Keep your pets warm this winter

RSPCA Queensland is reminding pet owners to keep their pets warm this winter.

The organisation’s Chief Veterinarian Dr Anne Chester says it is important to particularly consider elderly pets during the cooler months.

“If you notice your pet is showing signs of discomfort associated with arthritis, you should take them to your vet,” she says.

“Some symptoms could include stiffness, chewing or licking certain joints, difficult walking up or down stairs and noticeable behavioural changes.”

Winter Pet Care Tips:

• Keep your pet protected from the wind and draughts by bringing them indoors, keeping them rugged up, elevating their bedding, and moving small pet enclosures out of the elements.
• Provide extra blankets and warm bedding. Dog and horse coats help this time of year.
• Keep watch over your senior pets as they may have issues with arthritis and mobility.

For more winter tips for your pet, visit the RSPCA website.

Donate blankets, coats

RSPCA Queensland is calling for donations of blankets and dog coats to its shelters across the state.

“As you can imagine we do a lot of laundry at the RSPCA to keep our pets cosy during winter. Any blankets and dog coats animal lovers can spare will be greatly appreciated,” Communications and Media Manager Emma Lagoon says.

These are the items most needed at your nearest RSPCA:

1. Brisbane – blankets, large dog coats, small wall heaters
2. Toowoomba – blankets, heat pads and large dog coats
3. Dakabin – medium and large dog coats, cat carriers, and heat pads/discs
4. Noosa – medium and large dog coats
5. Kingaroy – blankets
6. Gympie – blankets and medium and large dog coats
7. Mackay – blankets and large dog coats
8. Bundaberg – blankets and medium and large dog coats
9. Cairns – towels, sheets and heat pads
10. Townsville – heat pads, puppy pads and toys
11. Rockhampton – heat pads/discs for neonate kittens in foster care