winter
this
pet
your
Pet
Give a little extra attention
Winter time is particularly difficult for pets as Older pets need extra winter care. Ensure
owners spend time indoors, but this winter you that your pet has a warmer blanket or in the
can add a little warmth to your best friend's case of pets that can tolerate it, a jacket or
heart by being aware of your pet's needs.
jersey. However nice a gesture it may seem,
be weary of overfeeding with treats that can
According to Dr Quixi Sonntag, Lack of mental make your pet obese during the less active
stimulation is possibly a cause of behavioural winter months. Rather reward your pet with
problems.
She
suggests
that
mental pleasurable experiences. Make sure your pet
stimulation can be offered by providing a has clean water, and keep an eye on the
variety of activities and toys, structured amount of water consumed. If your pet
training, and access to visual and olfactory suddenly consumes more than the usual,
stimuli. Three or more short training sessions, consult your veterinarian for diabetes tests.
no longer than 20 minutes each should be the
ideal. Take a break every few minutes during Ensure your pet has enough all day toys
the course of a training sessions to offer a treat (toys that are always available like
or enjoyable tummy tickle. A walk a day, keeps something to shew on, or a tricky treat ball
the madness away suggests Dr Quixi.
that will engage the mind) as well as toys
that are put away after each playing session.
The key is to plan your activities, and be Be mindful of your pet's emotions, and
predictable. Stroke your pet because he or she spend a few minutes greeting them when
is calm and not because they insist on it. they have calmed down after the initial
Activities should include: training sessions, excitement flurry. Give frequent warm winter
pAll
lay you
ing ngeed is
ames, a c
g olo
oi u
ng r sch
for eme an
walks, d a
gr litt
oo le bit
ming, of craft to create a magical dining experience
hugs, and both you and your pet will warm
for
mass you
ag r gu
ing ests.
and t See
alkin w
g hat you have at your disposal and paint it, or display it in a new light,
up even the coldest winter day.
17
this is the advice from our resident photographer Winifred Harms.

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