As the days get colder, you'll be reaching for that blanket, chucking on an extra jacket, or digging out the heater. Some might be looking forward lacing up their ski boots. Even if you live in an area of New Zealand that doesn’t see snow, dropping temperatures, frequent rain, and icy winds can all pose a challenge to our furry friend. Just like hoomans, cats and dogs can feel the colder days too.

Here’s how to keep them warm, whatever winter is doing.

Sure, most of our cats and dogs rock fur coats but that doesn’t mean they’re well-equipped to cope with the cold. Issues that impact a pet’s tolerance for cold include their coat, age, size (including body fat), how active they are, and their overall health.

Here are 3 major ways cold weather can affect your pet’s health:

• • • Hypothermia or lowered core body temperature: hypothermia happens when pets are exposed to extreme cold for a long time, or if their skin or fur remain wet in the cold. Signs of hypothermia include paleness, shivering and a lack of energy. Untreated, it can lead to a coma.
    • Frostbite: frostbite most commonly affects dogs’ and cats’ paws, noses, ear tips and tails. It freezes and kills skin cells, causing the skin to look pale, bluish-white or grey. It’ll also feel colder and firmer than other skin.
    • Toxicity: bring on the cold temperatures, bring on the anti-freeze. Anti-freeze is incredibly toxic to pets, even the smallest amount they might step in and lick their paws can lead to accidental poisoning.

Even if it’s chilly, dogs still need to go outside for the toilet and exercise. If your dog doesn’t go to the toilet often enough, it can lead to health issues, especially bladder infections. Unless they’re indoor cats only, cats still need some fresh air and outside exploration time too.

If it’s especially cold, keep outdoor playtime short and opt for shorter than usual walks. Stock up on water resistant or thermal coats and booties to keep them, and their paws, dry and toasty.

No booties? When you come inside, keep a towel handy to remove any wetness or snow from their paws, especially in between their toes.

A good rule for judging whether it’s too cold for your pet to be outside is - if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them. Cats and dogs should be kept inside on extremely wintry days. But if your pet spends a lot of their time outside, you need to provide:

• • • A dry, draught-free shelter that they can sit up and lie down in, yet is small enough to contain their body heat. Cover the doorway with heavy plastic or other waterproof material that will stop cold winds from blowing in.
    • A raised sleeping spot that’s covered with wood shavings, straw or blankets. Check and change this bedding often to keep it clean and dry.
    • Plastic food and water bowls. When it gets too cold, their tongue can get stuck to metal bowls. Check regularly that their drinking water isn’t frozen.
    • Extra food. Animals’ bodies work extra hard to keep them warm during winter so they need more calories.

Although pets are drawn to heat sources, like heaters, fires and electric heating pads, they can pose a burn risk to animals. Instead, opt to keep them warm in safer ways.

Like the way you bundle them up in clothes when you take them outside, for small or short-haired animals, jumpers and coats (especially fleecy ones), can be worn indoors too, during the day or night.

Take a moment to check where your pet is sleeping. Tile, stone or wood floors feel extra cold during winter. Keep them warm all night long with a pet bed, rug, mattress or blankets. A raised bed, away from draughts and cold floors, can help too. Older or arthritic pets can benefit from pet-safe heat pads.

Small animals, including cats, are often drawn to the warm engines of recently driven cars. They’ll often snuggle in the warmth under the hood, in the wheel arch or under the car itself. Make sure you honk the horn or knock on the bonnet before starting your car.

We hope these tips keep your pets safe, warm and happy during winter. If you need any further help or have a question we haven’t answered, contact our friendly Pet Direct Customer Care team on 0800 200 240 or email support@petdirect.co.nz .