Our small mammals (such as guinea pigs, rats and mice) generally much prefer our cooler temperatures over winter. In fact, summer is much more problematic! However, sudden changes and temperature extremes can still be problematic, particularly when we have a very warm winters day, followed by a chilly night!
Preventing sudden and dramatic temperature changes, and providing shelter for your furry friends is key. One of the best things you can do is bring your little ones inside overnight, to protect them from the sudden temperature drop we sometimes experience overnight in winter. Temperatures inside our houses are typically a little more stable.
Providing shelter is important to ensure these little ones feel safe, and also allow them to escape cool drafts or wind chill. Shelters that contain nice soft bedding that is not dusty, such as fleece or vetbed, is ideal as it provides both warmth and protection for little feet. Our oldest, youngest or unwell critters are most likely to become cold in winter, as they are less able to maintain their body temperatures.
It is important to make sure your little ones are in good health coming into winter, so give the clinic a call if they are due for a health check or if you have any concerns. If your critters are getting on in years, then they may start to develop arthritis. Arthritis and old injuries/pain are often exacerbated by cooler temperatures, so it’s important to ensure they have good quality, comfy bedding to protect their joints and feet. It’s also important to liase with your vet to ensure they have an adequate pain management plan.
Here is Peggy, one of our lovely patients, in a snuggle sac sleeping bag bed keeping warm! These are available for sale in our Reception area and proceeds for towards The Fox Residence Animal Sanctuary.
Here is Felix, one of our lovely patients, in a donut bed keeping nice and snug! These are available for sale in our Reception area and proceeds for towards The Fox Residence Animal Sanctuary.
This little mouse is nice and snug in a sleeping bag!
If you have any other questions about your small animal’s temperature requirements over winter please book an appointment with one of our vets today on 07 3217 3533.
To read more about health issues through Winter follow this link – Health Checks Over Winter
