Winter is nearly here, the days will get shorter, the nights longer and the temperature will drop. Raining cats and dogs will be a thing and, depending where you live, snow will be a reality too. But it doesn’t have to be doom and gloom for you and your pet.

Here are a few helpful tips to survive winter with your pets…

As the heat pumps get adjusted from cooling to heating it’s time to consider where your pet is sleeping. Have they got somewhere warm and dry and free from draughts? Even pets living indoors will need a place to snuggle up on those chilly nights. They feel the cold as much as we do, so providing a warm bed where they can feel safe and secure is essential. There are many options available so you can choose the bed for your cat or dog that suits their needs best.  

Heat Pads for cats and dogs will provide extra needed warmth, these are especially important for older pets who may be suffering from arthritis and can experience increased pain and discomfort over the winter months, as well as young and unwell pets. They can be plugged in like an electric blanket or heated up in a microwave to provide up to 10 hours of warmth.

Getting outside for much needed fresh air is just as important for your dog's mental health as well as your own. So if you're in need of a jacket to keep warm and dry, your dog might need one too. This will depend on their age, body condition and coat type. Consider elderly pets, underweight pets, those who sleep outdoors and dogs with thin coats like Greyhounds, Vizsla's and miniature short haired breeds or dogs that have their coats clipped short.

There are various options whether it be a coat for protecting them from the wind and rain or something a bit more fashionable for giving them an extra warm layer indoors.

Don’t forget to check their paw pads regularly. Walking in wet and cold conditions can cause paw pads to become dry, cracked and, in some cases, very sore. You can protect their paws by using protective booties or consider rubbing a soothing cream or balm into dry, cracked paw pads. There are also balms and creams that can be applied to a dry cracked nose.  

Another thing to consider when heading outside this winter - it’s important to be safe and to be seen. Those early morning and evening walks may now be in the dark. Reflective leads, collars and harnesses will aid in keeping your dog visible as well as light up accessories that can be attached to your dogs lead or collar.

Keeping their skin and coat in tip top condition will be essential to help them brave the elements. Being out and about in the rain and mud during winter can take a toll on your pets coat. Double coated and long haired breeds can be prone to matts, regular brushing and the use of a deshedding tool or rake will be necessary. Waterless shampoo can also be useful when it isn’t suitable for a bath but their coat needs a bit of a clean. Deodorising sprays can also keep their coats smelling fresh in between washes.

Don’t let your guard down when it comes to fleas, while their life cycle does slow during the cooler months it doesn’t stop. Adult fleas will continue to emerge, infect your pet and lay hundreds of eggs in heated homes through-out the winter. Flea eggs and pupae can happily remain viable but dormant in temperatures as low as 5 degrees celsius. Continuous flea control with a product that kills both mature and immature stages of the flea will protect your pet and your home.

With the cold weather comes stiff aching joints, older pets will feel this more especially if they suffer from arthritis or hip dysplasia. Supplements supporting joint mobility can be added to their diet as well as a comfortable orthopaedic bed.

There will also be those days when no one wants to head outside, and snuggled up inside is the best place to be. This is when the indoor games will be vital to keep your pets simulated.

Your dog will benefit from indoor games of fetch up and down a hallway to burn off a bit of energy. While teasers and wands will give your cat the opportunity to hunt and pounce on its prey.

Play hide and seek with your dog's favourite toy or treat and see how quickly they can find their prize. You may need to set up a trail of their bikkies to get them started.

Make your dog work for its meals with a slow feeder. Or set up a puzzle or enrichment toy to keep them entertained. Your cat will also benefit from enrichment and puzzle toys as well as interactive and electronic toys on those days when no one wants to adventure outdoors.

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 .