Think how we humans change our ways in winter - we not only keep ourselves warm but we have to think about keeping ourselves happy too. The older ones amongst us feel the cold more, as do pets. So make allowances for your older pet in order to make sure they have a comfortable winter, too.

The Woofers...

Our doggie chums need extra ‘housekeeping’ in winter, to keep them comfortable, and this is particularly important for the older dog. All it takes is a bit of planning.

First you must consider the age and type of your dog. Like us,some like the cold and some don’t. Some are older and feel the cold more; younger dogs need to enjoy the fallen leaves and deep snow but not get a chill. The answer is to make allowances, apply some common sense and remember that your dog is really not much different to you when it comes to creature comforts.

Take more care to keep your older dog warm and dry. Ailments such as heart problems and arthritis aren’t helped by being wet, cold or uncomfortable – just as they don’t with us. The elderly dog still likes a sniff and a scamper but make sure it is well protected against the elements.

We all love to snooze in comfort. Think about your pet’s bed – is it warm enough, soft enough and away from draughts? If your dog is the type that is always wet and seems to make its bed wet and muddy, then consider a bed which may be quickly and easily hosed down or put through the washing machine. It may be worth considering having a daytime bed and a night bed so the bed used during the day can take the brunt of wet paws. A selection of covers or blankets will protect furniture and car seats; some are designed to even trap the dirt in their fibres.

Keeping your dog dry can be like painting the Forth Bridge, but a bit of planning means you’ll save quite a bit of time. For example, dog clothing and coats will not only keep your dog dry but clean also – it’s far easier to wash a doggie coat than the doggie itself! Tummies seem to get ‘spray’ from paths and roads so a doggie pullover covering the belly will help this. This is a trick the writer used to use to great benefit on white dog that attracted mud like bees to a honey pot! A doggie pullover and a waterproof coat used to keep all bar the legs clean and warm – a useful and thoughtful thing to do for an ageing pooch.

So now your dog is dolled up for the weather like snug bug in a rug, give a thought to visibility. Carry a torch of course but if you walk on roads then consider some reflective clothing or bands. Some collars and leads are available with reflective strips. (A note for the cat owners – these are great for making sure your cat can be seen when it is whizzing around outside in the dark.)

Next plan for after walkies, when your dog gets home. An old towel by the back door will mean that paws may be wiped. Put doggie coats on the back of a kitchen chair or on a coat rack so they may dry. Put damp towels to dry on a radiator. If your dog is small or all you have to wipe are paws, have a supply of old flannels or cut up towels which may be simply thrown in the laundry bin after each use. Think of the environment and don’t use disposable paper towels.

If you have a dog, you have to look after it and give it exercise whatever the weather. You may feel inclined to weld yourself to the sofa as soon as it is dark when it’s time for tea, but as with all animals their needs must come first. Pooch will need his or her daily trot round the block, so pull on your wellies and stride forth – warm in the knowledge that when you come back you will still have a warm and dry dog if you both wrap up well beforehand. All the better for snuggling up together amid the cushions.

The meowers...

An older cat will have much the same issue as dogs with cold, wet weather. Your cat won’t want to wear anything as a dog might when out for its exercise, but it will appreciate plenty of warm dry bedding. Make sure your cat’s bed is in a draught free spot as well. If your cat is an outdoor cat, be sure that he or she can access outbuildings when it is outdoors and within those have a warm, high-sided bed. If you can’t let your cat have access to shed or garages, consider an old rabbit hutch out of the wind and rain. That would do the trick – just remove its front and door so it looks like a bus stop on legs. Fill it with something warm like an old jumper though you could put some straw under that if you have it.

When the weather gets really bad or when your cat becomes very elderly, perhaps the time has come to allow it to stay in all the time if it wants to. A litter tray will take care of the necessaries and a warm radiator or fire will take care of your cat’s happiness.

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