Simple tips for happy pets in winter

Here at Howden, we love our pets, and we know how much you care about yours too. From K9 hydration stations to pet pawtraits, we’re always catering to our clients and their canines.

And to celebrate our new pet insurance cover, we held a Howl-oween competition on social media. Here’s the highlights, as well as some photos of our team’s furry friends joining in the fun!

A Westie pumpkin

Bob the Bulldog

Buster, Elmo and Jess as Chucky, Billy and Annabelle

Dilys

Ivy

Jaffa the witch

Lola

Maya

Pumpkin the tarantula

Tiny the Witch

Keeping pets safe during winter

But as the nights draw in, there are a few extra things for pet owners to think about. Here are some simple ways to help keep furry family members safe this winter.

For humans, Bonfire Night is exciting, but we know what to expect. For dogs, however, it can be confusing and frightening! Here’s how you can help your pup feel safe and calm:

Go out before fireworks begin. Where possible, take your dog for their walk before the fireworks begin.

Create a cosy retreat. Give your pet somewhere quiet and familiar to settle, away from windows and doors.

Keep them occupied. Favourite toys, treats or a long-lasting chew can provide a welcome distraction.

Stick to their routine. Familiar mealtimes, walks (unless festivities have already begun) and bedtime routines can help things feel more normal.

Stay calm. Reward calm behaviour and give your pet space if they want it.

Remember, with dark evenings already setting in, a few simple precautions can make you and your dog easier to spot. Consider reflective or light-up accessories, stick to well-lit routes where possible and keep your dog close around roads.

Christmas brings plenty of tempting food, twinkly decorations and interesting-looking parcels. Unfortunately, pets can be curious about all three.

Keep chocolate, grapes, raisins, currants, sultanas and alcohol safely out of reach. Cooked bones, decorations, batteries and small objects can also cause problems if chewed or swallowed.

And watch those decorations. Candles should stay well away from curious noses and paws, while Christmas decorations and packaging are best kept somewhere pets can’t investigate them unsupervised.

If you think your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have, contact your vet for advice.

Ready for winter?

A few small precautions can help make winter safer and happier for everyone, whether they have two legs or four. And with our new pet insurance cover, Howden can help you look after your furry family members all year round.

Explore our cover options here or get in touch with your local branch to learn more.