Keep your pet safe from these winter hazards

Winter is here, read our top tips to help keep your pet safe:

Know your pet’s limits: Just like people, pets’ tolerance to cold can vary based on their coat, fat stores, age and health. The very young and very old can really suffer in the colder weather. You need to offer your pet warm, protected and safe sleeping options. Ask us for advice to help determine what is suitable for your pet.

Coats and clothing: A coat might be helpful for pets that have been clipped, or are old and feel the cold, but most pet clothing is unnecessary and can impede an animal’s ability to regulate his own temperature. They can also cause skin problems due to overheating so never leave your pet unattended if they are wearing a coat.

Frozen water: In some areas of Australia it gets so cold overnight that your pet’s water bowl may freeze over. Sometimes it doesn’t get a chance to melt during the day so your pet will have no access to water. We recommend that you check your pet’s water twice daily.

Rodenticide poisoning: Winter is a more common time for the use of rat and mouse bait so take extra care not to allow your pet access to this potentially deadly poison.

Check under the bonnet: Cats and other critters may seek out a warm spot under your car bonnet on a cold night, so it’s a good idea to honk the horn or bang on the bonnet before you turn on your car engine just to be sure.

Anti-freeze: If you are heading to the snowfields and are using anti-freeze in your car, make sure it is out of your pet’s reach. Dogs especially like the initial taste of anti-freeze but it is highly poisonous.

Please contact us if you ever have any concerns about your pet, we are always here to give you advice.