Just like that, Winter is almost upon us here in Victoria. As I write these words on a Friday evening, I’m snuggled up on the couch, pets by my side, and unlikely to move until it’s time for bed! The leaves outside have turned beautiful shades of gold, orange and brown, the days are short, there’s a familiar chill in the air after dark and one of our favourite cold weather features – the comforting smell of an open fireplace has returned. 🍁🧣
For many, the colder months mean hibernation and a welcome slowing down after the busy social days of Summer. However, just like us humans, our furry friends can also experience the Winter blues from a lack of sunshine and outdoor activity. That’s why this month the Pets Country Club team share some handy tips for staying warm in Winter that will help keep your household feeling as snug as a rug for the next few months! 😊
Keep your pets warm & dry
The first and most important tip for all pet parents is to keep your furry friends warm and cozy! During Victoria’s cold and often wet winter months, try to keep them indoors as much as possible. When they do go outside, make sure they have a snug, dry shelter or kennel to protect them from the chilly weather. You can also put jackets on your dogs and provide blankets to keep them extra warm. This is especially important for short-haired cuties like Beagles, Boston Terriers, and Greyhounds, who don't have extra fur to stay insulated. The same goes for tiny puppies and kittens, who need a little extra help staying toasty.
Make a cozy indoor and outdoor space for your pets during Winter
Keep them indoors when possible
Give them blankets and jackets if needed
Keep them moving!
While our second tip might sound contradictory, keeping your pets active through regular exercise during the long Winter months is just as important for maintaining their health and wellbeing as ensuring they’re warm and dry. Whether exercise for your furry friend is a leisurely daily walk around the block or letting them bask in the gentle winter sun, the key is to get them (and yourself) moving a little bit each day. Not only will exercise warm them up and ward off winter blues, it will also keep in check any excess kilos from all that tasty comfort food! If you’re worried about catching a cold on those chilly days, the Pets Country Club team recommend investing in a top-quality RSPCA Dog Coat for extra comfort. 😊
Ensure your pets still get plenty of exercise, especially on sunny days
Exercise will not only warm them up, but will ward off excess kilos!
Invest in a quality Dog Coat for extra outdoor comfort
Add extra layers to their bed
Just as we pile on extra layers for our own beds as Winter arrives, your furry friends will be wagging their tails in appreciation if you do the same for them! Whether it’s another blanket or two, or even a microwavable heat pad for extra cold nights, giving your pets TLC in the form of a higher thread count is sure to make their sleeping space feel extra cosy, aiding a well-earned rest for you both. Another handy tip is to move their bed or indoor kennel away from cold draughts (which tend to flow near doors and windows) and invest in a raised bed.
Add extra layers of blankets to your pet’s bed/indoor kennel
Consider microwavable heat pads for extra cold nights
Consider investing in a raised bed too
Hydration + healthy diet is key!
Despite Victorian Winters typically being wet and cold, our pets still need plenty of water and healthy food to keep them going, especially as harsh indoor heating can be dehydrating. You’ll also want to maintain a well-balanced diet of nutritious meals, which combined with regular exercise will keep them in good shape. P.S. Check your pet’s water bowl in the mornings to make sure it hasn’t frosted over!
Keep up their water intake through Winter, indoor heating can be harsh
Maintain a well-balanced diet too
Maintain their regular vet visits
Maintaining regular 6-month check-ups at your local vet is vital in Winter, when seasonal ailments like cat flu, canine arthritis and even skin problems (from too much time in the rain) often arise. Don’t have a regular vet? We recommend visiting the RSPCA and AVA (Australian Veterinary Association) directory to find a qualified practitioner close to home.
Keep up your regular 6-month vet visits
Watch for signs of seasonal ailments, including cat flu and canine arthritis
Embrace those cosy moments at home
Which brings us to our final point… simply enjoy those cosy Winter moments at home with your best friend(s) by your side. From lazy evenings cuddling on the couch, to morning walks amongst the Autumn leaves, these are the things that life is all about. 😊🍁
Keen to soak up the sun further north this Winter and need a warm, cosy place for your furry friend to stay? Contact our friendly team at Pets Country Club Lara on (03) 5282 1286. For shorter stays, there’s our Doggy Day Care service, complete with climate-controlled rooms and plenty of blankets for a cosy midday nap!