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As temperatures fall in Hong Kong, our pets require special care to ensure their health and comfort. We often assume a slow, quiet pet is just hibernating during the cold weather. However, they may actually be struggling with issues such as worsening joint pain, severe coughing or even hypothermia.
Some cats and dogs handle cold better than others. This depends on their genetics, breed and body type. Dogs with short hair or a single coat, such as Yorkshire terriers and Maltese, may feel the cold more severely.
In contrast, Alaskan breeds like huskies and Samoyeds have thick, double-coated fur. They also have a thick layer of fat beneath their skin for insulation. These dogs are built for cold weather. In the winter, they can finally enjoy some comfortable outdoor time.
Caring for vulnerable animals
Pets that are more sensitive to the cold include hairless Sphynx cats and Italian greyhounds. Well-fitted pet clothing should be used to keep these animals warm.
The clothing should be snug around the animal’s chest to prevent cold air from blowing beneath it, yet still allow them to move comfortably.
In addition, wet fur can lead to hypothermia, so always ensure your pet is completely dry after a bath.
Just like humans, young, elderly and sick pets are more vulnerable in cold weather.
Beyond just feeling the temperature drop, the dry, cool weather can affect their health. This weather frequently triggers or worsens tracheal collapse, a condition common in ageing small dogs.
Affected animals often make a “honking duck” sound when they cough, particularly when they are excited or when there is irritation in the trachea or windpipe.
This irritation can come from excessive pressure from the animal’s collar or the dry winter air. Pets with tracheal collapse may benefit from avoiding excitement, switching to a harness and using a humidifier at home when the weather is dry.
Protecting exotic creatures
Many people overlook the care of exotic pets.
For example, the popular red-eared slider often struggles in cold weather because owners believe it “hibernates” during this time and stops moving.
In fact, sliders are simply too cold to move or eat. Many fall sick after a cold, unheated winter, as it weakens their immune system and makes it easier for them to get sick.
These reptiles require a stable water temperature of 24 to 26 degrees Celsius and a basking area of 30 to 32 degrees throughout the year.
It also means that when summer ends, these temperatures must be maintained with heat sources such as water heaters and ceramic heat lamps. This can be easily monitored by placing thermometers in the tank and near the basking area.
Another popular exotic pet, the Syrian hamster, requires an ideal temperature of 21 degrees.
A thermometer should be placed in its enclosure to monitor the temperature. A useful tip that can be applied to all the species we have discussed is to create a temperature gradient.
You can do this by providing a warm area with a heat source in one spot and a cool one nearby.
This allows the animals to choose their own comfort zone and manage their body heat.
Every species, breed and even individual animal has different needs and preferences. Learning more about your pet’s unique needs can help you provide them with a healthier, more comfortable life.
We should also be kind and mindful of homeless animals. For example, stray cats may seek warmth by hiding under or inside cars.
Doing a simple check and gently tapping the bonnet of your parents’ car can potentially save their lives.
