For dogs and cats alike, winter is the perfect opportunity to refresh their comfort zone.
Shorter daylight hours mean adapting your walking routine, which might be a good time to consider a dog winter coat or cat winter coat for those chillier outings.
Colder temperatures mean paying more attention to your pet’s coat and skin.
And most likely, you’ll be spending a bit more time indoors, which makes dog enrichment and cat enrichment activities essential to keep their minds and bodies active.
So, we’ve rounded up our 8 top tips – and favourite products – to upgrade your winter season with your pet and make it a breeze.
1. Upgrade their bedding
Cold temperatures can be tough on pets, especially smaller breeds or those with short fur.
If you’re wondering how to keep your cat or dog warm in winter, a warm bed is a simple and effective solution to ensure they stay comfortable, no matter how chilly it gets outside.
A snug, well-cushioned winter dog bed or winter cat bed can make all the difference, giving your pet a spot to relax (in style!) all season long.
2. Make mealtimes engaging
Winter can lead to decreased outdoor activity, so mealtimes are a great opportunity to keep your pet mentally stimulated.
- Slow feeders and snuffle mats help prevent overeating and make meals last longer.
- Puzzle feeders engage their problem-solving skills while giving them a rewarding challenge.
3. Provide extra comfort for their joints
Winter can exacerbate joint issues, especially in older pets.
To support their movement and promote dog joint pain relief, you can:
- Add orthopaedic beds to ease joint pressure.
- Offer dog joint supplements to support mobility.
4. Keep playtime fun indoors
Shorter days and bad weather can mean more time indoors. That’s where enrichment activities can come into play!
We recommend keeping boredom at bay with our new winter range of cat and dog enrichment toys, designed to make the time fly by.
Our Lexi & Me Plush and Snuffle Toy Cinnamon Scroll for dogs, for example, doubles as both a toy and a treat dispenser, featuring a design that unrolls to reveal hidden pockets where owners can place treats or food for their dogs to dig through and enjoy.
And for cat enrichment? A teaser wand will never fail – let alone a 3-in-1 rotating toy!
5. Bundle them up
As the temperatures drop, winter-ready apparel is a must to keep your pet cosy and warm.
Our top picks that deliver on both style and function?
- Chunky knits for outdoor walks or lounging at home.
- Pet pyjamas to keep them snug during chilly nights.
For extra warmth, a dog winter coat is perfect for outdoor adventures, while a cat winter jacket will keep your feline friend cosy during their naps.
6. Protect them during storms
Winter storms and unusually loud weather can cause your dog anxiety.
But they don’t have to brave it alone – especially not when they have you to help them through it.
To ease dog anxiety symptoms, you can:
- Set up a safe space filled with blankets and toys.
- Consider dog anxiety medication, like calming chews, or a Thundershirt to reduce anxiety.
7. Maintain their grooming routine
Winter can dry out your pet’s skin, paws and coat. Regular grooming helps prevent matting and keeps their coat healthy.
- Apply moisturising shampoos and conditioners.
- Protect their paws with paw balm to prevent cracking and irritation.
- Brush with a slicker brush or de-shedding tool to reduce shedding and tangles.
8. Light up their playtime
Winter might mean shorter daylight hours, but it doesn’t have to mean shorter playtime!
Glow-in-the-dark and light-up toys will keep your pet engaged and active, whether it’s for fetch or other interactive play.
They’re perfect for making playtime exciting, even after sunset.
Ready to keep your pet warm, comfortable, safe and healthy throughout winter?
Shop Petstock’s full winter range today!