The Southern Highland climate means extra-cool winters; when it’s time to rug up, keep the house warm and cosy, and make sure our pets are well looked after — especially the older ones. Here are our best winter warming tips for your pets:

1. Make a warm, safe space for them

Exposure to cold weather is dangerous for any animal. Where possible, give pets access to indoor shelter. Cats and dogs that live outside should have a kennel or enclosure that is windproof, waterproof, dry, and elevated off the ground. Add warm bedding — like blankets — to keep them snug. Indoor pets also need a warm place to sleep; provide bedding away from cold tiles or floorboards, with extra blankets for comfort. Cats especially love igloo-style enclosures, as do some smaller breeds like chihuahuas.

2. Keep them safe inside

Indoor pets tend to spend more time inside during the cold, wet winter months, which can increase risks around heaters and fireplaces. Always switch off appliances before leaving the house, keep electric cords out of reach or stored away, and use secure safety grills in front of fireplaces.

3. The winter wobbles

As temperatures drop, animals naturally burn more calories to regulate their core body temperature — which means you can expect their appetite to increase. This is especially true for pets that spend a lot of time outdoors (and honestly, the same goes for us!). If you’re unsure how much your pet should be eating, or you’re worried about weight gain, talk to your vet.

4. Keep up the hydration

Pets always need access to fresh, clean water, regardless of the temperature. If they drink from outdoor troughs, be mindful these can ice over on frosty nights. It’s also worth swapping metal water bowls for ceramic or porcelain ones — cold metal can cause a pet’s tongue to stick in icy conditions.

5. Move to keep warm and fit

As tempting as it is to hibernate on the couch with our pets all winter, a lack of movement can have real health consequences — for everyone!. Regular exercise is essential for dogs: it keeps their joints moving (especially important for seniors), provides mental stimulation, and gives them a good cardiovascular workout. And it’ll do the humans good too. Cats, on the other hand, will likely sleep through winter much as they do the other three seasons... all year champion loafers.

6. Winter coats

Even though our pets come with their own coat, which may even thicken in winter, many benefit from an extra layer in winter. This is especially true for senior pets, who experience muscle atrophy and feel the cold more acutely, and for short-haired breeds. A good-quality pet coat or jumper should not be too tight around the neck or chest, should cover from the neck to the base of the tail including the hips, and should not restrict leg movement. A stretchy winter jumper may help our old dogs sleep more comfortably at night.

7. Extra care for senior pets

Cold weather can inflame arthritis symptoms and worsen stiff joints in both cats and dogs. Look for signs of pain in your older pet: discomfort or difficulty getting up or lying down, reluctance to move, a stiff gait, less jumping (particularly in cats), or resistance to going on walks. Keeping senior pets warm can help ease arthritic discomfort. If your pet is showing these signs, take them to the vet for a check-up. In addition to warmth and comfort, your vet may suggest medications to help keep them pain-free — which in turn helps them stay mobile, active, and healthy for longer.