Winter is here, so make sure you’re equipped with all the essentials to keep your beloved pet warm, safe and happy this season. From maintaining a healthy weight to supporting joint health and creating a warm place to rest, a few simple adjustments can help keep your pet comfortable and thriving throughout the season. Here are our top six winter pet care tips.
- Keep up the daily walks
When temperatures drop, it's tempting to shorten walks or skip them altogether. However, regular exercise remains essential for your pet's physical health, mental stimulation and weight management. Daily walks help prevent boredom, encourage healthy mobility and provide important opportunities for socialisation and exploration. Even on colder days, getting outside for fresh air and movement can make a world of difference to your pet's well-being.
To make every adventure comfortable and enjoyable, explore our range of Zee.Dog harnesses, collars and leads for both dogs and cats, designeed with comfort, durability and style in mind.
- Support joint health
Cold and damp weather can be especially challenging for pets with existing joint discomfort. Older pets, certain breeds and overweight animals may experience increased stiffness or reduced mobility during winter.
If your pet appears less active than usual, consult your veterinarian for guidance on managing joint health. Supplements containing ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM can help support joint function, reduce inflammation and improve overall comfort. Products available in store and online include Herbal Pet Joint Formula (for dogs), GCS Joint Care Advanced Omega Chews (for dogs) and Kyron MobiFlex (for cats and small dogs), which provide targeted joint support.
- Beat winter boredom
When the weather won’t permit you to play outside with your pet or take them for a walk, there are many fun toys to help keep them busy and entertained indoors. As pets are often less active during winter and may be more prone to weight gain, providing plenty of toys and interactive games can help keep them moving and maintain a healthy weight.
Treat-dispensing toys such as the Natura Nourish Dental Treat toys, the Kong Classic and the range of Rogz treat balls encourage pets to work for rewards while providing valuable mental stimulation. Interactive puzzle toys, like the Nina Ottoson range, can also help prevent boredom and provide mental stimulation. To keep your feline friend busy and entertained indoors during winter, wand toys allow for interactive play and bonding, while an indoor cat tree sprinkled with catnip gives your cat something to climb, jump on, scratch and explore.
- Create a cosy resting space
Every pet deserves a warm place to curl up. A quality bed placed in a quiet, draft-free area of your home can provide the perfect retreat on chilly days. Whether your pet loves to curl up, stretch out or burrow away, there's a sleeping solution to suit every preference.
The Olly & Max Cosy Crib is ideal for pets who enjoy curling up, while the Olly & Max Cosy Dome provides cats with a warm, enclosed space to sleep. For dogs seeking extra support, the Dog’s Life couch-style beds offer comfort and back support. Complete the setup with plush blankets, winter clothing and even matching Olly & Max pet and pet-parent sets for the ultimate cosy-season experience.
- Maintaina healthy, balanced diet
Just like us, pets can become less active during winter, which means they may be more prone to weight gain if their diet isn't carefully managed. Maintaining the correct feeding portions and choosing healthier treats can help your pet maintain a healthy weight throughout the colder months.
Functional treat options such as Lokuno Weight Control Treats offer a rewarding snack without unnecessary calories, while specialised weight-management diets from Hill's Science Plan Perfect Weight range, Lokuno Veterinary Diet - Weight Control for dogs, Lokuno Indoor Hairball & Weight Control for cats and Royal Canin Light Weight diets can help support healthy weight loss and long-term weight maintenance when fed as part of a balanced nutritional plan. A healthy weight not only improves overall wellbeing but can also lessen strain on joints and support long-term health.
- Don't skip the grooming
Regular grooming remains an important part of your pet's health and comfort routine throughout winter. Frequent brushing helps remove loose hair, prevent matting, and distribute natural oils that keep coats healthy and insulated against the cold. Grooming also provides an opportunity to check for any skin concerns that may develop during the dry winter months. The Olly & Max grooming range, including brushes, shampoos and grooming mists, makes it easy to keep your pet looking and feeling their best all season long.
We hope you find what you need to keep your pet warm, happy and healthy this winter. If you need any assistance finding the right products for your beloved pet, please don't hesitate to contact us on info@absolutepets.com or speak to a Pet Care Advisor in store.