Kilkenny pet owners urged to keep pets safe in the snow

Storm Gladys brings snow and ice to many counties across Ireland today. Petmania is urging pet owners to take the necessary precautions with their animal friends. As a blanket of snow settles across Ireland, here are the top-tips that Pet owners can easily put into place. 

Emily Miller of Petmania said, “Just as we humans adapt our lifestyle and skincare routines when the temperature is colder, we want to encourage pet owners to make a few small changes for their animal companions to make the winter more comfortable for them with these easy care-tips.”

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• If you don’t have a shed to move your pets' kennel into, then consider housing them indoors to ensure they are kept safe from the cold temperatures. This is particularly true for cats. 
• Keep beds warm and dry. Choose waterproof bedding and make sure outdoor kennels, hutches and homes are warm and dry. You can also use extra bedding for insulation, such as straw and hay in their sleeping areas.
• Combine fashion and function and wrap up canine friends with dog coats for extra warmth.
• Make sure they have plenty of fresh water and food, pets might also need a little extra food as they will be burning energy to stay warm. 
• Ensure that water supplies do not freeze over. If your pet is feeding outside, use plastic bowls instead of metal to prevent their tongues from getting stuck if it is too cold.
• Similarly to humans, dogs and cats can get frostbite! Pay extra attention to any signs of discolouration, pain or unusual blisters on their ears and paws.
• Like us, in colder-climates pets need clean and moisturised paw pads to prevent cracking and pain caused by hard, cold salted pavements.
• Use Omega oils to prevent skin from becoming dry and itchy in changing temperatures.
• Book a dog grooming session. Prevent matting, hydrate the skin and condition your dog’s coat or treat arthritic joints with a muscle and joint therapy bath.
• Finally, don’t forget about your garden birds who would appreciate some high-fat foods like peanuts to boost their energy reserves. 
   

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Petmania, an Irish-owned pet retailer and grooming studio have a range of products available to help our furry friends face the winter months. For more information on preparing your pet for winter, contact a Petmania pet expert in one of its 15 stores and grooming studios nationwide. See: www.petmania.ie for more. @Petmania_Ireland | @petmaniaireland

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