Did you know that new pet owners spend an average of R30 000 – R60 000 on vet fees in the first year for pet care? It makes sense that a chunk of that is related to vaccinations and routine check-ups. But there’s also a fair amount that people spend because they’re still learning how to care for their pets. While seeing your vet for check-ups, inoculations, illness, and injury makes sense, there are things that you can do in order to avoid unnecessary bills. 

One key area you can pay attention to is caring for your pet during the diverse seasons that we experience in South Africa. To the rest of the world, we’re home to sunshine and rainbows, but in reality, South Africa’s climate ranges from the scorching summers to the chilly winters. This can pose unique challenges for pet owners who want to look after the health and wellbeing of their furry companions. 

Armed with the right knowledge, not only can you help your pets thrive, but you could also avoid forking out unnecessary cash on vet bills. 

Here are a few practical pointers on how to care for your pets, no matter the weather.  

Beating The Heat: Summer Pet Care Tips 

Our summer months can be particularly harsh, with soaring temperatures and intense sunlight. If you think us humans suffer in the heat, consider your furry family members in their cosy pelts. To protect your pets during this time you need to think and act proactively. 

Firstly, make sure that your pets have access to ample fresh drinking water at all times, both at home and when out on walks or adventures. Dehydration can be a serious issue, so keep a close eye on their water sources to ensure they have access to fresh, clean water all day, every day. If you are going to venture outdoors, try to avoid the hottest hours of the day – rather opt for early morning or evening walks and limit the time spent in direct sunlight. You might even want to dress your pets in lightweight, breathable clothing to shield them from the sun’s rays. That might seem a bit extra to some, but love knows no bounds when it comes to your pet. 

Our last tip on this point is to be mindful of the surfaces your pets walk on, as hot pavement or sand can burn their paws. If you take a moment to think about it, if your pup burns his paws on boiling hot tarmac, you absolutely will go to the vet to get treatment. This visit can be avoided by using paw wax or booties to protect their delicate paws or providing shaded areas for them to rest and cool down under. 

Weathering The Chill: Winter Pet Care Tips 

It’s true that South Africa’s winters are not known to be all that challenging, but actually, in some parts of the country, the drop in temperatures can still pose challenges for our beloved pets. Before the chill sets in, make sure that your pets have access to warm, dry shelter – a cozy indoor space or a well-insulated outdoor kennel, kitted out with plenty of bedding and even heated pads. 

Take a walk around your home and look for drafts that you can seal up and protect your pets from exposure to cold winds and dampness. You could also, and don’t lie and say that you aren’t excited about this, dress them in warm, weatherproof clothing when taking them outside. 

Lastly, you should also adjust your pets’ diets during the winter months, as they may require additional calories to maintain their body temperature.  

Year-Round Wellness Care Considerations 

Regardless of the season, there are several essential wellness practices to keep in mind for the overall health and wellbeing of your pets. 

Here’s what you can do all year long: 

• Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, ensuring that your pets receive all the necessary nutrients to support their growth and immune system.  

• Annual or bi-annual veterinary visits to monitor your pets’ health, administer necessary vaccinations, and address any concerns. 

• Provide ample opportunities for exercise to improve your pets’ overall physical and emotional wellbeing.  

• Engage in playtime, training, and enrichment activities to keep your pets happy and healthy. 

Feel informed?  

We trust that the practical guidance provided will round out your knowledge on how to keep your pet happy and healthy in South Africa’s diverse climate. Remember, our team at AA Inform is here to provide you with reliable and informative guidance to help you make the best decisions for your beloved pet, property and more. 

We know that your ultimate goal as a pet owner is to ensure that your animal thrives and enjoys a long, healthy life by your side. Part of that should also be taking your pet to the vet when needed, which can get a bit pricey. That’s why it’s recommended that you take out pet insurance.  

With an affordable pet insurance policy, you can make sure that your pet receives the care they deserve by paying for vet consults, accidents, and more.