DOGS in the Domestic Animal Services (DAS) shelter have received a donation of home-knitted woollen jumpers this cold Canberra winter, to help keep the impounded dogs happy, healthy and warm.

“The organisation Knitting for Dog Rescue Groups kindly donated dozens of knitted dog jumpers which have been put to good use, helping the dogs at DAS stay warm,” said Senior Manager, Licensing and Compliance, Kylie Jenkins.

“With the very cold weather we’ve been experiencing in the ACT lately, I would like to remind Canberrans to take a few simple steps to keep their dogs warm and safe.

“No matter the thickness of your dog’s coat, the cold weather can affect your pet’s health.

“If your dog sleeps outside, consider adding extra protection from the elements to their bed. This means more than blankets and shelter from rain, but also wind protection. A sheet of plastic across the kennel door is a cheap and easy way to keep your dog protected from Canberra’s biting winds.

“Keep in mind your dog will use more energy over winter to keep warm. Make sure you keep up with your dog’s energy needs by adjusting their food intake. This may mean offering your dog more food than usual and of course all dogs enjoy a little food treat especially when it’s cold. Contact your vet or the rangers at DAS for advice.

“If you feed your dog outside, add to your morning routine a check of your dog’s water bowl for ice. It can take hours for ice to melt but only minutes for a dog to dehydrate.

“You might also want to consider putting a coat on your dog while it sleeps or while you exercise it outdoors. We can recommend woollen knitted jumpers as particularly effective and attractive!

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Knitting for Dog Rescue Groups for their thoughtful and kind donation,” Ms Jenkins concluded.

To find out more about Knitting for Dog Rescue Groups, look them up at facebook.com