Pets

Our Pets

Snuggle in for winter to begin

By Libby Williams MHAO AHDip Animal Healer and Holistic Therapist www.libbywilliams.co.uk info@libbywilliams.co.uk 07966 639671

The darker nights are upon us and I don’t know about you but I just feel like snuggling in and hibernating ready for winter to begin, a lot of our lovely pets probably feel the same.

It’s not just us who feel the cold, our pets do too, rabbits will need plenty of extra warm bedding such as hay and straw, hutches should be cleaned out regularly and checked daily to ensure that they are not damp. Rabbits will still need their exercise in warm dry areas and also lots of company, if they don’t have another rabbit for company then ensure that you spend lots of good quality time with them. Whilst we might feel like hibernating, it’s important to remember that rabbits actually don’t hibernate, if your little one is losing weight, lethargic and not eating then these are signs that need to be taken seriously, get them to a Vet.

Dogs feel the cold too, just like us humans not all dogs are the same. Some dog breeds will be able to handle the cold much better than others, such as those with thick double coats like Siberian Huskies. Dogs with thin coats can be very vulnerable in cold weather as can small dogs, thinner dogs, puppies and older dogs, who will all get cold quicker. Pop a little coat on them if you feel they need it and watch out for signs of them being cold when you’re out, they may whine, seem anxious, shiver, lift their paws up or seem generally uncomfortable, get them home and warm them up.

Cats may be reluctant to go out, preferring to stay inside and get cosy but some do still like to get out for some fresh air. If you have a cat you may like to pop a litter tray down for them, they may prefer to stay indoors on particularly cold days. If you have more than one cat, put more than one litter tray down. When out and about, check cars before you start them as cats like to climb inside a car engine to keep warm. Be aware that antifreeze is poisonous to dogs and cats, they will be tempted to lick it as it’s so sweet, just a tiny bit can kill so it needs to be kept well out of reach and take care not to spill any.

It’s great to share the tasty treats with our furry friends, especially at this time of year but take care that you know what’s in those treats. Chocolate is toxic for dogs and many cakes contain sultanas, raisins and currants which are toxic too. You could always try making a dog friendly mince pie with real meat and carrots, why not add some sweet potato too and come up with a fun festive name for them. There are loads of home-made treat ideas online for cats, dogs, rabbits, budgies, parrots and other species of pets too, why not take a look and make them a tasty treat of their own.

Don’t forget the Wildlife as the winter months approach they will need some help, why not put some food out for them if you can spare it. Birds puff out their feathers to stay warm so please don’t mistake this for a fat bird, it could well be the complete opposite and they may really need some yummy scraps.

Enjoy the seasonal period and get ready to snuggle in for winter to begin, I know I will be!!!