We’re in hiding...

No, we’re not fugitives from the law, Rocket and I have simply decided to seek refuge from the winter chills under a warm duvet until the sunny days of summer are back. We’ll be holding court in the bedroom, and sip cups of hot chocolate until the mercury decides to creep higher up the thermometer.

As the days have grown colder I’ve noticed that Rocket is starting to shed more hair. Dogs and cats tend to shed more as the seasons change. This is particularly noticeable in ‘double coat’ breeds like Collies and Labradors who have a long over coat and short insulating inner coat.

The best way to control shedding is through regular and frequent combing or brushing. Regular brushing will remove loose hairs before they end up on your carpet or couch. If you do find unwanted hair on your black jersey after a warm snuggle with your furry friend, don’t fret we have the perfect solution! The 3M Lint roller picks stray hairs off your clothes and furniture. The roller head is made of 56 adhesive sheets which can be torn off and discarded after use- even better, we stock refills too!

Familiarize yourself with your pet’s normal pattern of shedding. If you notice that your pet’s coat is dull, has a change in texture or is shedding excessively we recommend consulting your vet. These symptoms may be caused by allergies, skin parasites, poor nutrition or a hormonal imbalance. Your local vet will be able to advise you on the best treatment for your furry, or not so furry, companion.

Winter nutrition

It may be necessary to adjust your dog’s daily food intake in winter. Some dogs spend more time indoors during the winter months and become less active, so they will need less food. Outdoor dogs may need a little more food as they use more energy to keep warm. Assess your pet’s condition, age, weight and level of exercise and adjust his/her food portions accordingly. Feel free to contact us to discuss any questions you may have about your pet’s nutritional requirements, we’re always happy to help where we can.

Old timers

Winter can be tough on older pets and their joints. If you have an aging cat or dog that is experiencing the symptoms of old age, we recommend Kyron GERIVET. This easily digestible powder perfectly compliments any senior pet food and helps improve your older pet’s general tone and condition as well as relieve stiffness in limbs and joints. All our food manufacturers have a "Senior" food specially designed to address the needs of older pets, visit our site to check them out.

Hot Dogs

We know how delicious it is to huddle by the heater on chilly days and so do your pets. For their safety, check the temperature of heaters, electric blankets or hot water bottles with your hand- if it’s too hot for you it will be too hot for your pet. Looking for a safe way to keep your pets warm? Why not pop in and check out our Puppy Cuddle Pals and Cosy Calming Mat for cats - both are microwavable and stay warm for up to 45 minutes.

Short haired, old and lean dogs tend to feel the cold more in winter. This can be fashionably prevented by dressing them in a stylish doggy jersey. We have a wide range of winter clothes in stock for pets of all sizes- from the tiny Yorkies to the Great Danes. Click here to view our current range. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Let us know what you have in mind and let our designer put something together for you.

We’ve recently come across a fantastic website called Anima Adopt. This South African site’s primary objective is to create a professional, trustworthy and ethical environment where true animal lovers can participate in a program to place domestic animals that may have been lost or become available for adoption with responsible and caring owners, so if you’re looking for a new snuggle bunny (or kitty, or puppy) visit their site.

Keep warm, until next time!