Caring for small furries in winter 

Winter comes with a whole host of challenges for our pets, and small furries must be appropriately looked after as temperatures drop. Pets that live outdoors, like rabbits and guinea pigs, are obviously in need of extra care, but there are some considerations for our indoor animals too. Let’s look at some of our top tips for smaller pets at this time of year. 

 

Outdoor pets and cold weather 

Cold and wet weather can be unpleasant for anybody, but especially for animals that live outside. Domestic rabbits, for example, prefer living at temperatures of around 10 – 20°C. Wild rabbits can cope better with a drop to low temperatures, partly because they live in groups that can snuggle up to each other in small cosy burrows. We need to take some practical steps to look after our pets and help them cope at this time of year. 

 

Check the enclosure 

First, check that their enclosure is in good repair. Inspect their home and exercise area for any cracks that could let in drafts, and make sure there are no damp patches. Living quarters should always be raised off the ground so that the base doesn’t get damp or rotten. Check the roofing to ensure it is still watertight.  

 

Insulation 

Next, find some material that you can insulate their home with. This could be blankets or old carpets, with a waterproof cover or tarpaulin over the top of them. Ventilation is still important though, so make sure your pets still get some fresh air through any wire mesh areas. You could cover these with a loose-fitting transparent sheet of plastic. 

 

Bedding material 

Check your rabbits or guinea pigs have ways to keep themselves warm when sleeping. This includes adding more nesting material than usual and lining the sleeping quarters with a thicker layer of newspaper. This acts as extra insulation and soaks up any moisture from spills or toileting, which contributes to dampness. Chew-proof heat pads in a fleecy cover could be used if it is especially chilly, but they MUST be covered and fully chew proof, which is easier said than done! 

 

Companionship 

A general point is that rabbits and guinea pigs are best kept in pairs or groups. You will find that they can stay warm by snuggling with their companions to share body heat. A single animal is more susceptible to drops in temperature and will definitely benefit from a pet-safe heat pad. 

 

Cold snaps 

If the temperature gets too low, especially if it becomes snowy or frosty, then you may need to move your pets indoors. Ideally, you would move their whole house and exercise area into an area like an unused garage or large shed. It is best if there is a window present for some natural light. Remember that if this space is unheated, then their enclosure will still need the extra insulation and bedding that was advised earlier. Rabbits will still need a minimum area of 3 meters, by 2 meters by 1 meter in height available to them at all times. This allows them to perform natural behaviours like running and hopping. 

 

Food and water 

Check water bowls or drinking bottles regularly during cold snaps. These could freeze, leaving your pets without access to water. Make sure that your pets get enough greens during the winter, alongside ad-lib hay. They won’t be able to graze for dandelions and grass as easily when it is cold and frosty. 

 

Considerations for Indoor Pets 

While it can be easy to focus on the needs of outdoor pets at this time of year, there are some things to remember for our indoor small furries too.  

 

Radiators and heat sources 

While keeping your hamster or gerbil away from a draughty back door or open window is a good idea, it is also important not to put their cage too close to a hot radiator either. Being sited too close to a fire, radiator or storage heater can make these animals extremely uncomfortable and could risk nasty burns too. 

 

Other pets 

Due to poor weather, other pets like cats and dogs are likely to be spending more time indoors at this time of year. Ensure you have a way of keeping them away from your small furries. Having a bored predator hanging around can be extremely stressful for these little animals. 

 

Festive hazards 

Decorations can be a real health hazard for indoor pets at this time of year. Trailing electrical wires can be tempting to chew on and could result in electrocution. Tinsel and other foil decorations can be nibbled and consumed, resulting in a serious intestinal blockage. Open flames from scented candles or fires are an obvious risk, but some animals are sensitive to essential oils as well, so use them carefully.  

 

Don’t allow your small furries to eat your festive treats and snacks. Not only will these lead to weight gain, but they could also be potentially toxic, depending on species. 

 

Many of the plants we have around our home at Christmas can be toxic, including poinsettia, mistletoe, holly and many varieties of Christmas trees, which contain high levels of essential oils. House rabbits are particularly inquisitive and perhaps most at risk. 

 

Here are some tips on how to keep your pet away from the Christmas tree: 

 

  • Keep the tree out of their free-roaming area, place it in another room in the house. 
  • Consider having a smaller tree that you can elevate e.g. place it on a table. 
  • If the tree is in an area where your pet has free access, then try fencing your tree with a playpen. 
  • Think about having an artificial tree – it may not smell as appealing as a fresh one, so they will be less likely to want to nibble on it. 
  • If you have a real tree, regularly clean up fallen needles. Also, don’t allow your pet to drink Christmas tree water, as this can contain a preservative-water mix, as well as bacteria and fungus. 

 

Social gatherings 

Small furries are all prey animals and, as such, they can easily become stressed or intimidated if there are changes to their environment. Over the winter months, we tend to have plenty of social gatherings, with family and friends visiting. Most of these parties take place indoors due to the dark nights and cold weather. This can be overwhelming for our pets, especially if our guests all want to see and handle them. 

 

Try and be sympathetic to your pet’s needs. Where possible, keep them in a quieter area of the house, away from passing footfall or curious children. Try to maintain their normal feeding times. 

 

A special note on fireworks  

Just because small furries are quiet, doesn’t mean that they don’t feel the same sort of stress as cats and dogs when it comes to fireworks. New Year’s Eve can be a worrying time for these animals, so take a few sensible precautions to help them out. 

 

If your pets are indoors, keep the curtains shut and play some background music or put the TV on. It is probably a good idea to keep your pet in their cage at the stroke of midnight so that they can’t hurt themselves by running around in a panic. Allow your pet to hide away if they wish, don’t try to coax them out. Let them manage their stress in their own way, rather than giving them lots of attention. 

 

If you have guinea pigs or rabbits outdoors, then try and bring the hutches inside for New Year’s Eve. If their enclosure is too large, then you could consider bringing your pets inside temporarily in smaller cages instead. Failing that, cover the outdoor hutch with blankets to insulate them from sounds and to stop them from being able to see the fireworks as they go off. Make sure that your pets have a hiding area and plenty of bedding, and that they still have sufficient ventilation.  

 

Summary 

By following our top tips, you can keep your small furries happy and well during the colder months of the year. However, if you have any concerns about their health during this winter season, then don’t hesitate to contact us. Our vet Jose has a keen interest in small mammals, as well as birds and reptiles, so he is ready to help you and your pets. 

 

 

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