CHILLY PAWS, and other such cold weather watch-outs for your pets

Hello! My name’s Basil, and my human is Shivaun Statham who’s a pet care advisors at Nestlé Purina PetCare in New Zealand. Because my human-friend is a pet care advisor, and because I’m a dog, of course, I know all there is to know about what us furry family members need to get us through the winter cold.

Generally speaking, July is the coldest month of the year in New Zealand, and while we have fur we still feel the cold too. Dogs don’t speak English, but my human and me are so in touch that I got her to translate for me, so I can give you my best winter advice for your pups this season.

Take me out!

I am desperate to get out for a run-around, even in the depths of winter. I need it for my health too! I know it’s not so appealing for you to go out on a cold, wet day, but I still need a run around. Put on one of those snuggly person-wraps you have and take me out – I’ll love you for it (even more than I already do, which is already a lot!).

Winter Layers

I always hear you people going on about how you’re putting on your ‘winter layers’, but guess what – I need them too! Well-fed dogs like myself are much better prepared to withstand the cold winter winds – and I’m not just saying that for extra treats. We dogs may need a little more food than normal to generate enough energy to stay warm, particularly if we’re outside dogs. Please keep me topped up with fresh water like normal, and if we’re in an area where water can freeze, you can get these super-cool electrically heated water bowls (every dog’s dream!).

Shelter

If I usually sleep outside, it may be time to bring me indoors when icy July rolls around. Put my kennel in the garage or the laundry, and I’d love an extra blanket on my bed! If I’m still kept outside, just make sure my shelter is insulated, elevated, protected from prevailing winds and watertight – no-one likes sleeping in a puddle, after all. Least of all me! The shelter should also be small enough to keep in my body heat when I’m all curled up, but large enough to be comfortable.

Fashion

You may love them or you may think I look silly, but when push comes to shove, a doggy jumper will keep me nice and warm, plus I think I look pretty suave in them! If I’m a short-haired dog, senior dog, puppy or if I have any health problems, I could be more prone to the cold, so I may need a dog jacket to keep me warm. I particularly like yellow (hint, hint Shivaun!).

Most importantly, the best way to keep warm is human touch – so keep up the pats and snuggles! And I’m not just saying that for extra pats...really, I’m not.

Anyway, I hope that helps. If you have any questions or concerns about your own dog this winter, Shivaun and my other human friends at Nestlé Purina PetCare in New Zealand offer a FREE advice service at 0800 PET VIP (0800 738 847).

I don’t always have an English translator like I do today, so the nice people there will help you work out what your pet needs. There’s a dedicated team of pet care advisors, including trained veterinary nurses and animal behaviourists, available to offer advice and support on a wide range questions about your pet, from health and nutrition to behaviour, training and socialisation, as well as information about the best Purina food for your pet in winter, and how much they should be having.

Woof!