Ensure your pet sleeps inside this winter
SANDTON – With temperatures dropping below zero in some areas, your dogs should sleep inside.
Cold temperatures not only pose a risk to people but also to animals that are exposed to the elements.
In light of this, the Sandton SPCA has provided some insights on how to keep your pets warm.
Jaco Pieterse, general manager at the Sandton SPCA said when we feel the cold, the animals feel it too.
He suggested that animals be allowed to sleep indoors. “If it is not possible for animals to sleep indoors, then ensure they have adequate shelter in the form of a wooden kennel with a warm blanket inside.
“Animals can freeze to death or get pneumonia.”
Pieterse said to place the kennel in such a manner that it blocks the cold wind and to not shave the animals in winter. “Their coat is very important to keep them warm and give your animals a jacket to wear to keep them warm.”
Animals with shorter coats are more prone to getting colder than those with medium or long coats.
He suggested drying your dog’s paws if they are taken for early morning and evening walks.
The Sandton SPCA donates old blankets to impoverished people so they can keep their animals warm.
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During the cold months, the society is always in need of blankets. “We use the blankets that are donated to us for the animals in our care as well as animals we come across in the field that do not have blankets.
“We also do pro-active inspections to ensure that animals are kept adequately and not left without shelter.”
The animals at the SPCA are kept warm with infra-red lights and jackets are put on the smaller dogs and puppies. “Unfortunately, our electricity bill is more expensive with the usage of these lights, but at least all our animals are sleeping warm.”
Details: Sandton SPCA 011 444 7730.
Do you have tips to ensure your animals keep warm? Share your stories with us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page.
