Happy New Year to everyone and the best of health and happiness to both our two and four-legged friends. As it is the start of the year, we are going to do a quick winter checklist for your pets.

If the weather turns nasty and you are living in a rural area, or even if in town, you could get caught short of supplies in bad weather. It is always important to have enough of the basics, i.e. pet food, cat litter, pet medicines, water, bedding etc, in case of snow, bad storms etc.

If your pet lives outdoors, make sure they have shelter and insulation from cold weather. Some people think it's OK to leave dogs out in all conditions. It is not and it is against the law. We would remind you that pets left out in freezing weather can get frostbite and suffer hypothermia. Make sure there is a supply of fresh water and that it is not frozen.

If we get more snow, make sure to check between the pads on your animal's feet, as snow can lodge there and turn into ice lumps, which can be painful. Another thing to watch out for if you are walking your dog in snowy or icy weather is salt and de-icers. These can cause your dog to have dry, chapped, painful paws, so always wash your dog's paws after walking.

It is also important to remember to keep dogs off frozen lakes or ponds. Anti freeze is another danger to your pet, so keep them away when using it. Before you start your car, always knock on the hood or blow the horn in case a cat has gone into the engine and fallen asleep.

If your pet is arthritic, you will find the arthritis is worse, so be extra careful in handling it. Keep it of icy paths and give it extra heat and bedding to keep it cosy. Never start your car in a closed garage, as carbon monoxide is a silent killer.

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