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Keeping your pets happy and healthy this Winter
Here are our tips on keeping your cats and dogs happy and healthy this winter. 
Cats
SAD Cats
Animals can get the winter blues too. Pets tend to eat more, avoid exercise and are grumpier during the winter months. Play with your cat each day to cheer them up. If you have a cardboard box then you can use this in many ways to entertain your moggie, or you could even create a newspaper tunnel for your cat to play and hide in. Also talk to and cuddle your cat, which will probably cheer you up as well if you're getting the winter blues.
Keeping Warm
Cats love curling up in a warm place for a nap, so make sure that they have a nice and snuggly place to sleep. We also recommend keeping your cat indoors at night time through the winter months. Being exposed to very cold temperatures for long periods is as dangerous to cats as it is to humans.
Remember to protect your cat from open fireplaces, wood stoves and heaters. Also, before you start your car, remember to check your bonnet and the wheel arches as these can be a favourite place for a cat to sleep due to the warmth from the engine. It's a good idea to check your cat flap regularly as they can freeze up, meaning your cat will be out in the cold.
Peace and quiet
Pets can find the festive season quite stressful with fireworks, lots of decorations and visitors. If you're planning a party or having guests over, then make sure your cat has a quiet place to retreat to away from the crowds. Purchase some special treats for them which may help to keep them calm.
Festive food
There's no harm in giving your pet a taste of turkey or salmon this Christmas, but don't over do it. Many vets see poorly pets at this time of year that have been eating food that they are not use to or they have eaten too much. Some rich foods like chocolate are poisonous to cats.
Christmas tree safety
Lots of cats love to climb the Christmas tree but discourage them from doing so and never encourage them to play with decorations. Make sure that the base of the tree is sturdy just in case your cat does decide to climb it when you're not looking.
Plants and flowers
Poinsettias, amaryllis, mistletoe, holly, ivy and lilies are poisonous for cats. If you have them in the house, then keep them well out of your pets way.
Dogs
SAD dogs
Animals can get the winter blues too. Pets tend to eat more, avoid exercise and are grumpier during the winter months. Play with your dog each day to cheer them up, and regularly take them for a walk.
Keeping warm
Let your dog's winter coat grow through so they have their natural protection against the cold. However, if you have got a puppy, or your dog is a short haired older dog, think about buying them a winter coat.
Make sure their bed is placed in a warm, safe place away from drafts.If it's really cold, you can always throw a blanket over your dogs body at night to keep him warm.
Staying safe outdoors
Always keep your dog on a lead if the weather is really bad, especially if it's windy or there's a heavy snow fall. When it snows heavily, it can be quite disorientating for dogs because it affects their sense of smell, so they may easily lose your scent and end up getting lost when out on a walk.
Never let your dog walk on any frozen water this includes ponds, rivers or lakes because the ice may not be thick enough to take their weight
Keepa regular check on your dogs paws as ice and snow can ball up in the spacebetween toes.
One thing that dogs find extremely tasty is antifreeze, however, this is highly toxic to them so if you do spill any, make sure you clean it up immediately.
Peace and quiet
Some pets can find the festive season quite stressful with fireworks, lots of decorations and visitors. If you're planning a party or having guests over, then make sure your dog has a quiet place to retreat to away from the crowds.
Festive food
There's no harm in giving your pet a taste of turkey or salmon this Christmas, but don't over do it. Many vets see poorly pets at this time of year that have been eating food that they are not use to or they have eaten too much. Some rich foods like chocolate are poisonous to dogs.
Plants and flowers
Poinsettias, amaryllis, mistletoe, holly, ivy and lilies are poisonous for dogs. If you have them in the house, then keep them well out of your pets way.
Published on Wednesday 2nd November 2016
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