The sudden cool winter weather always comes as a shock to us in the Redlands, especially when we enjoy higher Autumn temperatures in Queensland, Brisbane and surrounds. The first hint that winter is on its way is when our dogs start curling up in a ball on their beds or eyeing out ours!
Luckily winter does not last long in Queensland, and many people believe our pets don’t need anything extra during this time, however, some of our fur babies may need an extra layer or two, especially if they are accustomed to living indoors.
Older dogs especially might find it a bit more challenging getting around during these colder months due to arthritis, so what can we do as pet owners to keep them safe, healthy and make their lives a little easier during the winter months? Here are our favourite tips for keeping your pets healthy and warm during the Queensland winter months:
Warm winter bedding.
Just like humans, our pets may slow down daily movement and activity during the winter months to conserve energy and keep warm. Consider investing in a nice warm blanket, a new thicker bed (ideally a raised option), or pet heating pads, as the radiating warmth can alleviate pain and improve mobility in dogs with arthritis.
Winter wardrobe.
Most dogs don't have an issue heading outside when it's warm, however, some dogs may be especially sensitive to the colder weather in Queensland since our summer months can get very hot and humid. A winter dog coat or jumper can make all the difference to the comfort of your pet, especially for those hairless breeds, very small or senior dogs.
Winter feeding.
How often have we read the advice that our dogs and cats will burn off more calories in winter than they do in summer because they are trying to keep themselves warm so we should feed them more?
With 41% of dogs already overweight or obese in Australia, this has serious consequences on their health (causing a host of diseases) and reducing their lifespan. At Baybreeze Family Vets, we recommend keeping their portions controlled all year round so that they don’t put on weight and add any unnecessary strain to joints. We would encourage all pet owners to include a high-quality dog supplement to boost your dog's immune system, gut and general wellbeing during the winter months.
Senior dog care.
As senior dogs have more sensitive joints and when the temperature drops, these aches and pains (like our own) can be much more painful and require more care and attention.
Pet owners should be mindful of giving them age-appropriate exercise regularly to keep their muscles supple and encourage blood circulation.
Regular Vet Health & Wellness checks.
It's a good idea to book your pets in for a health check-up with Baybreeze Family Vet Clinic. The cold weather can lower pets’ immune system, making them more susceptible to health problems. For elderly pets, check-ups every six months are recommended to make sure any health problems are detected early and efficiently treated.
If you are unsure if your pet is within the healthy weight range, suffers from any joint or mobility issues, or would just like to book a general check-up, please feel free to contact us at (07) 3103 8432 or send us an email at info@baybreezevets.com.au. We would be more than happy to have a friendly chat and provide you with expert veterinary advice.