Keeping your dog warm this winter – Best Comment Wins

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Congratulations to Ursula Erlington. You are the winner of a dog chew toy and food bowl! We loved reading your entry, it brought a smile to all of our faces

Well may you laugh when you see a pampered pooch strutting his stuff down the street in a Louis Vuitton jacket, and you’d be forgiven for having a chuckle when you spy that kooky cat with the ear-muffs, but while some measures may seem excessive, it is important to keep in mind as the mercury drops this winter that animals feel the cold too, and that you may need to make some adjustments, especially overnight, to ensure your pet stays snug this season.

Dr Graham Swinney, (President of the Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association) in an article for HCF’s fit and well magazine, suggests that letting your cat or dog sleep inside in the coldest months is the best way to protect against cold-related illnesses. Puppies, kittens elderly animals and short-haired animals may need special consideration, especially if you live somewhere where the temperature drops below freezing overnight.

Older animals, like humans, can experience arthritis, a disease that is greatly exacerbated by cold weather.
If you do keep your dog outside, vets recommend that you ensure that they have a snug well-lined and protected sleeping area available that is free from draughts. Dr Swinney also reminds us to make sure that our pet always has access to a bowl of unfrozen water. It may seem obvious when it’s pointed out – but how often does the temperature drop below freezing when we least expect it to?

If you need an extra excuse to relax the rules and let your furry friend sleep inside this winter, consider this: A well-placed pooch at the foot of your bed provides the best hot-water bottle alternative we’ve come across in years!

Leave a comment telling us how you keep your pooch warm in winter to win a Chew Toy and Food Bowl! The most original comment will win! Be sure to include a valid email address so we can contact you about your prize.

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Image sources: romeo’s mom and vtitov