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Get rid of the winter blues

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Winter

Get rid of the winter blues

Cover me in sunshine: Mood boosting advice to help rid the winter blues

During winter, many of us will experience what is commonly known as the “winter blues.” This phenomenon is often attributed to the seasonal changes in weather, the decrease in daylight hours, and a lack of sunshine. The underlying cause of this condition lies in the reduced exposure to sunlight, which disrupts our body’s internal clock and affects the levels of melatonin and serotonin, two important hormones that play a role in regulating our mood.

While the winter blues are not medically diagnosed, if you find yourself feeling a little sad or down in the dumps, with less energy and drive, there are a few things you can do to help.  Marycke Ackhurst, pet behaviour expert from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, says that pets are known to be able to provide us with comfort and help influence our mood. “One of the main reasons pets offer these therapeutic effects is because they fulfill the basic human need for touch. Stroking, holding, or having a pet sit on your lap can rapidly calm and soothe you when you’re stressed or anxious. The companionship of a pet can also ease loneliness, and most dogs provide great motivation for healthy exercise, which can substantially boost your mood and ease depression.”

The latest American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Healthy Minds Monthly Poll findings revealed 86% of pet parents feel their pets have had, and continue to have, a positive impact on their mental health, with the following key benefits:

  • Help reduce stress and anxiety (69%)
  • Provide unconditional love and support (69%)
  • Offer companionship (69%)
  • Provide a calming presence (66%)
  • Are true friends (63%)

“We don’t have specific SA statistics but would imagine that the picture isn’t vastly different locally,” Ackhurst adds. With this in mind, she provides the following tips to help fight off the winter blues and to keep the spring in your step: 

  • Getting outside into the sunlight – find a spot inside or outside where the sun can warm your bones.  Just as your cat enjoys lazing in the sun, this too can work wonders for your mood. 
  • Keep your body moving, even though you may be tempted to stay indoors, exercising outside in the sun is not only good for your mood and health but it is good for your dog too. Just like us, our pets tend to become lethargic in the colder months, and if your pet suffers from joint issues, it is even more important to keep them moving. Ackhurst says if your pet does have health issues it is important to consult your vet to determine the extent and type of exercise that is best for them.  
  • We may be tempted to indulge in unhealthy sugar and carbohydrates when it is cold, but our diet is as important as ever during winter, so including fruits and vegetables is key and don’t forget to monitor your pet’s diet too.  
  • Mood boosting cuddles can be a click away! If you are wanting to adopt a new pet into your family, download the Pet Matchmaker app, available on the iStore or Google Play Store, to help you find the perfect pet to match your personality and lifestyle. After all, what could be better than cuddling up on the couch with your pet on a cold winter’s night?
  • Even though you may feel like hibernating during winter, spending time doing the things you love with the people you love will help to keep your mood on the up.  Whether this be meeting friends for a Sunday morning walk or hike, visiting the cinema, or having friends over for a game’s night.  There is no need to lock yourself up at home till spring arrives. 

If you feel that you or a loved one may be suffering from depression, please contact a medical professional or South African Depression & Anxiety Group (S A D A G) on 080 012 1314 for help. 

For more information visit the Hill’s website

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

The brown bear: way of life & offspring

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The brown bear: way of life & offspring

A year in the life of a brown bear in the wild – from mating to winter sleep.

Brown bears are loners and roam through fixed territories. In the wild, bears can live to an age of around 20 to 25 years. Read here about a typical year in the life of a bear – its reproductive, feeding and resting cycle.

Mating time in spring and summer
The mating season for bears begins in May and June. During this period, the animals abandon their solitary way of life. Once a male has found a suitable female partner, he must proceed with caution –  first he must win her confidence. If the female does not accept his advances, he might get swiped by a paw. If she accepts him, the two roam together for a while, until they mate. Then they part ways and both look out for potential new partners. This way, the chance of fertilisation is bigger.

Fertilised egg cells do not nest in the female’s uterus until autumn (up to then they are dormant) and only develop once the bear has eaten enough to put on sufficient weight for the winter. This is the reason why most cubs are born at around the same time – approximately February – in the winter den. In lean years, the egg cells sometimes die because these young would probably not survive.

Communication: Quiet & Loud
Because bears are loners and do not live in a social group, the vocalisations they use to communicate are not very developed.

Young bears growl when drinking and squeal and snarl with playing. When the mother bear drives away her children after the rearing phase, she does so by snarling or ‘barking’.

Adult animals intimidate their rivals in a fight by fearsome roaring.

Offspring: small at first, then rapid growth
Bear cubs are born after a gestation period of around 180-270 days. The newborn bears are naked, blind and toothless and are completely dependent on the mother. A litter usually consists of one to three cubs that weigh only 300 to 400 grammes at birth, and are around 30 centimetres long. The mother’s milk, which is rich in fat, makes the cubs grow fast: after four months they already weigh four to five kilogrammes.

In the next three years, they learn everything about a bear’s life from their mother. They explore their surroundings with curiosity and make their own discoveries. But they always return to the mother who nurses them during the entire rearing phase. During this time, the mother animal is not ready for new young. This can sometimes cause a male intent on mating to kill her cubs in order to sire his own offspring. Only around half of the young survive the first three years. When rearing is over, the mother firmly drives away her offspring, especially the males. This serves to protect her from incest. Female young are allowed to remain in the territory for longer.

Source: FOUR PAWS 

The brown bear: torpor or hibernation?

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The brown bear: torpor or hibernation?

How bears doze through the cold season – eating nothing for up to three months

Brown bears enter a winter resting period between October and December. They usually dig a den which they may use for several consecutive years. Natural caves or rock fissures sometimes also serve as retreats. Before the winter sets in, the bears cushion their dens nicely with grass, leaves, ferns, moss and lichen. This cosy hole is ideal for dozing, because brown bears are not ‘true’ hibernators like, for example, hedgehogs. Although the frequency of their heartbeat and breathing slows down, the bears are easily woken and are able to defend themselves in the case of attack.

Before their winter rest, bears must eat enough to form a decent layer of fat since they lose around a third of their body weight during this sleeping phase. Incidentally, the scientific community is divided about how to describe the bears’ resting condition: as winter sleep, winter rest, torpor, hibernation – all these terms are in circulation. But it is always about saving energy during a time of scarce food.

It is often falsely assumed that bears are driven into their dens by the cold. But contrary to us humans, the bear is relatively insensitive to minus degrees, snow and frost. Bears use the rich autumn time when fruits containing plenty of fat and sugar such as nuts, beechnuts, seeds, berries, etc. can be harvested in order to gorge themselves fat. This layer of fat enables their survival in winter, under the condition of reduced energy consumption. For the latter, rest is an important precondition.

Winter dormancy or hibernation?

Bears go into torpor, which should not be confused with the deep hibernation of smaller mammals such as hedgehogs and marmots. During hibernation, the marmot reduces its metabolic rate to a tenth of its normal level: it breathes only once or twice per minute and its heart beats a maximum five times. Its body temperature drops to only three degrees Celcius.

The bear, on the other hand, reduces its circulation, breathing and heartbeat only to a level at which it is able to defend its den at any time. If it were to reduce the temperature of its heavy body, which weighs several hundred kilogrammes, to three degrees Celsius, it would be unable to ‘get into gear’ without an external energy source. The exact manner in which it manages its energy balance, the shape of its temperature curves and its restricted kidney function –  this all largely remains a mystery.

These questions are of great interest to human medicine. Taking into account that bears lie around for weeks without suffering a breakdown of bone or muscle mass, nor does the skin develop sores, a link can be made to one of the biggest challenges faced by geriatric medicine. And while kidney patients often need life-long dialysis, the bear can seemingly switch its kidney function ‘on and off’ when necessary.

The Bear: An artist of adaptation

Pregnant polar bears dig a den in the snow in November. They bury themselves there for the whole winter without hunting, and give birth to their young in the spring. During this time, their heart beat drops to an average eight beats per minute.

Each bear is different

Questions often crop up concerning the basic parameters of the winter resting phase, for example: how long do bears sleep? How much do they cool down? How much weight do they put on beforehand, and so on. The only reliable thing that can be said here is: bears are extraordinary individualists! This means that no one bear behaves like another, just as each winter is different. Like with all biological phenomena, a high degree of flexibility is involved. And that is vital because in changing environmental conditions, inflexibility has often led to the extinction of animal species.  

In isolated cases, bears do not enter torpor at all – sometimes because they are good hunters and have specialised in capturing old, weak or injured prey in the winter forest. Or because they have learnt to access alternative sources of food such as deer feeding stations, winter fields or waste produced by humans. In the same way, there are no fixed times for the start and end of the winter resting period. Bears sometimes become active during short, warm periods and dig for roots in the frost-free forest floor, then disappear back into the den with the new onset of winter.

Winter dormancy in captivity

The winter behaviour of bears in captivity is often used as a yardstick to measure whether an enclosure is well suited to the species. Many animal parks practically compete in proving the quality of their enclosures on the basis of how much and how long the bears sleep. Although there is some justification for this approach, the lack of a winter resting phase is no sure indicator for inadequate keeping conditions.

There is no form of keeping bears in captivity that equals the natural, a wild life of a bear – to come close, an enclosure would have to cover around one hundred hectares per bear. Some bears tolerate a fenced habitat better than others. Many, due to deficits in their early development, have developed such strong behavioural defects that these dominate their lives almost completely.

Freedom of choice is decisive: if wild animals have to live in captivity, it is important that they are provided with space for self-determination.

Source: FOUR PAWS

Be the reason one township pet stays warm this winter

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Be the reason one township pet stays warm this winter

As icy winds and heavy rains sweep through Cape Town, pets in the Khayelitsha township are feeling the full force of winter. The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and shelter is calling on the public to lend a paw by joining its annual Wagging Winter Shoebox drive – a simple and heartwarming way to help township animals stay warm and well cared for.

“Many people want to help but don’t always know how,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive at Mdzananda. “With this campaign, you can directly support a pet in need by packing a box of essentials to help them through the cold season.”

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic sees a surge in patients every winter. From hypothermia cases to injuries caused by reckless driving in wet weather, the challenges increase as the temperatures drop.

“Most township pets live outdoors. While many have kennels, there are still too many without adequate shelter. Keeping them warm is crucial to their health and survival,” explains du Plessis.

Despite the challenges, there is a silver lining. “We’ve seen a growing number of Khayelitsha residents actively caring for their pets – buying kennels, leads, collars, and better food,” says du Plessis. “Our clinic and shelter is bursting at the seams, which shows how much more people are prioritising their animals’ well-being. It’s a testament to the impact of our ongoing education efforts.”

To take part in the Wagging Winter Shoebox drive, pack a box full of essentials and drop it off at one of the allocated drop spots listed on https://mdzananda.co.za/make-a-donation/ . Goods to pack in the box include Hills A/D tinned food (for recovering pets), Milko Pup or Kitty Milk (for bottle-fed babies), food, blankets, hot water bottles, cat litter, automatic washing powder (for blanket washing), black bags (for cage cleaning), leads, collars and dog jackets.

If you can’t pack a box but wish to sponsor one, make a donation to Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Nedbank, Current account 1314465147, Branch code: 198765, Reference Box + Your Name or visit www.mdzananda.co.za

“The pets and rescues of Khayelitsha thanks everyone in advance for supporting this campaign to keep the animals warm this winter,” says du Plessis.

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About Mdzananda Animal Clinic
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is a permanent, veterinary council registered, NPO animal clinic and shelter in Khayelitsha, a township just outside of Cape Town, South Africa, home to 400 000 people (2011 census) and their pets. The reality is that the number is closer to one million people and that there is an estimate of 300 000 companion animals.

The clinic serves over 1500 animals per month through consultations, hospitalisation, general and orthopaedic surgeries, a sterilisation clinic, mobile clinics, an animal ambulance and a homeless pet shelter. Mdzananda has a strong focus on community empowerment and education to ensure responsible pet ownership into the future.

Source: Mdzananda Animal Clinic

Winter care for your feathered friend

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Winter care for your feathered friend

As the winter months approach, it’s essential to pay special attention to the well-being of your beloved parrots. These beautiful creatures have unique needs that require extra care during the colder seasons. By following a few guidelines, you can ensure that your feathered friends stay healthy and happy throughout the winter.

Adequate rest:

One fundamental aspect of parrot care is providing them with adequate rest. Just like humans, parrots need their sleep when the sun goes down. During the winter months, the days are shorter, and it’s crucial to create a conducive environment for their natural sleep patterns. Designate a quiet, dark room where your parrot can settle in for the night. Covering the cage with a lightweight, breathable cloth can help create a sense of darkness and security, mimicking their natural habitat. By ensuring they have an undisturbed rest, you’re helping them maintain their physical and mental well-being.

Increased food consumption:

In addition to creating a suitable sleep environment, it’s vital to meet their nutritional needs. During the winter, birds, including parrots, may naturally increase their food consumption. This is because their bodies need extra energy to stay warm in colder temperatures. As a responsible parrot owner, it’s important to provide them with a well-balanced diet to support their overall health. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, and high-quality parrot pellet. These provide essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are crucial for their immune system and vitality. Additionally, you can offer treats, as these can be a great source of healthy fats for your feathered friend. Our snacks range from our Veggie Treats to Tropical Sensation are perfect for this. 

Correct water temperature:

While ensuring a nutritious diet, it’s equally important to provide ample access to fresh water. Parrots, like all living creatures, require hydration for their bodily functions. In colder weather, the water may get chilled quickly, so it’s essential to regularly check and replace it with fresh, lukewarm water. Avoid using metal containers that can retain the cold, and opt for ceramic or plastic bowls that are easy to clean and maintain. If you use plastic bowls please make sure that they are good quality and that they don’t break easily as your feathered friend can swallow the plastic. 

Hygienic Environment:

Maintaining a clean and hygienic living space for your parrot is crucial, especially during the winter when they spend more time indoors. Regularly clean their cage, including the bars, perches, and tray, to prevent the accumulation of droppings and potential bacteria. Replace the bedding material and wipe down the surfaces with a bird-safe disinfectant to ensure a healthy living environment. This practice reduces the risk of respiratory issues and keeps your parrot’s overall well-being in check.

More interaction:

Remember, parrots are social animals that thrive on interaction and attention from their human companions. The winter months can sometimes bring a sense of isolation, so it’s crucial to spend quality time with your parrot. Engage them in interactive play, teach them new tricks, or simply enjoy their company through gentle conversation. Your love and attention will create a positive and stimulating environment for your parrot, warding off any feelings of loneliness during the colder days.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, caring for your parrot during the winter months involves some additional considerations, but the rewards are immeasurable. By providing a quiet, dark room for sleep, ensuring a nutritious diet with ample food and water, maintaining a clean living space, and showering them with love and attention, you are safeguarding their health and happiness during the winter season. Cherish these delightful creatures and embrace the joys of being a responsible parrot owner all year round.

Source: Nature’s Nest

Don’t let movement hibernate, here’s how to keep your dog active (and healthy) heading into winter

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Don’t let movement hibernate, here’s how to keep your dog active (and healthy) heading into winter

April might signal the start of cooler weather, but it’s also Active Dog Month, a timely reminder not to let the season put a pause on play. While you may be tempted to hunker down and embrace the indoors, your dog’s health doesn’t follow the weather report. Keeping them moving through the colder months is crucial, especially if they’re managing extra weight or joint stiffness.

According to Dr. Guy Fyvie, Senior Veterinary Affairs Manager at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, active living for dogs starts long before you clip on the leash.

“Nutrition plays a pivotal role in helping dogs maintain a healthy weight and supporting joint function,” he explains. “The right balance of nutrients can make exercise more comfortable and help dogs stay active for longer.”

New Hill’s Science Plan Perfect Weight & Active Mobility is formulated with both weight and movement in mind.  With research showing that more than half of household pets are overweight*, it’s clear we need to rethink what ‘healthy’ looks like. While daily walks and weekend hikes are vital, real change often starts in the bowl.

“This food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs,” says Dr. Fyvie. “It offers pet parents a smart, proactive way to manage their dog’s weight while helping them move more comfortably and stay active.”

Whether your dog’s exercise routine includes bounding through the park, gentle evening strolls, or weekend adventures, the goal is the same: to keep them moving in a way that supports their health, and your shared bond.

It doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Cold days might mean shorter outdoor bursts, but adding indoor games, or even a brisk hallway fetch session can go a long way in keeping your dog’s mind and muscles engaged.

At the end of the day, your dog isn’t thinking about calories, nutrients, or cartilage, all they want is to keep up with you. Active Dog Month is a reminder that movement, when supported by the right food, becomes a lifestyle, one filled with energy, exploration, and connection.

Visit Hill’s Pet Nutrition for more on Science Plan Perfect Weight & Active Mobility and how to support your pet’s health this winter.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Rabbit Winter Care

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Rabbit

Rabbit Winter Care

A how-to guide to making your rabbit enclosure winter-proof

Winter can be a challenge for pet rabbits especially if they are kept in an outdoor enclosure so it is very important that you consider your pet rabbit’s needs during the winter season.

While rabbits can naturally handle cold temperatures well, if they are kept in the wrong conditions they may suffer from hypothermia and frostbite. Smaller rabbit breeds are more at risk than larger ones because they cannot conserve heat so well.

To ensure your pet rabbit feels comfortable in winter you should make sure your rabbit enclosure is fully winter-proof before the start of the cold weather. You should also ensure that new pets are used to the outdoor enclosure in time for winter (from spring onwards).

Below are some tips on how you can make your pet rabbit comfortable this winter.

What to focus on:

Create cosy sleeping and nestling areas

  • A drought-proof winter hutch and enclosure should be set up; with a little technical skill this can be a straightforward task. The hutch/enclosure should be protected against rain, wind and snow so that bedding straw/litter in the interior does not become damp.
  • If several animals are to share the winter hutch/enclosure it must be large enough for all of them.

Keep off the ground

  • The enclosure and hutch should include several elevated levels to enable your rabbits to retreat to different levels if the ground is very cold; in particular, the sleeping compartment must not be too close to the ground, as it may be at risk of ground frost.

Insulation

  • Ensure the outside walls and the floor of the sleeping compartment are insulated. Thick polystyrene plates are good for this, although make sure you cover them as rabbits gnaw everything!

Protected roof

  • Tarpaulins are useful to protect the roof of the rabbit hutch from rain, wind and snow.

Litter

  • Litter such as straw or paper should be spread generously and thickly on the ground; this insulates well against the cold and gives the rabbits nice warm nesting material.

Heat lamp/self-heating pad

  • Depending on the outside temperature, rabbits may need a heat lamp. It must however be properly installed and used. Self-heating pads can also provide a good heat source but be aware they must be continually reheated.

Heating device for water bowl

  • Water freezes quickly in winter, so it is essential to ensure that water is always available for your rabbits.
  • There are several ways to do this: for example you can use heated bowls (available in pet shops), you could place heated flat stones or stone plates under the bowls (the stones can be heated in the oven), or you could place the water bowls under a heat source (such as a heat lamp). Just ensure that the water is tepid and not hot.
  • Even with a heating device, the water must be checked several times throughout the day and replaced if necessary.
  • Daily fresh water is essential in rabbit keeping at any time of year.

Fresh hay

  • Hay is the staple food of rabbits and must always be available to your rabbits.

Extra food

  • A portion of extra food during winter is recommended as it helps rabbits to build additional fat reserves against the cold.

Sufficient scope for movement

  • Rabbits require a sufficiently large outdoor enclosure to be able to move around extensively, perform their natural behaviour and keep warm.

At least one partner 
A rabbit needs at least one partner for company, ideally several, all of whom should be neutered and vaccinated. Social contact is very important for rabbits and will improve their well-being and provide the possibility of a warm cuddle!

Source: FOUR PAWS

Winter Blues? Add enrichment to your dog’s daily life

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Enrichment

Winter Blues? Add enrichment to your dog’s daily life

Enrichment – What is it?

Enrichment is a critical part of an animal’s daily life.  It shouldn’t be thought of only as a “treat” or only to provide when you’re leaving them on their own. Their everyday should be filled with enriching activities so they can live physically and emotionally healthy lives. Enrichment can help reduce undesirable behaviours that may develop as a result of boredom because the dog starts to entertain himself. Excessive barking, chewing or digging up the garden can be a result of boredom. By introducing enrichment into your dog’s life, you can prevent these unwanted behaviours from developing in excess and strengthen that wonderful bond between you and your pet dog.

Scenting & Scatter Feeding:
A dog navigates the world through his nose, so you can imagine how important scenting is for him. Scatter some of your dog’s daily portion of pellets into the garden, so he needs to use his nose to find them.  This scenting activity helps stimulate a part of your dog’s brain that helps promote calm.  Ditch the food bowl and get your dog using his wonderful brain and nose for his mealtimes. When dogs have to forage (sniff, search) for their food rather than eat out of a bowl, we are stimulating and seeing to their natural instincts.

Play “hide-the-treats”:
Hide treats or your dog’s favourite toys in the garden, encourage them to use their nose to find them.  Take a towel and roll up the treats inside. Your dog needs to use his brain to figure how to get the treats out.

Enrichment

A puzzle feeder:
These can slow fast eaters down and stimulate the mind. These days there are so many options and difficulty levels available in stores.

Egg box ball feeder:
Put treats in an egg box and place tennis balls on top of the hidden treats. He’ll have to scent, push and paw to get them out.

Kongs:
A durable rubber feeding toy that can be filled with the dog’s daily food allowance.  They are incredibly useful at relieving boredom, providing good mental stimulation and relieving stress or inappropriate chewing of other household items.  Soak some of your dog’s pellets in warm water, fill the KONG, “plug” the top with something like plain yoghurt or liver paste and there you have it – a fun, challenging work-to-eat toy.

On a Budget?
Everyday objects like egg boxes, paper rolls (the cardboard tube from the kitchen paper towels or toilet paper cardboard) come in handy.  Fill them up with dog pellets or treats and it will keep them stimulated for ages.  Dogs enjoying chewing, shredding or tossing them about to get the pellets out.

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

If you are cold, so are your pets

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If you are cold, so are your pets

Cold weather tips to keep your pets warm this winter!

With winter in full swing, it is our responsibility to keep our pets safe and warm and it is also required by law. All animal owners whether domestic animals, farm animals, or wildlife, are reminded to provide adequate shelter from adverse weather conditions.

MYTH: Cats and dogs are resistant to cold weather because they have fur.

FACT: They do feel cold and are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. When you are cold, they are cold too!

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Image by Rustplaas Dog Shelter

Editorial note: This article is a reprint from 3 May 2023.

WHICH ANIMALS ARE MOST SUSCEPTIBLE?

  • Puppies, kittens, and other young animals as they have not yet built up a resistance to the cold. Always keep them indoors, in a warm environment.
  • Older pets, like people, feel the cold more.
  • Short-coated animals.
  • Thin breeds or species of animals.
  • Pets with medical conditions. Cold weather worsens certain medical conditions, which can also cause these pets to struggle with regulating their body temperature.
cold

Image by The Paw Company

WINTER TIPS FOR ANIMALS

  • If your dog will tolerate a dog jersey, buy one and reduce exposure to the cold.
  • Make sure you shine when walking your dog in the dark by wearing reflective gear like a leash, clothing, bandana, collar, etc.
  • Towel dry your dog if they come inside damp. Check for cracks on the paw pads or redness between the toes and ensure you dry their feet properly.
  • Ideally, pets should be allowed to live inside, especially in cold or any extreme weather. If they are outside, bring them in during low/high temperatures. Remember to pet-proof your inside when you bring them in.
  • Raise their outdoor kennel off the ground. Ensure the kennel is solid, safe, waterproof, and in a dry place, facing away from wind and rain. Line it with soft and warm bedding.
  • Bath your pets as little as possible during the winter. Washing them too often in general, can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry and itchy skin. If they have to be bathed, ask your veterinarian for a moisturizing shampoo or use dry shampoo for a quick clean.
  • Anti-freeze is dangerous for pets. Thoroughly clean any spills from your car and keep them stocked away in a safe place where the animals can’t reach them.
  • Pets burn more energy to stay warm in the winter, so you can feed them a bit more. Cold weather can do a number on your pet’s system, but keeping them hydrated gives the body some energy needed to regulate temperature.
  • Ensure they always have plenty of fresh drinking water in clean bowls (not plastic).
  • Let their hair grow. The longer coat will give some extra protection.
  • Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from cold walls or areas with a draft. A cozy pet bed, large pillow, or folded duvet can also work. Some pets will also feel safe sleeping in the igloo pet beds.
  • Minimize their time outside. Limiting exposure to extreme temperatures is good for your pet.
  • Don’t stop exercising because of the weather! You can still exercise outside or get some exercise and mental stimulation inside the house. There are many videos and ideas on this.
  • Look for signs of hypothermia and get them to a vet immediately: whining, shivering, anxiety, slowing or stops moving, weakness, or looking for warm places to burrow.
  • Look out for heat-seeking behaviour from your pets like curling up small, shivering, seeking the heater, and more.
  • Provide livestock with structural shelters that have proper ventilation and bedding, as well as ample food and fresh water.
  • You can provide an outdoor shelter with food and fresh water for wild animals/community cats. Provide food for some wild animals like seeds for wild birds in your garden.
  • You may still need to protect your animals against fleas and ticks in winter. These parasites are present all year round. In winter they seek out warm places to live and will be more than happy to irritate the skin of your beloved pet. Don’t stop tick and flea control, however, don’t dip your dog in the cold. Rather use an alternate product that can be applied to dry skin. Always talk to your veterinarian.
  • When using a heater, ensure that the wiring is out of reach for your pets. Pets should not be left unsupervised with any heating appliances.
  • Birds specific – wall heaters in a safe place where the birds cannot get to chew on it or oil heaters can work, but never any gas, bar heaters, or form of wood or anthracite burning devices. Keep them out of a drafty area and you can use a blanket or cover for the cage if necessary. Keep their food dry.

BLANKETS FOR ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS

If you want to help a shelter, please DO NOT buy the budget blankets. They are disposables and have to be hand-washed. Shelters do not have the time to handwash these blankets every day. They are put in a kennel today and as they tear easily, they block the drains and have to be thrown away the next day. Rather buy stormy or fleece blankets.

Some groups do outreach to rural areas. They make pet beds from dog food bags with newspaper and other materials inside. The dog food bag helps keep the inside dry, while still providing a softer bed and offering some protection from the damp and cold ground. Contact Little Paws Big Hearts if you want to contribute to this project.

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Image by The Paw Company

CATS & OTHER SMALL ANIMALS
As temperatures are starting to drop or even in stormy weather, please remember that feral cats and other small animals may find shelter for themselves or their babies in and under your car. This is a reminder to TAP TAP TAP on your hoods & wheels and blow your horns to let them get out. You can tap and stand back for a while, but still check as well! We can share horror stories about injured cats due to this and can you imagine how hurt and scared they can be? Please take that extra minute before starting your cars. SAVE A LIFE

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Image: The Paw Company

If an owner leaves their pet in the cold, politely let them know you’re concerned. They might not know the risk that cold weather poses. If they respond poorly or continue with their neglect, time to speak up and report it to your nearest SPCA. If you see any stray animal suffering in the cold weather, please contact your local SPCA and take the animal in. Find your nearest SPCA here.

Remember that you choose to have your pet, they didn’t get to choose, so do right by them and keep them safe during all weather conditions. Their safety and care are your responsibility!

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin

Stay ahead of the chill: Essential health tips for your pets

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Stay ahead of the chill: Essential health tips for your pets

Health is on everyone’s minds as winter arrives.  While you are dosing the family in preparation with Vitamin C and ensuring that everyone is eating their five a-day, exercising and getting sufficient rest, this is a great time for you to do your pet’s health check too.   

Dr Guy Fyvie, Veterinary Affairs Manager from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, says that just like humans there are several elements that are required to keep your pet’s overall health in check. “So, whether it is an annual health check-up for your dog or cat or if you have noticed they are not acting their normal self, below are some things that will help contribute to your pet’s overall health.” 

Veterinary visit

  • Having an annual or twice-a-year general check-up will help to ensure that your pet is healthy, and any concerns are handled timeously, including keeping vaccinations up to date.   

A balanced diet and nutritional support

  • Your pet’s nutrition is an important part to help to prevent future ailments or to help alleviate current symptoms.  Dr Fyvie says that Hill’s Pet Nutrition has a range of foods to address the different needs of your pet.  For example, if your pet is experiencing digestive problems, Hill’s Science Plan Sensitive Stomach & Skin supports a healthy and gentle digestion while nourishing their skin.  One of the most common ailments to affect cats is urinary infections.  Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress Cat Food is clinically proven to lower the recurrence of the most common urinary signs by 89%, together with ingredients to help control stress.  Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d Food is proven to support your pet’s ability to run, walk, play, and jump.
  • As winter is approaching, we tend to turn to comfort food and in so doing often reward our pets by feeding them titbits or increasing their portion sizes. Dr Fyvie warns against this and suggests finding alternatives to treats, such as   rewarding your pet with play toys and walks.  Pet obesity is still the biggest health concern for our cats and dogs. 
  • Fresh water that is easily accessible throughout the day is as much a necessity in winter as it is in summer.

Exercise, entertainment and mental stimulation

  • Regular walks or play time in the garden or park will help to keep your dog physically active while also great for their mental health and allowing you to spend quality time with them.
  • Cats love interactive playtime whether it be following a laser pointer or playing with a catnip mouse.   
  • Puzzle toys that dispense food create challenges that  will help to keep your pet stimulated for ages.  

Grooming

  • A clean dog is a happy dog.  This doesn’t mean that your dog shouldn’t get dirty but bathing them regularly and keeping their coats in a great condition will make them comfortable and can also help prevent many skin issues.  Regular grooming can also help to pick up any health conditions timeously.  Regular brushing of your dog and cat’s coats will help to prevent matting and reduce shedding too. This is also a nice way to bond with your pet. 
  • Dental care is not only an important part of their hygiene but also their overall health.  Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly or make arrangements for an oral clean with your vet is recommended.  

Lastly, yet most importantly, is love and affection. Spend time with your pet to strengthen your bond and to help them feel loved and appreciated.  

Dr Fyvie concludes that if you notice any changes in your pet’s behaviour, appetite, or physical condition a visit to the vet may help to identify and correct any issues while helping to put your mind at ease.  

For more advice and help for caring for your pets visit PawPedia.co.za

Source: Paw Pedia