible to your pet.

If you suspect your pet has gotten into a potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian immediately! Have the telephone number to your local emergency animal hospital readily available.

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8 Tips For Caring For Your Pet This Winter

Living in a Winter Wonderland?

Unless you’re one of the lucky ones living in one of the balmier states, you've felt the cold chill of winter arrive. For some of us, cold weather is regarded as a mere nuisance; for others, it’s a fun time filled with snowboarding, skiing and other winter joys; and still others will find this time of bone-chilling weather and huge piles of snow a veritable nightmare to endure.

Whatever your viewpoint on winter, one thing remains the same for all of us with pets: it’s a time when our beloved babies need a little extra care. Luckily, PetMD has compiled a list of tips to protect your pet from the dangers of winter.

1. In or Out?

Does your pet spend most of the time in the backyard? You might want to keep her indoors during the freezing months, especially if you live in bitterly cold areas. No one wants an icicle for a pet -- they’re simply not that cuddly.

2. Bare Naked Truth

If you must keep your pet outdoors, consider this: Would a fur coat alone (even if it is faux mink) keep you warm against the elements? No? Well, your pet’s fur coat isn’t enough protection for your pet during winter, either. Be a pal and provide your dog with a warm, dry, and draft free shelter outside; the shelter should also comply with any state laws that apply.

3. No More Frozen Dinners!

Because it takes more energy to stay warm when it's cold, outdoor animals eat more during the winter. Likewise, fresh, running water is vital for maintaining your pet's health. Keep an eye on the water bowls and make sure they haven’t turned into little skating rinks for fleas (boo, fleas!). While ice pops might be a fun treat, your pet really doesn’t want to have to lick a frozen lump of ice to get his water.

4. Latest Fad Diet?

Indoor animals, meanwhile, have different dietary needs. They conserve energy by sleeping more in the winter. Dogs and cats also exercise much less when they do go outside, so you may need to adjust the amount of food accordingly. After all, no one wants an overweight pet.

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Our Top Pet Health Tips for Autumn

Ahhh, Fall! This time of year means football, crisp air, colorful foliage and even, depending on where you live, a little bit of snow. 

It’s a great time to get outside with your pet; for a dog, there’s nothing like a romp in the leaves, while for cats, midday sunbeams have never felt better as the days get shorter and the nights get colder. Shop at PetSmart and save $20 OF Orders $100 or More + Free Shipping! Exclusions apply! Click here

When it comes to keeping your pet healthy and helping him enjoy fall to the fullest, there are some things to keep in mind. Read on for our top fall pet tips.

#1. Watch out for ticks in fall
Just because fall is here doesn’t mean that ticks aren’t still lurking. 

In fact, according to the University of Rhode Island, many species of ticks are active even into the winter and can survive the first frost. 

Here are some tips to keep your pet tick-free this fall:

• Don’t let ticks cozy up. Eliminate their favorite environments, such as leaf and garden litter, where ticks can sometimes survive even into winter.
• Check for ticks frequently.
• Continue using tick control and repellent products, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors with your pet enjoying activities like hiking, camping, or hunting.
• Ask your veterinarian about regular screening for tick-borne infections. (The Companion Animal Parasite Councilrecommends screening annually for tick-borne infections.)

What do I feed my cat?

So, you’re going to get a kitty cat, congratulations. Cats are wonderful pets and the reasons for adopting a cat from us, the DSPCA, are numerous. Sure, you can’t go wrong. Our rescue and rehoming centre cats will reward your love and kindness with a lifetime of unconditional devotion…you can’t rival that!

However, before you adopt your friendly feline, we want to make sure you know exactly what you’re letting yourself in for. I mean, apart from love, you’ll need to provide her with the correct food, fresh water, and a safe place to sleep, a litter tray and professional veterinary care.

We get lots of enquiries from visitors to our rescue and rehoming centre and, for your information, we’ve decided to compile a list of frequently asked questions and answers because we know that it will be helpful for you, our new cat parents, to know what to expect when you bring her home. 

HOME

There are a number of things to look out for. The cat that appears affectionate while in her pod at our rescue and rehoming centre may suddenly become shy and withdrawn once she’s in her new home, or maybe she can become aggressive. Remember, your home is familiar to you but it’s a strange environment to your new friend. She may have spent some weeks, even months at our rescue and rehoming centre, surrounded by other cats; so a bit of pre-planning on your part will help avoid problems.

How do I prepare for my cat’s arrival?

Ok, she’s had a bit of a rough day. She’s a bit stressed at leaving our rescue and rehoming centre and her buddies and is not used to life outside of her pod. We suggest you keep her in a small, safe room for her first few days in her new home. 

Let her set her own rules…initially. Don’t get upset if she hides under the sofa for a few days; this is fine, so long as she knows where her food, water and litter tray are; she’ll be ok. Also, give her a toy or two to play with. We bet when you’ve let the room she’ll come out and play and explore.

Gradually increase your time together. Sit down, read a book or watch some TV; we bet in no time at all she’ll hop up onto your lap and you’ll know she’s feeling safe and loved in her new home.  

Keep your kitty safe by keeping her indoors. Cats love the security of always having access to the house. If you are allowing your kitty to go outdoors, we at the DSPCA recommend an enclosed, outdoor cat run, this way she gets the freedom of the great outdoors with the security of her own back garden.

NUTRITION

What do I feed my cat?

Again, as with dogs, a healthy, balanced diet is essential. Take a look at different foods available and check the ingredients. Are they quality ingredients or are they fillers? Don’t go spending lots of money; instead ask for some samples and see how your kitty reacts to them. If, however, you are in doubt, discuss your cat’s dietary requirements with your vet. Make sure your cat has access to fresh, clean, water at all times.

Dry or wet cat food?

Dry cat food has become very popular with many cat parents. It’s convenient and cats seem to prefer dry food and it helps keep teeth clean. However, cats that eat a dry food only diet need plenty of fresh water. Try to choose dry food with little or no grain. Some grains like corm and wheat can trigger allergies in cats. Also a high carbohydrate diet can cause feline diabetes. If in doubt, check with your vet.

Can I give my cat dairy products?

Be careful about giving cats dairy products. Yep, they like them but they aren’t good for them, cat’s don’t digest them well and they may end up getting sick from eating them.

Remember: Cat’s are prone to dehydration. A cat can go without food for a couple of days, losing up to 40 per cent of her body weight and she will survive. However, a loss of body water of only 10 per cent can kill her. Make sure she has plenty of fresh water – we cannot stress this enough.

GROOMING

Do I bathe my cat?

Quick answer to this is no! Cats don’t need to be bathed. They are capable of cleaning themselves. However, there are a few reasons why you may need to bathe your cat and they are if she gets covered with an unpleasant or poisonous substance or if she has fleas. However, if you are inexperienced then you should let the vet take care of the bathing ritual.

Your cat, however, will benefit from a good, regular grooming. It’s well known they do a pretty excellent job of grooming themselves but if you want to take her from scruffy to fluffy, then you need to be able to provide her with expert grooming. Make sure you factor this cost into your budget.

The advantage of bringing your cat to a professional groomer is they are skilled and experienced. They will get your cat’s coat in ship shape quickly and, most importantly, humanely. If you’ve never removed matting and tangles from your cat’s coat you run the risk of injuring her.

Does my cat need toys?

Cats love anything shiny or small enough to smack across the floor. As she doesn’t have hands, she likes to pick things up with her mouth and this is where there is a danger of choking. Best case scenario, your cat can vomit or have diarrhoea, worse case scenario, there is a danger of choking. Provide your cat with a selection of toys that you can rotate regularly and make sure to get a scratching post...it will keep kitty away from the furniture.

Should I get my cat vaccinated?

Yes! It’s essential your cat is fully vaccinated and has her boosters. There are a lot of cat viruses out there that can make your cat seriously ill or are fatal, the cost of vaccinations are cheaper and a lot less stressful than having a sick kitty. 

Should I get my cat spayedneutered?

As shelters across the country are already full with unwanted cats, we at the DSPCA strongly recommend you have your cat spayed/neutered.   Two cats together can have 52 kittens each year and those kittens can breed as well so you do the math, that is a lot of kittens to get homes for.

Can I train my cat?

Hmmm! Cats usually have their own agenda when it comes to what they can and can’t do in the house. I mean, think surly teenagers and you’ll understand. However, with repeated, gentle, persuasion your cat will learn some basic house rules. Oh if only that was the case with teens!

Never, ever, hit your cat. If you do feel she needs an extra touch of discipline, we recommend you use a squirt gun filled with clean water to distract her momentarily if you catch her doing something you don’t want her to do.

Other info!

Provide a litter tray for your kitty. Put it in a quiet spot, cats like privacy.   Show her where it is and she’ll use it. Scoop the dirty litter out of the tray at least once a day and make sure you wash the tray on a regular basis.  

Make sure your cat is micro chipped and wears a visible collar that includes her name and your contact details. If your cat does stray, and remember, a spayed/neutered kitty is less likely to want to stray, then, if she’s micro chipped, you increase your chances of having her returned safely.

On average cats live for 12-14 years, but they can live for up to 20 years.

Cats like to be alone and will look for companionship when they want it. They spend a lot of time resting but must be able to have enough space where they can play and climb. Indoor Cats need a lot of stimulation (toys, high areas to climb, scratching posts, etc ) or they can become bored and stressed.

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Health Benefits of Having a Pet

We all know that having a pet is great, there is the unconditional love you receive off them and they are great fun to play with and you never know what funny things they will do next. However did you know that pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief and other health benefits—perhaps more than people!

Pets can improve your Mood

For anyone who is a pet owner or loves animals you know how hard it is to stay in a bad mood when those loving eyes look up at you or they come to you looking for a cuddle.   Studies have shown that owning a pet can help to ease symptoms of depression. Pets may help relieve stress and anxiety by encouraging playfulness and promoting laughter, there is nothing better than playing with your pet irrelevant of what type of pet it is and watching their funny reactions.

Many experts believe one reason pets may have a therapeutic effect on people is comfort. They are soft, soothing to stroke and non-judgemental. Pets can be there for you in ways that people can’t. They can offer love and companionship, and can also enjoy comfortable silences, keep secrets and are excellent snugglers. And they could be the best antidote to loneliness. Pets also seem to meet the need for companionship and relationship building that is not always available to some individuals. In addition, pet owners living alone say they are less lonely and report fewer minor health problems.    

A study published in the March 1999 Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showed that senior citizens who own pets are less likely to be depressed, are better able to tolerate social isolation and are more active than those who do not own pets. Activity levels increased regardless of the kind of pet the individuals owned.

Pets can improve your physical health

Anyone who owns a pet knows the unconditional love a pet offers. But do you know that your blood pressure and triglyceride and cholesterol levels may be lower because of that unconditional love, which in turn might promote a measure of protection from heart disease.

Pet owners are also more likely to survive a heart attack than those who don't have pets, according to a 1995 study published in the American Journal of Cardiology.

A study on a group of stockbrokers with high blood pressure, those with pets had lower blood pressure and heart rates than the proportion of the group that didn’t own a pet. After the results of the study were published most of the stockbrokers without a pet went out and got themselves a pet.

Having a pet has even been shown to give 30% less chance of developing certain types of cancer.

Pets encourage you to get out and exercise

Dogs have to be walked each day and dog owners get regular physical exercise because of this, there are some many options now where you can walk, by the sea, the park, the mountains, etc – what could be better. People often bring other people with them including family members for the dog’s walk so it can benefit family and friends as well.   Other pets get you moving as well, though not as much as walking, you may sit down in your comfy couch and think I will do the hoovering tomorrow but most pet owners don’t put off their pet care – they will clean the birds cage, rabbit hutch when it needs to be done, play with their pets as no sometimes is not in your pets vocabulary when it comes to playtime, it is hard to resist them when they bring their toy over to you and look at you longingly.

Exercise relives tension and stress so there is mental benefits from exercising with your pet as well.

Increases Human to Human Socialisation

Anyone with a dog knows that when you are out and about with your dog, you will always talk to someone whether they have a pet or not. A fellow dog owner will stop and talk to you, people just walking along may stop and say hello to your dog and you. Out walking or in a dog park your pet may make a friend and in turn so might you!

It’s important to realize that owning a pet isn’t for everyone. Pets do come with additional work and responsibility. However, for most people, the benefits of having a pet outweigh the drawbacks.

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What do Budgies & Canaries need?

Budgies & Canaries

The Right Pet for You? Budgies and canaries are colourful and friendly companions that need to live with other birds in a large aviary. This can be expensive to build or buy and needs regular cleaning, for health reasons.

What do Budgies & Canaries need?

• Companionship - to be with other budgies or canaries and to have human company. 
• A balanced diet of bird food, seed shaken through a fine sieve to get rid of dust, and regular treats like fresh washed lettuce, carrots and apple. 
• A constant supply of fresh, clean water. 
• A large aviary, safe from predators and with sleeping areas or nesting boxes to give protection from cold, wind and direct sunlight. Daily exercise. There must be plenty of space for flying in the aviary. 
• Lots of wooden perches for sleeping on.
• Budgies like to perch high up and all at the same level, while canaries need bark-covered twigs to perch on. Branches, toys and vegetation in the aviary to create an interesting environment.
• Clean water for bathing.
• Grit to help digestion.
• A cuttlefish bone to peck at.
• The aviary to be cleaned regularly.
• To be taken to a vet if they are ill or injured.
• To be looked after when you are on holiday.

Life span 
Budgies can live for up to ten years, canaries for five to six years.

Behaviour 
In the wild, budgies and canaries live in large groups so it is unkind to have just one bird. Get a pair or a group of male or female birds at the same time to avoid jealousy. Canaries and budgies should not be kept in the same aviary as canaries are smaller and may be bullied. All captive birds need a stimulating environment and space to fly around.

Handling 
Budgies can be trained to land on your finger and can be handled quite frequently without stress. Canaries should be handled as little as possible. To pick up a bird, place one hand over its back. The tail should lie along the inside of your wrist and the head should rest between the first and second fingers, while the thumb and other fingers restrain the wings. Relax your fingers to make your grip as gentle as possible and never squeeze the bird.

Breeding 
The DSPCA strongly advises that you do not breed from budgies or canaries as it is very difficult to find good homes for the young. The best way is to keep males and females apart. Female budgies come into season from early spring until autumn, and will lay up to six eggs in one clutch.

Health 
If your budgie or canary is huddled on its perch, wheezing and gasping for breath, it may have an infection that could lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. Keep the bird warm and seek veterinary advice straight away. Budgies may suffer from an overgrown beak or claws. The beak can usually be kept in trim by pecking at a cuttlefish bone, but it may need to be trimmed by a vet. Claws can be kept short by providing perches with a rough or bark-covered surface. If they need clipping, a vet should do this. A budgie may develop a contagious condition called scaly face, a grey crust that spreads around the beak and face. It is caused by a tiny parasite and can be treated with medicine from your vet. Canaries may suffer from digestive disorders, causing listlessness, sleepiness and loss of appetite. If a canary has constipation, diarrhoea or blood in its droppings, keep it away from the others, make sure it is warm and seek veterinary advice straight away. Feather plucking can be a sign of boredom or stress. Make sure your budgie or canary has suitable companions, lots of room to fly and plenty of interesting toys and perches.

Parrots

The Right Pet for You?

Birds in the parrot family include small lovebirds and parrots, which do not grow beyond 12 centimetres, right up to the large macaws, which can grow to over 80 centimetres.

Your parrot deserves the best care possible so make sure you are prepared to:

• find out how your parrot will change as he/she matures, including changes in size and behaviour, so that you know how best to interact with him/her and provide the right care, environment and companionship
• check that the person who looks after your parrot when you go on holiday knows all about the care needed, including the specialist feeding and how to minimise any disturbance
• accept that some parrots can live for more than 50 years.

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Winter Pet Care Advice

Even though you might want to stay indoors and wrap up warm, it's very important to remember your pets and other animals during the cold winter months.

DOGS & CATS

·         Don’t forget to make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh drinking water and food.

·         In Extreme Temperatures we recommend you always keep your pets indoors.

·         It’s most important your pet has somewhere warm and comfortable to sleep, out of the wind and the rain. Their bedding should also be raised off the ground so they don’t catch a chill from the cold, damp floor.

·         Dog kennels should be lined with old rugs and linen to help keep your pooch comfortable and warm.  If you don’t have a protected area where your dog can sleep, the DSPCA recommends you bring them inside during the wet and windy weather.

·         Your dog won’t mind that it's cold and dark as he or she still needs to be taken for their walk. It's a good idea to wear warm and reflective clothing (High Visibilty Jacket), so that cars and people on bikes can see you - and it's just as important for your dog too. Get a reflective collar and lead and a winter coat for your dog so that it can easily be seen when out on an evening walk.

·         Make sure that your cat has a proper cat safety collar on, especially one with reflective pieces on it.

·         Never let your dog off the lead on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

·         Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat with a high collar with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly.

·        Cats also prefer to be snuggled up inside. A comfortable chair, basket or even a box can make the perfect bed for your feline friend.  They’re always happiest sleeping by the fire or in front of the heater.

·         It’s important though, that you keep a close eye on your pets if they’re warming themselves by the fire, because they could burn themselves if they get too close.

·        Remember! During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

·        Speaking of cars! Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

·        Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

·         When thunderstorms are forecast, the best place for your pets is indoors with you. The loud claps of thunder and bright lightening can be distressing for animals. 

·         Remember that you still have to pick up their poo even in the dark so a torch and bags are a must.

·         It’s also important to make sure dogs and cats are microchipped, in case they’re spooked by the weather and run off. For more information on Microchipping please click here.

·         Dog owners must keep pets well away from ponds and lakes that have frozen over. Thin ice may break under your dog’s weight

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PET BIRDS

Our feathered friends also need extra care during the winter months.

·         The DSPCA recommends birds are placed somewhere out of the wind and rain, in a draught free spot. It’s not a bad idea to bring the cage inside but it needs to be kept well away from the heater.

·         Don’t forget to make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh drinking water.

OUTDOOR PETS

If you have a rabbit or a guinea pig in the garden then it is really important that spend some extra time on them at that time of year. Their hutched can get really cold and damp if not sheltered from the bad weather. 

·         Move the hutch to a more sheltered area, maybe outside the back door, in the side passage or into a shed or garage. 

·         Make sure they have plenty of nice warm, fresh bedding to snuggle down in and change it regularly.

·         In extreme temperatures place extra bedding in their homes. Better still, move them to a shed or garage for extra shelter or if you have a downstairs loo or a utility or cloak room that can be used temporarily to keep them sheltered.

·         Rabbits and guinea pigs will naturally eat more in the winter so that they have extra fat to help them stay warm, so make sure you give them plenty of food, fresh vegetables and fresh water. 

·         Don’t forget to check that the water does not freeze in the water bottle!

Seasonal & Holiday Pet Care : Autumn Pet Care

Ah, Autumn—there’s nothing like crisp, cool air, the first months of school and luscious foliage to get you excited for the changing seasons. Your pet, too, is probably welcoming the break from hot, sticky weather. But pet parents, beware—Autumn is also a time of lurking dangers for our furry friends. From household poisons to cold weather hazards, the season is a minefield! Here are some tips to keep your pet snug and healthy during the autumn months.

The use of mouse and rat poison increases in Autumn as rodents seek shelter from the cooler temperatures by attempting to move indoors. Rodenticides are highly toxic to pets—if ingested, the results could be fatal. If you must use these products, do so with extreme caution and put them in places inaccessible to your pets.

It’s back-to-school time, and those of you with young children know that means stocking up on fun items like glue sticks, pencils and magic markers. These items are considered “low toxicity” to pets, which means they’re unlikely to cause serious problems unless large amounts are ingested. However, since gastrointestinal upset and blockages certainly are possible, be sure your children keep their school supplies out of paw’s reach.

Training tip: If you and your pooch haven’t been active outdoors in a while because of the summer heat, do some remedial recall training. Dogs, like people, get rusty on their skills if they aren't using them.

Autumn and spring and are mushroom seasons. While 99% of mushrooms have little or no toxicity, the 1% that are highly toxic (PDF) can cause life-threatening problems in pets. Unfortunately, most of the highly toxic mushrooms are difficult to distinguish from the nontoxic ones, so the best way to keep pets from ingesting poisonous mushrooms is to keep them away from areas where any mushrooms are growing. Contact your veterinarian  immediately if you witness your pet eating a wild mushroom.

In order to generate body heat, pets who exercise heavily outdoors, or who live outdoors, should be given more food during colder seasons. Make sure horses and other outdoor animals have access to clean, fresh water that is not frozen.

Many people choose autumn as the time to change their car’s engine coolant. Ethylene glycol-based coolants are highly toxic, so spills should be cleaned up immediately. Consider switching to propylene glycol-based coolants—though they aren’t completely nontoxic, they are much less toxic than other engine coolants.

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Spring Pet Care Advice

It’s been a hard winter for many of us, and that makes Spring smell so much sweeter. The birds are singing and nature is going through a renewal.

Animals lose their winter coats in spring so give them a good regular grooming to help get rid of their excess hair, this is good for your pet and good for your home.  Check out General Pet Care Tips for how to clean your house after your pets with tips on how to remove pet hair.

As new plants and flowers burst into life this spring, so too do the symptoms of hay fever. But humans aren’t the only ones who suffer. Blooming plants, grasses and flowers can trigger allergic reactions called atopy in dogs and cats.

The allergy is similar to hay fever that humans suffer. The animal reacts to inhaled particles such as mold, pollen, and dust. But instead of sneezing, pets typically have itchy skin and will persistently scratch, lick and bite to get relief. Like in human sufferers, the allergy is an inherited predisposition.

"If left untreated, dogs and cats with seasonal allergies will scratch or lick themselves constantly, in an attempt to relieve themselves, dogs and cats often create sores that become secondary infections."

If the signs of atopy occur for less than three months out of the year, oral medications (like cortisone) may be used to control itching. In more severe cases, pets are given a skin allergy test to pinpoint what allergies the animal is sensitive to. Your veterinarian can then give injections of the allergic material in minimal doses to build up immunities in your pet’s system. Other treatments for allergies include immunotherapy, antihistamines, steroids and medicated shampoos.

If you suspect that your pet may be suffering from seasonal allergies, please visit your veterinarian.

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Fall Dog Care – 10 Tips to Help Your Pup Enjoy the Season

As the leaves change colour across Vancouver and the lower mainland, we say good bye to the warmer weather of another fantastic summer, and welcome with open arms all that fall has to offer in British Columbia! The brisk weather means that your dog may want to stay out longer, he or she may become more inquisitive about its surroundings, and certainly the wet weather will bring its share of messes to your home!

Tip #1 – Get Out and Get Active

Fall is the perfect season to get out and get active after a lazy summer! It is the perfect weather for dog walks and dogs parks. This is also a great time to brush up on your dog’s commands – and maybe learn a few new ones! It’s important to ease into increased exercise to prevent injury.

Tip #2 – Safe Dog Walking at Night.

Because the days are shorter your evening walks with your dog maybe become darker, faster. Plan for a safe stroll by adjusting your walk schedule accordingly and/or fitting your pet with reflective gear such as a vest, leash or collar. Stick to a familiar route in your neighbourhood when walking after dusk.

Tip #3 – Bundle Up

With the fall comes chilly days and colder nights. Even though your dog has a natural coat, keep in mind that the increased cold with the dampness of the Vancouver season will make your pet colder, faster.  Smaller and older dogs should be watched closely during the cold months and kept as warm as possible.

Tip #4 – Ticks and Fleas

Check your pet after coming indoors to make sure they aren’t bringing in any unwanted guests. The fall months are known for all kinds of pests, the most common of which are fleas and ticks. Try to also be familiar with where your pets play.

Tip #5 – Look Beyond the Leaves

Keep a close eye on your pet for any signs of discomfort- especially after playing in a pile of fall leaves! Fallen leaves that coat the ground can hide sharp pebbles, burs, allergens and other substances you want your cat or dog to avoid.

Tip #6 – Allergy Awareness

Did you know that dogs are as susceptible as you are to fall allergens?  If you see your pet itching more than usual, you might want to check with the vet to identify any possible allergies. Keep leaves raked and grass cut short to eliminate irritation to your pet’s skin.

Tip #7 – Shedding and Grooming

In the fall, pets begin shedding their summer coat to allow room for their winter coat. For many pet owners, this means pet hair on your couch, your clothes, and almost anywhere you can imagine. Make time to brush your pet weekly, if not daily, depending on your dog’s shedding habits. Brushing your pet will allow you to catch most of the unwanted hair before it ends up around your home!

Tip #8 – Enjoy the Holidays – But Keep an Eye on The Food!

During both Thanksgiving and Halloween, make sure to keep an eye on your pet and the food, deserts and candy. Chocolate can be deadly to dogs, so make sure your children know to keep it out of reach. Food can become a problem during Thanksgiving as well. Look out for hungry pets eyeing the table! If you are decorating, remember that some dogs love chewing wires, so make sure that they are out of your dog’s reach.

Tip #9 – Halloween – Avoid the Horror Show!

Halloween is a fun evening that we like to include our dogs in. Remember that if you are dressing your pup up for Halloween to keep it close and put reflective clothing on it. Make sure to also look for any chocking points that the costume may have. Additionally, make sure to update your pets collar and remember that some cats and dogs are extremely sensitive to the sounds of the holidays – whether it be a crowd in the house, or fireworks at Halloween, make sure that your pet has a safe, quiet place to retreat to.

Tip #10 – Keep an Eye Out For Poisons

Winterizing your property may include putting out rodent traps or poisons. Keep yours out of reach, in case your pet decides to taste these out of curiosity. During the cooler months many people also begin to use antifreeze which is another extremely dangerous poison to pets. Prevent your dog from accidentally ingesting ethylene glycol by carefully storing antifreeze in its original container with warning labels, and out of reach of pets. Watch the ground carefully for any toxic spills if you’re walking your pet on a driveway or garage.

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