- If housing your pets outdoors, ensure they are provided with extra bedding or insulation. In extreme weather, move them into the house, shed or garage for extra warmth.
- Don't get complacent in taking your dog for a walk. The shorter days and worsening weather may not be appealing to you but your furry companion still requires plenty of exercise.
- Stay safe when out on the roads with your dog - wear reflective clothing and maybe invest in a reflective collar for your dog.
- If concerned about your cat out and about on the roads in the dark, reflective collars are also available for them.
- Ensure they have easy access to plenty of water and regular food.
- Don't clip your dog's hair over winter, he will need it for warmth, and if bathing him, ensure he is dried thoroughly afterwards.
- In the summer, animals should not be kept in cars in case of overheating but the same can be true in winter when cars can turn into refrigerators and cause hypothermia.
- Take care when taking your dog for a walk near a lake. If they venture onto a lake they can put themselves and you in danger.
- Be aware that some cats will crawl under car bonnets to gain access to a warm engine. Keep an eye on your cat's movements and others'.
- Humans have a tendency to overindulge during the Christmas period - ensure you don't overfeed your pets during this time, particularly as some festive treats, like chocolate, may make your furry friend very ill.
David Seel, managing director at Thornside pet insurance and chairman of the ABI's pet insurance committee, said: "We have benefited from unseasonably mild weather so far this winter and there is a danger of being caught out when the cold snap hits. Domestic pets require care and attention during the cold months and it is our responsibility as careful owners to ensure they are warm, safe and healthy during the festive season."
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For further information, please contact:
Esyllt Dafydd, 0207 654 2169
Capita Press Office out of hours, 0207 654 2399
Capita Insurance Distribution, part of Capita Insurance Services, is the fifth largest UK personal lines insurance intermediary and third party administrator specialising in personal lines solutions for affinity clients. Capita Insurance Distribution employs over 1000 staff (based in Portsmouth, Colchester and St Ives in Cambridge) and administers around £200m of personal lines gross written insurance premium. It works with 49 insurance companies in the UK personal lines market place, and currently maintains different product sites for 82 household brands such as Asda, Liverpool Victoria and Admiral. Further information can be found at www.capitainsuranceservices.co.uk
Thornside, the pet insurance division of Capita Insurance Distribution, administers more than 35 Pet Schemes for affinity Partners and insures approximately 300,000 dogs and cats in the UK through its Petwise product; including schemes for Home Retail Group, Halifax Bank, esure, Sainsbury's, RSPCA, Greenbee, AA, Asda and Debenhams. Further information can be found at www.petwise-insurance.co.uk