Do you ever wonder how winter affects your pets? Us humans can retreat under the blankets with a hot cuppa, but how do our beloved dogs and cats cope?  And while most of us live in a consistently warm climate, there are those chilly in between days when we feel the need to dress up warmly and keep snug. And the further we live from the sea, generally the colder it gets. Nights especially can be freezing, not forgetting those nippy days when the sun’s weak rays are no match for those icy blasts from our snow covered mountains.

Certain breeds are more susceptible to cold

Many of our pets are very susceptible to the cold, especially the very young and the very old, the short coated and the exotic which are designed for hot climates and are not physiologically able to adjust to the cold. These are the little souls who are the most affected by winter and who often succumb to hypothermia and quietly slip away, leaving their bereaved owners mystified by their untimely demise.

• Newly born and very young animals are dependent on their moms for warmth, as they are unable to maintain their own body temperature without help. The very old are at the same disadvantage and really need a nice warm spot to feel comfortable.

Coat length

And the length of the coat they wear plays a major role in how your pets are affected in winter. For example German Shepherds and Huskies grow thick fur coats to protect themselves against the elements, but their short haired cousins like Ridgebacks and Staffies are dependent on their humans to keep them warm during cold snaps.

• Birds are extremely temperature sensitive and need a protected, sunny, place to keep them healthy and chirpy - remember they are often trapped in cages and cannot escape icy draughts.

•  Old dogs and pups should be taken indoors during winter and given a warm drink, a basket and blankets, as well as a jacket if need be.

• All pets, especially short haired dogs, should have access to proper shelter where they may take refuge from the wind or rain.

• An outside kennel or hutch should be fitted with a heavy wind-flap and soft, insulated floor covering, because bare wood or plastic can freeze little bones to the marrow on a frosty night.

I also suspect cold floors, winter days and the lack of a warm refuge affect your pets so badly that they are the major cause of crippling arthritis and respiratory problems in later years - remember prevention is better than cure.
So when we resort to heaters, hot water bottles, extra blankets, warm clothing and cosy places, please think of your pets as well, because they also feel the cold, in exactly the same way humans do!