����������When the weather gets cold it's time to pile on the layers. We wear thicker clothing, bring out the quilts and blankets and light up the heaters. Just because our pets come with a natural fur coat, it doesn't mean that they're sorted for the winter months. They too need some additional warmth.

And just as we need to take health precautions to avoid getting sick, there are things we can do to ensure our pets stay healthy as the chill sets in. We've put together a list of things you can do to keep your pets warm and safe during the Maltese winter.

 

WHEN YOU'RE OUT

Keeping your pet indoors all winter might not be an option, especially if you have a dog. But there are certain measures you can take to ensure that your furry family members are safe and warm when outside.

 

Provide adequate shelter

It is ideal to keep your pets indoors with you. But if your dog has an outdoor kennel, make sure it does not allow cold wind or rain to leak into it. Insulate the base of the kennel from the humid ground with plastic sheeting topped with several layers of blankets and rugs. Cats are not built to withstand very cold temperatures so, if your cat is allowed out, try to keep it indoors in winter. Chances are the cat will want to stay inside anyway.

 

Dress them up

Keep your pets warm this winter by dressing them up in cosy outfits, whether they're indoors or outdoors. There is a wide selection of pet clothing to choose from in pet stores, so fear not, there's an option for just about any type of cat or dog.

 

Check your car's engine

Cats are known to seek warmth. And if your cat is allowed outside, it could climb into a vehicle engine in search of that warmth. So to avoid the unspeakable, knock on the hood of your car before you start your car. This will ensure that your cat, or any strays in the area, jump out in time.

 

Check their paws

After you take your dog for a walk check its paws for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. It is also advisable to clean their paws more often since the humid ground or soil is more likely to stick to their paws.

 

Collar and chip

When you head out make sure your pet has a well-fitting collar with up-to-date identification and contact information. Also make sure your dog is microchipped as requested by Malta's animal welfare regulations. The microchip, not larger than a grain of rice, is injected by a vet in the fold of skin between the dog's shoulder blades and remains active throughout its lifetime.

 

WHEN YOU'RE HOME

Chances are that your pet spends most of the day at home. So make sure that home is a warm place to be. You can do this by creating cosy areas around the house where your pet can snuggle into.

 

Get a health check

Make sure your pet is fit to endure the winter by visiting your vet. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, can make a pet less tolerant of cold temperatures. A thorough health check will also ensure that any underlying conditions, like arthritis, are identified in time to take the necessary precautions.

 

Create a warm environment

Maltese homes can get cold because of the high levels of humidity. Floors can become very cold to walk on. Dogs lose heat from their tongues and through the soles of their feet. So try to ensure your home is equipped for the winter months. If you spend time out of the house and leave your pet home alone, create warm spots around the house. Place layers of rugs on the ground and ensure that their food is not in a draughty area.

Bonus tip: Know your pet. Some breeds are more susceptible to the cold than others. Short-coated, thin, elderly, or very young cats and dogs get cold more quickly.

 

Provide cosy bedding

Just as you treasure your bed and the comfort it brings, so does your domestic buddy! Your cat's or dog's beddings should be, at least, three inches off the floor. Also, throw a blanket to the mix so they can curl up with it at night.

 

Ensure sufficient food

Provide your pets with more food during the colder months. Dogs, in particular, burn more calories in winter as they tend to spend more time outside and use the energy consumed to keep themselves warm.

Bonus tip: Always opt for a healthy, nutritious diet to avoid long-term health consequences.

 

Revisit the bathing routine

When you bathe a dog in winter make sure that the water is warm and use a towel to dry off your freshly groomed pet. Also, try to ensure that the room is warm and do not allow your dog out of the house and into the cold before completely dry.

 

Up the cuddles

Nothing will keep your pet warm this winter like love and heaps of cuddles! Whether it's stroking your cat or giving your dog that anticipated belly rub, there's nothing like some tender loving care to warm your pet's heart!

 

 

If you're thinking of getting your first pet, go ahead and visit one of the pet shops listed on Yellow. You could, of course, also head down to one of the animal shelters and adopt one of the adorable fur balls who are just waiting for someplace to call home.

Discover warmth and love - www.yellow.com.mt.�