KEEP YOUR PET WARM

A cold weather guide

WITH the winter season looming we need to keep safe, warm and healthy, so do our fur babies.

While a number of factors contribute to an increase in sickness in the winter season, just like humans, dogs and cats can catch a cold when the temperature drops.

So, we have compiled key pointers that can help keep your four-legged companions warm during the freezing cold winter nights.

Keep your pet’s shelter warm and dry

While many pets live inside with their owners or pet parents, there are some who live outdoors, and during those cold winter nights, it’s ideal to bring your pooch or kitty inside.

Make room for your pets somewhere safe to keep them warm. Remember even if your pet lives inside the house, don’t let them sleep on the floor. If your feet can’t handle the icy cold floors, your pet’s body won’t either.

Ensure that your pet has a comfortable bed and a blanket.

For pets that live outdoors, ensure that their shed or kennel is warm and windproof, add a mattress and thick blankets too.

SPCA Tshwane Veterinarian, Dr Floris Kruger advised cat owners to have a clean litter box that is inside the house because if it’s too cold cats won’t go outside to use a litter box and it will lead to bladder infections.

Minimise bathing in winter

Bathe your pets as little as possible during winter. Washing too often removes oils and increase the chance of developing dry skin.

Trim, don’t shave down their fur coat

Never shave your dog down to their skin. In winter leave their long coat as this protects them from the cold. Keep coatless cats indoors.

Dress them up in sweaters and coats

Some dogs may not have enough fur to keep them warm, so if your pooch doesn’t have long hair, get them a pet coat or hoodie jacket.

The sweater or jacket will help to retain body heat and prevent their skin from getting dry.

Make sure you get the right size coat or sweater for your pup. A tight jacket can restrict the dog’s movement and possibly cause irritations at pressure points like the back of the neck and armpits.

These clothing items should not be worn inside the house as dogs can overheat easily.

Nutrition plays a vital role in pets during winter

Just like humans, we tend to eat more during winter, so does your pet. Feed them a little bit more during the cold weather and making sure they always have plenty of water to drink, to help to keep them well-hydrated.

But it’s important not to go overboard with feeding your pets.

We chatted to Tilana Mare, Nutritional Development Manager at Montego Pet Nutrition about food allergies, particularly as the season changes.

“Pets are like people in more ways than we realise. They love a meal that’s full of flavour and benefit greatly from food made with quality ingredients, and they, too, can be allergic to certain ingredients in their food, which is where protein alternatives in their food become essential,” says Mare.

Below are some of the tips Mare would like to share with pet parents to help identify if their fur baby is allergic to certain foods.

How do I know my pet is allergic to certain foods?

Vomiting, diarrhoea and itchy skin are just some of the concerning symptoms to look out for in both cats and dogs.

More specifically, dogs may land up with ear infections, while cats may experience wheezing, gas and bloating as a result of eating certain foods that don’t agree with them.

It’s often large, giant or specific dog breeds like Great Danes and Boerboels that experience food allergies. In cats, Siamese and Siamese cross-breed have shown more prevalence to food allergies than other breeds.

The power of protein alternatives – especially for chicken adversity

While chicken is a great protein source that provides essential amino acids to support strong muscles and provide energy, up to 25% of dogs can have an adverse reaction to it, so a protein alternative is a must.

In this case, lamb, venison, and beef is a go-to protein alternative for dogs with chicken sensitivities. It’s ironrich and a great source of B vitamins and Zinc. Venison is seen as a novel protein source making it a perfect choice for a hypoallergenic diet.

Chicken is also a common ingredient in cat food and one that tends to cause more allergic reactions in cats.

In this case, trout, for example, is a tasty, highprotein alternative that is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, providing vitamins and minerals essential for your cat.

Other pet food pros and no-no’s

For dogs with joint health problems or sensitive skin, consider adding collagen to their diet. Better yet, opt for dog food that already contains collagen. This will support active and growing joints while soothing and repairing the skin.

With a little trial and error, you can find a protein alternative for your pet to help alleviate any pain or discomfort, allowing your fur baby to tuck in at mealtimes without feeling sick later on.

Remember to give it around six to eight weeks before you judge whether the new food has made a difference or not.

A limited-ingredient diet for adult dogs and cats experiencing digestive disorders and intolerances, delicate stomachs, or skin sensitivities can make the world of a difference.