It's best not to leave your pet outside when the temperature drops especially dogs with short hair, old dogs and puppies. All pets are safer indoors however if you do leave them outside, be sure to check on them regularly and when going for walks your dog will be warmer if it wears a coat.

Make sure your pet has a warm place to go when it gets cold. For cats, perhaps a small basket they can curl up in and for dogs, a warm dry kennel. It must be big enough for your dog to sit up and lie down, yet small enough so that it contains its body heat. Ensure the entrance of the kennel faces away from wind.

Keeping warm uses up a lot of energy so pets need to be fed more during Winter. It is ideal to feed your pet smaller portions more often, ideally one portion in the morning and one late afternoon. Make sure the food you are giving them is also rich in Antioxidants. These help with circulation and increase your pet's immune system which will help keep them healthy as the weather gets colder.

Regularly check that your pet's water dish has fresh water and is not frozen, consider using plastic bowls as your pet's tongue can get stuck on a cold metal bowl.

So for the next few months as the temperature begins to drop, keep an eye on your pet and make sure that they stay warm, happy and healthy this Winter.

For more ways to keep your pet healthy, click here

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