Winter pet care

Well where to begin? With the current news stories it can feel like we are lucky to survive winter at all, and that there are pitfalls everywhere! So let’s have a practical reality check…

Conkers

As featured in Country Living magazine I have shared what to do if your dog chews or swallows a conker - always phone your vet!

Salt/grit

Salt on roads and pavements is an irritant to pads and tissue, so make sure you wash your dog’s feet after a walk (or your cat, if they’re brave enough to venture outdoors). Simple paw cleaning with a damp then dry towel is all that is needed!

Overdosing on salt can also be a danger – although, oddly, salt toxicity is noted more from eating homemade play-doh than from our roads. Homemade play-doh contains large amounts of salt to make it last longer, so should be treated like normal food stuffs and kept out of a dogs reach.

Sub-zero temperatures

The cold weather is not nice for anyone! Dressing up dogs with thin coats is now essential and not a fashion statement! Especially those with tums close to the ground…

For older pets arthritic joints can hurt more in the cold weather, so check where their bed is – out of draughts and near a heat source is best. Also, consider a heat pad, but advise clients to avoid the novelty ones that come with a bed. The ones from PetSavers, or the ones you use in practice are best. Plug in, wipeable, limited to 38°C for safety, and can be left on overnight. They’re safe, they work and they last for ages!

Small furries

As traditional outdoor pets, small furries need more care at this time of year. If they are to remain outside they need extra bedding, better shelter and more water resources. Water needs to be checked 3-4 times daily to avoid freezing. Single bunnies or Guinea pigs need even more warmth as there is no-one to snuggle with, so moving them into a shed, garage, or even into the house, is advisable.

Reptiles

The lucky ones live in tropical luxury all year round. For our Mediterranean tortoises we need to decide whether we are hibernating or providing heat and light to overwinter. The Tortoise Trust website can be really helpful in helping make such a decision.

Tales of frozen eyes after inadequate insulation during hibernation, and nibbled toes after mice and rats have discovered a sleeping tortoise are true, so if you do hibernate, keep them safe!

Keep safe – nurses, pets, everyone!