Brisbane weather: RSPCA tips on how to keep your pets warm this winter

It’s not only human members of your household who’ve been feeling the cold, with the RSPCA offering tips for protecting your furry friends. CURRENT TEMPS

Taylah Fellows

less than 2 min read

July 20, 2022 - 12:00AM

Pets and Wildlife

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RSPCA Queensland has issued a timely reminder to rug up your pets as icy temperatures wreak havoc this winter.

Tips for pet owners include keeping them indoors away from draughts whenever possible, providing elevated bedding and extra blankets, and dressing up dogs and horses in winter coats.

RSPCA Queensland chief veterinarian Anne Chester said it was particularly important to keep an eye on elderly pets during winter.

“If you notice your pet is showing signs of discomfort associated with arthritis, you should take them to your vet,” Dr Chester said.

“Some symptoms could include stiffness, chewing or licking certain joints, difficulty walking up or down stairs and noticeable behavioural changes.”

Rugged-up Tinkabell is a four-year-old staffy available for adoption at the RSPCA Brisbane Animal Care Centre. Picture: Nigel Hallett

The animal welfare organisation renewed calls for bedding, blanket and dog coat donations to help keep their shelter animals warm.

“When you’re caring for hundreds of pets every day, our teams are always in need of fresh bedding, coats and blankets,” RSPCA Queensland spokeswoman Emma Lagoon said.

It comes as scattered showers are expected to hit parts of the state on Wednesday, with South East Queensland bracing for a potential drenching on Thursday and Friday.

Weather bureau meteorologist Lauren Pattie said: “(On Wednesday) we’ll see a few millimetres of rainfall across Brisbane, on Thursday maybe 10-20mm and Friday 30-40mm.

“It’s really Thursday and Friday where we see the impact from the big system.

“As the low is developing offshore, some places will get more than others, such as the Northern Capricornia areas on Thursday and Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay areas on Friday.

“Those areas could see between 50-80mm.”