Keeping warm

Cold winter days may leave pets prone to stress and illness while you’re out if the heating isn’t on. Illness is one of the things with which Direct Line can help, with dog and cat insurance carrying low premiums, and of course we will offer advice on any questions you may have regarding vets bills. Details of the cover we offer and the costs, including a discount for insuring online, are at www.directline.com/pet/welcome.htm.

Like you, though, we’d rather your pets didn’t get ill in the first place. The first thing you need to do to help them stay healthy is to keep their vaccinations up to date; if an animal is likely to be vulnerable to cold weather conditions you might as well give them all the extra help you can.

It’s important too, to look at the bedding you’re offering them. Over the summer many dogs and cats will have been happy to sleep on the floor, or the sofa (until they’re caught!). But now the conditions are colder they will need an old blanket, preferably in a cat or dog bed. You can buy a heated bed if you think it necessary but mostly pets should be OK with a blanket – if you have an old one that will have some of your scent on it, so much the better. Make sure you put the bedding away from draughts.

And don’t forget safety. Cats and dogs that are in the habit of going for a wander will find that the familiar scents of home carry less well in cold conditions, so they may get lost more easily than usual. Also remember some smaller animals take to sleeping under the bonnet of a car for warmth if it’s spacious enough – so check under the bonnet before driving.

Keeping your heating on low while you’re at work will not only take the chill off your home for your animals, it might reduce the risk of your pipes freezing. Overall, keeping your pets warm in winter isn’t difficult – and enjoy the extra snuggling you’ll get from them when you come back in the evening!