Pet’s Corner Q&A

My Guinea pigs, Suzy and Sooty, live outside in their cage, should I bring them inside during the cold January weather?

Pets who are used to living outside may find the warmth in our homes quite a stark contrast, so a half-way house such as a shed or car-free garage, protected from draughts, rain and snow, is ideal if possible.

If there is no option but to keep hutches and runs outside, drape a blanket or piece of carpet over the open mesh door of their living quarters to keep out strong winds, driving rain or snow.

You will need to make sure that there’s plenty of fresh air for your pets though. You can also insulate outside walls with newspapers covered with plastic sheeting but make sure this doesn’t obstruct the ventilation.

Pet-safe microwavable heat pads are available to help keep hutches warm.

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Can I walk my dog, Rupert, in the snow and ice?

Yes, you can still take your dog out for a walk in the snow – it’s important for them to stay active even in colder weather.

However, snow and ice can build up on dogs’ paws and cause them discomfort – prepare paws by keeping hair between pads trimmed, so there’s less hair for snow to gather on.

When you get home from your snowy walk, check Rupert’s paws and soak off any snow in warm water – it’s also a good idea to rinse off any grit or salt they may have picked up on their feet.

Remember to be really careful when out walking in freezing conditions; frozen ponds and lakes can be enticing for an excited dog, but they can easily fall through the ice and get into serious trouble in the freezing water.

To ensure your dog is safe, keep them on a lead.

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As it’s Veganuary, I was wondering if my dog, Bruce, can have a vegan diet?

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, it can be a real moral dilemma as to what to feed your dog!

Dogs are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plant-based foods, however, it’s much more difficult to provide them with a properly balanced diet when you’re not using any animal products at all.

So, if you want to try a vegan or veggie diet for Bruce, we advise choosing a commercially produced food that’s been designed by expert veterinary nutritionists and has been properly trialled to ensure it provides everything he needs to stay healthy – if you’re not sure if this is the case, ask the manufacturer.

Never try to make dog food at home without advice from a specialist veterinary nutritionist, and if Bruce has any other dietary
requirements, speak to your vet before changing his diet.