Brrr... it's winter!

We easily forget the nice things that winter brings us when the temperature drops. Did you notice how winter's natural light can contribute to taking gorgeous photographs of your little companions? Winter invites us to slow down a little bit — to spend more time with our loves ones, and to pay more attention to them.

Here are a few tips on how to provide your pets with a comfortable and warm environment during winter.

Keep the bedding dry and clean. If possible, avoid pine and cedar wood shavings: they contain oils that can be harmful to your pets. Wood shavings are usually dusty and can cause respiratory problems. If you are on a tight budget and cannot afford other type of bedding, aspen pine shavings is your best option. When possible, we recommend using reclaimed cellulose, wheat straw, aspen crumble or hemp litter. Use newspaper with care: hamsters and other small animals chew the newspaper and build nests — guinea pigs chew and swallow the paper, so make sure it's well placed under the bedding and change it often.

Provide plenty of fresh hay. Your pets need hay 24 hours a day. They appreciate it in particular when it gets cold at night. But it is important to use the right type of hay. Alfalfa hay is rich in proteins, calcium and carbohydrates, and therefore suited for young pups, pregnant and nursing animals. For general use, western timothy hay is a good choice — yet many different types exist. Get to know your pets and provide them with the best hay possible. Remember: good quality hay keeps the vet away!

Control the room's temperature and ambient humidity. Avoid extra hot and dry rooms to keep your pets comfortable. Use an ambient humidifier if required: maintain the ambient humidity between 35% and 45%. Your pet will not only breathe better — this will reduce the accumulation of dust and reduce static discharges. Finally, provide fresh water daily and keep the food bowls clean.

Brush your pets' fur. Most pets moult their fur, gaining a thicker winter coat. Gently brushing your pet's fur daily helps removing loose hair, avoids mats and builds a bond between you and your pet.

Spend some extra time with your pets. Keep them active! Introduce a new element into their cage or playground. Your pet will enjoy a bungalow, a tunnel, or a lounger. Even a simple brown paper bag can bring hours of enjoyment to your little pet. Keep an eye on them and get to know them a bit more every day. And don't forget to take pictures!

By taking good care of your pets you'll be rewarded with plenty of great moments in their company. Remember to bring them to the vet regularly for check-ups, and if you do so in winter, keep them warm with soft, thick blankets.

Montreal Critters wishes you a very enjoyable winter! Check out our winter specials for great suggestions and ideas to keep your pets warm and cozy. We add specials regularly, so remember to visit us often. If you have questions, suggestions or more winter tips and tricks, don't hesitate to share them with us!