Winter has arrive in the southern hemisphere. Blankets are out of storage and on to beds. Grandma's best knitted throws live permanently on the lounge chair, and last years winter warmers do not fit our children anymore. So as you warm your toes in front of the fireplace, spare a thought for your pets. They feel the cold too!
Your pets are important, and rely on you for all of their needs. If you are feeling the cold, so are your furry, fishy, scaly and feathered friends. Fortunately there are simple and effective ways to keep us all warm this winter.
For example, dogs that are used to sleeping outside through the warmer months will need a kennel, coat and an extra blanket in the winter, while inside dogs may need a soft knitted jumper and a blanket in their beds. You may find that "on the bed" cats will use their best efforts to get under the blankets. If kitty is not allowed on the bed, then a cat igloo will keep him warm and secure.
For inside pets, heated pet beds are an excellent way to keep your four legged friend warm. They are easy to install, attractive and very kind to the power bill. They also double as a very nice foot warmer!
Smaller animals such as mice, guinea pigs and rats (which are extremely susceptible to respiratory illness) should be given extra bedding and kept out of drafts, preferably kept inside in the evenings and well away from any damp, cold areas. A hutch with an enclosed "bedroom" area, and even introducing a heat mat, are great ways to keep "jack frost" at bay.
Birds, too, should be moved away from breezy, cold areas, cages moved away from windows and cages definitely covered at night. Remember that birds are very good at masking illness, and by the time you notice that your bird is unwell, it may be too late.
Reptiles also need special attention. They should have their heat lamps and heat pads/rocks turned on and the temperature monitored with an accurate thermometer. Whilst you do not want the enclosure too cold, it is important not to "cook" them by having too much heat. Keep a daily check on your reptiles water dish, as introducing higher temperatures to the enclosure will cause the water to evaporate faster. Remember that if you reptile is not warm enough he will not be able to digest his food.
Finally to your fish. Tropical fish will need a heater in their tanks. To regulate the temperature, set your heater to 24 or 25 degrees. When it comes to Siamese fighting fish, a sudden drop in temperature can be lethal, so he needs to kept warm. If your fighting fish is in a tank of 25 litres or more, you can use a 25 watt heater to warm him up. Unfortunately if he is in a smaller tank, which most are, finding a warm spot in the house or under a desk lamp will ensure his longevity.
With a minimal amount of effort, you can have your pet family feeling warm and comfortable this winter.
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