Sandton SPCA shares winter care tips for pet owners
As winter temperatures drop, the Sandton SPCA is urging pet owners to keep their cats and dogs warm, well-fed, active, and loved, while encouraging the community to adopt animals in need of forever homes.
Winter is upon us, and the Sandton SPCA is reminding pet owners that dogs and cats need extra care during the colder months to stay healthy and warm.
According to Sandton SPCA inspectors manager Xolane Mncube, one of the most important aspects of winter pet care is ensuring animals have adequate shelter. “Your pet’s shelter must be warm, clean, and comfortable, with blankets to protect them from the cold. Wherever possible, we encourage owners to keep their pets indoors during winter.”
He added that if heaters are used inside the home, they should be safe and positioned in a way that prevents animals from being injured.
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For pets that remain outdoors, Mncube recommends providing a weatherproof kennel that protects them from rain, wind, and harsh weather conditions.
He also advised pet owners to consider fitting outdoor pets with warm jackets to help them cope with low temperatures, adding that health nutrition also plays a vital role during winter. “Pets generally eat more during winter because they need to gain a little bit of weight and they must be very active. Make sure you provide them with clean, fresh water and a balanced diet. If you’re unsure about the right food for your pet, consult your veterinarian.
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: As winter settles in, Sandton SPCA inspectors manager Xolane Mncube shares practical tips to help keep your cats and dogs warm, healthy, and happy. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Sandton #SPCA #animallover #savealife ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
“It’s important to groom your animal during winter. That plays a huge role as well in taking care of your animal and exercising. I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to exercise your animals. Take them for walks, let them stretch and play, take them to parks, it’s important.”
Mncube also stressed that pets need love and attention, saying that love and care are just as important as food and shelter.
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Mncube said Sandton SPCA believes in the five freedoms of animal welfare, which includes, freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury, or disease, freedom to express normal behaviour, and freedom from fear and distress.
Mncube encouraged the community to visit Sandton SPCA to adopt and give fury friends a warm home this winter. “I’m here with Morena, one of our cats, who is looking for a loving home this winter. We also have many wonderful dogs and cats waiting for their forever families. We encourage the public to visit the Sandton SPCA and adopt.
“Remember a warm home, good nutrition, regular exercise, fresh water, and lots of love are the best way to keep your cats and dogs’ healthy and happy throughout the winter season.”
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