With Pretorians facing another cold front, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) recently urged residents to keep their pets warm.
“You are probably aware of the risks posed by warm weather and leaving pets in hot cars,” asked Tshwane SPCA Elsa Daniels.
“But did you know that cold weather also poses serious threats to your pet’s health?”
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Daniels explained that companion animals weren’t the only animals in need of protection during the winter months.
Livestock, including horses and donkeys, have their own unique considerations and needs when the weather gets cold, she said.
SPCA Tshwane Veterinarian Dr Floris Kruger provided the following safety tips for pet owners:
– Make sure your dog is vaccinated against Kennel Cough and the normal 5-in-1 vaccine as cold air into the lungs will predispose them to bronchitis.
– Cold weather will exacerbate arthritis in all joints and this will be evident by your pet getting up slowly after lying down for a while, not being able to jump on couches and beds and struggling to walk up the stairs. Please consult your veterinarian if you think your pet has arthritis as it is a painful condition but can be treated by a veterinarian.
– Gauteng can get very cold at night in winter and all animals should have access to proper shelter.
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– All animals, regardless of breed younger than 1 year of age, should be inside a house at night. Breeds with thick coats such as Huskies, St. Bernards, Chow’s and German Shepards might prefer to stay outside during the night but they should always have the option to come inside if they want to. Small breeds with short hair such as Yorkies, Pekingese, Doberman Pinchers and Toy Poms should definitely be protected from the cold.
– Even though the animals are inside at night, the floor might be very cold so it’s a good idea to put a couple of newspapers under the dog’s blanket to insulate against the cold.
– Make sure that your cat has a clean litter box in the house because if it’s too cold cats won’t go outside to use a litter box and it will lead to bladder infections.
– In a multi cat household there should always be one more litter box than the cats in the house and the litter boxes should be in different rooms and not close to cat food as cats are very territorial and can feel threatened if all the litter boxes are in the same place.
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Waltloo branch kennel manager, Karen Gelderblom added that wooden dog kennels could be insulated by nailing carpet pieces to the floor and insides of the kennel.
“Kennels placed on a patio or veranda are naturally more protected from wind than a kennel placed in the garden,” she said.
“The floor of the kennel should be off the ground, and the bedding should be thick, dry and changed regularly to provide a warm, dry environment.”
“The door to the kennel should be positioned away from prevailing winds.”
Daniels said if a dog has a short coat, or seems bothered by the cold, residents should consider a sweater or dog coat.
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“Chances are good that your pets will be spending more time inside during the winter, therefore make sure that your house is properly pet-proofed,” she said.
“Use heaters with caution around pets, because they can burn or they can be knocked over.”
Contact the Tshwane SPCA for more information.
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