Marmaduke Pets

Winter is coming, and while you may enjoy snuggling up with your furry friends on the couch, they may need some extra care and attention to stay comfortable and healthy in the cold season. Pets are not immune to the effects of low temperatures, dry air, and frosty conditions, and they may face some risks and challenges that you should be aware of. Whether you have a dog, a cat, a bird, or a fish, here are some tips from Marmaduke Pets to help you prepare your pets for winter weather.

1. Visit Your Vet

Before the mercury drops, it’s a good idea to take your pets for a check-up at their vet. This way, you can make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick prevention, and any other health issues that may affect them in winter. Some pets may have chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis, that can make them more vulnerable to the cold or impair their mobility. Your vet can advise you on how to manage these conditions and adjust their medication or diet accordingly. You can also ask your vet about any supplements or products that can boost your pets’ immune system and overall well-being in winter.

For example, you can shop online at Marmaduke Pets for some pet health products that can help your pets cope with winter, such as:

– Digest Eaze Enzyme Supplement Dog &Cat: which can aid digestion and nutrient absorption.

– F10 Sterilant with Rust Inhibitor: which can disinfect your pets’ bowls, toys, cages, and bedding.

– Dermoscent Atop 7 Spot-on Dogs (10-20kg): which can soothe dry and irritated skin.

– Bayopet Tick and Flea Collar Dog: which can protect your dog from parasites for up to 5 months.

2. Bring Your Fur Kid Inside

Unless you have a cold-weather breed like a husky or a malamute, your dog or cat will probably prefer to stay indoors when it’s chilly outside. Even if they have a thick coat of fur, they can still get cold, especially if they are young, old, sick, or have short hair. If you think it’s too cold for you to be outside, it’s probably too cold for your pet too. So, bring them inside as much as possible and provide them with a warm and cozy place to sleep and rest.

If you have to leave your pet outside for some reason, make sure they have access to a shelter that is dry, insulated, elevated from the ground, and covered with a flap or a curtain. The shelter should be big enough for your pet to move around comfortably but small enough to retain their body heat. You can also add some blankets or straw to make it more comfortable. And don’t forget to check on them regularly and provide them with fresh water that is not frozen.

3. Take Shorter Walks with Your Pup

Walking your dog is essential for their physical and mental health, but you may want to adjust the duration and frequency of your walks depending on the weather. If it’s too cold or windy outside, limit your walks to shorter periods and avoid going out during the coldest hours of the day or night. You can also choose routes that are sheltered from the wind or snow and avoid icy or slippery surfaces.

Another thing to watch out for is the debris that can get stuck on your dog’s paws during walks or while playing outside. This can include salt, antifreeze, snowballs, ice chunks, or sharp objects that can irritate or injure their paws. To prevent this, you can wipe their paws with a towel or a wet cloth after each walk or use some paw protection products like:

– Dog boots: which can keep your dog’s paws warm and dry while protecting them from the elements and rough terrain.

– Snout and Paw Butter: which can moisturize and heal dry or cracked paws and noses.

4. Bundle Them Up

Some pets may need an extra layer of clothing to stay warm in winter, especially if they are small, short-haired, or short-legged. This can include dogs, cats, and even birds. You can choose from a variety of jackets, sweaters, hoodies, or snoods that are designed for pets and that fit them well and do not restrict their movement. Make sure to choose something that is comfortable, breathable, and easy to put on and take off.

You can shop online at Marmaduke Pets for some stylish and cozy pet clothing, such as:

– Mighty Angry Animals – Pig: which is a cute and durable jacket for dogs that comes in different sizes.

– Mighty Microfiber Balls – Pig: which is a soft and fluffy sweater for dogs that also comes in different sizes.

– West Paw – Jive: which is a colourful and fun snood for dogs that can protect their ears from the cold.

– Abaques Bird Toy 12X12X1.6Cm: which is a warm and cozy nest for birds that can hang inside their cage.

 

5. Make Sure Your Fur Kid is Chipped

Winter weather can increase the chances of your pet getting lost or separated from you. They may wander off in search of warmth or shelter, get confused by the snow or rain, or slip out of their collar or leash. To prevent this, make sure your pet has a microchip and a name tag with your contact information. Also, keep the data associated with the chip up to date in case your pet is found by someone else.

If your pet does not have a microchip yet, you can get one from your vet or from a reputable pet store.

You can also shop online at Marmaduke Pets for some pet identification products, such as:

– KONG Dog Toy – Classic – Treat Toy: which is a durable and interactive toy for dogs that can also hold a name tag or a QR code.

– Tuffy Alien – Ball: which is a tough and squeaky toy for dogs that can also hold a name tag or a QR code.

– Kong Dog Toy – Roughskinz Suedez Bear: which is a soft and cuddly toy for dogs that can also hold a name tag or a QR code.

6. Be Mindful of Seasonal Dangers Around the House

Winter weather can also bring some hazards to your home that can harm your pets if they are not careful. Some of these hazards include:

– Fireplaces, heaters, candles, or electric cords that can burn or electrocute your pets if they get too close or chew on them. Keep these items out of reach or supervise your pets when they are around them.

– Antifreeze, de-icing salt, rodenticides, or other chemicals that can be toxic to your pets if they ingest them. Store these items in secure containers or cabinets and clean up any spills immediately.

By following these tips, you can make sure your pets are safe, warm, and happy in winter weather. And don’t forget to show them some extra love and attention during this time of year. They will appreciate it and reward you with their loyalty and affection.

If you need any more advice or products for your pets in winter, you can visit our website at Marmaduke Pets or contact us anytime. We are always happy to help you and your furry friends. Stay warm!

7. Keep Giving Flea Meds

Flea meds are expensive, and it’s tempting to discontinue them during the cold winter months when fleas lie dormant. But that can leave your precious one vulnerable to fleas and the parasites they carry when the weather warms back up again. Plus, if you don’t restart meds soon enough, you could quickly find your house overrun with fleas and have to bomb. It’s easier and safer, all around, to keep treating your pets for fleas through the winter, so they remain protected.

Fleas can cause itching, irritation, allergic reactions, anaemia, and infections in your pets. They can also transmit tapeworms, Lyme disease, and other diseases that can affect both pets and humans. To prevent these problems, you should use a flea med that is suitable for your pet’s age, weight, and health condition. You should also follow the instructions on the label and consult your vet if you have any questions or concerns.

You can shop online at Marmaduke Pets for some effective and affordable flea meds for your pets, such as:

– Frontline Plus Spot on Dog: which is a topical treatment that kills fleas, ticks, and lice on dogs for up to a month.

– Bravecto Chewable Tablet Dog: which is an oral tablet that kills fleas and ticks on dogs for up to 12 weeks.

– Advantage Spot on Cat: which is a topical treatment that kills fleas on cats for up to a month.

– Seresto Collar Cat: which is a collar that repels and kills fleas and ticks on cats for up to 8 months.

8. Brush Out Fluffy Coats of Fur

If your fur kid has a full coat, be sure to brush it out regularly. Matted fur does not provide the same insulation as a clean coat. In addition to keeping things clean, unbrushed hair might trap moisture, leading to discomfort and irritation. There are a variety of brushes tailored to your fur kid’s needs.

Brushing your pet’s fur can also help distribute their natural oils, stimulate blood circulation, remove loose hair and dirt, prevent tangles and mats, and reduce shedding. It can also be a bonding experience for you and your pet, as long as you use gentle strokes and avoid pulling or hurting their skin.

You can shop online at Marmaduke Pets for some quality and comfortable brushes for your pets, such as:

– Mikki Brush: which is a pin-style brush that works well for most dogs with short to long coats.

9. Add an Extra Blanket

Make sure the sleeping area is away from drafty windows or doors and off the floor (but not too high or difficult to access). Try moving your fur kids’ bed to a sunny area of the house or add a few extra blankets.

Your pet’s bed should be warm, cozy, and comfortable for them to sleep in. You can choose from different types of beds, such as cushions, mats, nests, or caves, depending on your pet’s preference and size. You can also add some blankets or towels to make it snugger and softer. You should also wash your pet’s bed regularly to keep it clean and fresh.

You can shop online at Marmaduke Pets for some lovely and durable beds and blankets for your pets, such as:

– Kong Dog Bed – Lounger: which is a plush and sturdy bed for dogs that has a removable cover and a non-skid bottom.

– Petstages Kitty Cuddle Pal Cat Toy: which is a soft and cuddly toy for cats that can be microwaved to provide warmth and comfort.

– Petmate Aspen Pet Self Warming Beds: which are cozy and lightweight beds for dogs and cats that use reflective heat technology to keep them warm.

– Pet Blanket – Fleece: which is a soft and warm blanket for dogs and cats that comes in different colours and sizes.

10. Add More Calories to the Diet and Offer Extra Water

In addition to keeping your fur kid hydrated, consider providing extra treats. This is a good idea for several reasons during the holidays, but it can also provide a few extra calories that are important to helping your furry friends stay warm after playing hard in the cold.

It is very important that they stay well-hydrated if they are going to be able to regulate their body temperature.

Your pet may need more calories in winter to maintain their body temperature and energy levels, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors or exercise more. You can increase their food intake slightly or offer them some healthy treats that are high in protein, fat, or fibre. You should also make sure they have access to clean and fresh water at all times, as dehydration can affect their health and well-being. You can also add some wet food or broth to their diet to increase their water intake.

You can shop online at Marmaduke Pets for some nutritious and delicious treats and food for your pets, such as:

– Canine Carry Outs Beef Flavour Dog Treats: which are chewy and savoury treats for dogs that are made with real beef.

– Wellness Puppy Bites Natural Grain Free Puppy Training Treats: which are soft and bite-sized treats for puppies that are made with natural ingredients and no grains.

– Pet Center Lamb Crunchys Dog Treats: which are crunchy and tasty treats for dogs that are made with 100% lamb lungs.

– Milk-Bone Peanut Butter Flavour Dog Treats: which are crunchy and wholesome treats for dogs that are made with real peanut butter.

– Zesty Paws All-in-One Peanut Butter Flavoured Soft & Chewy Training Bites Dog Treats: which are multifunctional and delicious treats for dogs that support their skin, coat, joints, heart, digestion, and immune system.

– Pet Botanics Training Rewards Treats for Dogs: which are low-calorie and meaty treats for dogs that are perfect for training and rewarding.

– KONG Easy Dog Treat – Dog Treat Paste: which is a creamy and irresistible treat paste for dogs that can be used with KONG toys or other dispensers.

– Pets Unlimited Chewy Sticks: which are natural and long-lasting treats for dogs that are made with chicken wrapped beef skin twists.

– Fruitables Pumpkin Dog Treats: which are crunchy and fruity treats for dogs that are made with pumpkin and other fruits.

Winter can be a tough time for your pets, but with these tips, you can make sure they stay cozy and happy throughout the season. Remember to visit your vet, bring your fur kid inside, take shorter walks with your pup, bundle them up, make sure they are chipped, be mindful of seasonal dangers, keep giving flea meds, brush out fluffy coats of fur, add an extra blanket, and add more calories to the diet and offer extra water. By following these simple steps, you can help your pets enjoy the winter weather and avoid any health or comfort issues.

If you are looking for some quality and affordable products to pamper your pets in winter, look no further than Marmaduke Pets online store. We have a wide range of beds, blankets, clothing, food, treats, toys, health products, and more for your dogs, cats, birds, and fish. Shop online today and FREE SHIPPING WITH PURCHASES OVER R497 WITHIN KZN/ R997 OR MORE OUTSIDE KZN T’S & C’S APPLY. Your pets will thank you for it!