Keeping You and Your Pets Toasty Amid Rising Heating Costs

Following the recent rise in heating bills this autumn, keeping you and your pets cosy as the temperatures drop has become more challenging. To help pet owners in Surrey, our team at Ambleside have come up with some affordable and creative ways to stay cosy without cranking up the heating. Below are our top tips for keeping your whole family comfortable this winter.

To help your money go further, sign up to our Pet Health Plan and benefit from savings on your pet's routine care, if you haven't already.

Affordable ways to keep warm

1. Layer up - for both you and your pets

Layering isn't just for humans! Ambleside's team recommend jumpers or coats for short-haired or older pets but be sure to supervise them, so they don't overheat or get tangled. For pets who dislike clothes, or when you're not home, an insulated bed with blankets works wonders. Thermal clothing and socks for yourself can also reduce the need for extra heating.

2. Create a cosy space

Set up a warm corner for your pets, away from draughty areas. Add extra blankets or a thermal pet mat to reflect their body heat. If your pet loves to burrow, consider a covered pet bed or a self-warming blanket to keep them snug. For smaller pets, our veterinary nurses in Walton-On-Thames recommend adding extra bedding material.

3. Use natural warmth

Open curtains on sunny days in Surrey to let natural heat in and move your pet's bed to a sunlit spot. At night, close the curtains to retain the warmth. This simple step can significantly reduce the need for additional heating.

4. Pet-safe heating options

If using alternative heat sources, choose pet-safe options like electric blankets or heating pads designed for animals. For small pets, consider pet-safe heat lamps or microwavable heat pads - but always ensure proper safety measures are in place. If wrapping the sides of your pet's cage or hutch in a duvet, ensure they have adequate ventilation.

5. Minimise draughts

Ambleside's team suggest keeping your home insulated by sealing draughty windows and doors using these methods:

• Install weatherstripping around door and window frames.
• Apply self-adhesive foam tape to fill gaps in windows.
• Use thermal curtains to block drafts and retain heat - look for a bargain set in charity shops and car boot sales in Surrey, or on Facebook marketplace.
• Seal cracks with caulking or silicone sealant.
• Add door sweeps to the bottom of exterior doors.
• Use draught excluders along the bottom of doors - rolled-up towels can work too.

Plus, keeping unused rooms closed off will trap heat in smaller spaces, and putting another layer under pet beds or cages on the floor (a foam mat, reflective thermal pads, carpet remnants, a rug, or fleece blankets) will help to keep the cold away too.

6. Stay active indoors

Our team at Ambleside also suggest encouraging indoor playtime to keep your pets active and generate warmth. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, or a game of fetch can raise their body temperature and keep them engaged, especially when outdoor exercise isn't an option.

Signs your pet is too cold

Some of the following signs can also be attributed to other health issues so please call us on 01932 228915 if you are concerned:

• Shivering or trembling
• Curling up tightly, hiding, or seeking warmth
• Cold ears, paws, or tail 
• Lethargy or reluctance to move
• Whining, anxious behaviour, or restlessness

With Ambleside's tips, you and your pets can stay comfortable without relying too much on extra heating. If you're worried about your pet's health during the colder months or need more advice on keeping them warm, don't hesitate to reach out to our vet practice in Walton-On-Thames.

And remember, you could be making your money stretch further this winter by signing up to our Pet Health Plan - find out more and sign up.