As the weather gets colder and autumn officially arrives on September 22, vets are warning that it is time to prepare your pets for the change of season.
As chillier conditions arrive and autumn officially begins on September 22, veterinary experts are cautioning that it’s time to get your pets ready for the seasonal shift.
Weather forecasters have predicted that turbulent and changeable conditions are set to persist throughout September, which means that animals, particularly smaller pets, face the risk of seasonal anxiety if their habitats aren’t properly adjusted.
With this in consideration, Dr Suzanne Moyes, the resident veterinarian at Burgess Pet Care, has outlined six crucial measures to ensure your pets receive adequate care during the autumn and winter months.
Her initial recommendation is to conduct an autumnal inspection of your pet’s accommodation, checking for any deterioration that requires immediate attention.
Dr Suzanne explains: “If you do just one thing before the first autumn storm hits, it should be giving your pet’s home a thorough inspection. Look out for any potential dangers or areas where bad weather could permeate, such as leaks or damp patches, weak joints or broken latches.
“Even a minor leak in an enclosure can leave small animals cold and stressed. Conducting this quick check now can prevent a winter of health problems.”
Know when to move pets indoors
Whilst certain pets can remain outdoors throughout the year, others will need to be brought indoors once temperatures drop, and it’s vitally important to understand precisely when to relocate your beloved companions. If they have suitable accommodation, healthy guinea pigs and rabbits can stay outdoors all year round.
Nevertheless, if they are especially young or elderly, or if they suffer from a health condition, they should be brought inside once temperatures drop below 10C overnight.
The expert continues: “Think of it this way, if it feels too cold for you to sit outside in just a jumper, then it’s likely too cold for most small animals to comfortably endure too.”
Keep indoor temperatures pet-friendly
If you have pets residing indoors, then it’s crucial to establish a comfortable, steady climate for them. Dr Suzanne explains: “The ideal internal temperature varies depending on your pet.
“Rabbits and guinea pigs generally thrive in indoor temperatures of around 15-20C. Hamsters, on the other hand, prefer slightly warmer temperatures of around 20-24C.
“Hamsters, in particular, are susceptible to slipping into dangerous hibernation-like states if their living environment is too cold – a risk that many owners may not be aware of.”
Weatherproof against autumn extremes
If your pets are staying outdoors, then it’s vital that their homes are protected against severe conditions. Suzanne recommends that pet housing should be elevated off the ground to prevent rising damp and should be sheltered from wind and rain.
She additionally suggests adding extra waterproof covers, protective tarpaulin, or windbreaks to create a makeshift storm shelter during particularly harsh weather.
Insulate inside smartly
Don’t simply weatherproof the exterior of your pet’s shelter; also, ensure you insulate the interior properly. For this purpose, use straw or specialist pet-safe small animal bedding.
Choose the right hay for your pet
Hay isn’t merely an excellent food source for pets; it can also serve as additional insulation – just ensure you are choosing the correct type for your cherished companion.
Suzanne recommends: “Timothy hay is a great everyday choice for rabbits and guinea pigs. Alternatively, meadow or botanical blends are good choices to add enrichment and extra warmth.
“Hamsters are best suited to soft hay like orchard grass which is safe to nibble on and makes for a cosy nesting layer for them.
“Just be aware that damp conditions can increase the risk of hay becoming mouldy so opt for well-dried, clean hay that has been dust-extracted to protect your pets’ respiratory and digestive health.”