WINTER is well and truly here and as temperatures plummet around the state, pet owners like Sarah Quinlan realise the importance of keeping your furry friend warm.

Maranoa Veterinary Surgeon Dr Joanne Hanssens said pets can often be forgotten in the cooler weather and chances are if you’re feeling the cold then they are too.

“I think the main thing that people forget is the draughts that come through,” Dr Hanssens said.

“So people will remember to put a coat on their pet but they may forget to ensure their shelter has three walls, or something like that, and so the cool wind gets in.”

Throughout winter Dr Hanssens deals with a high number of pets that are experiencing osteoarthritis as the cool weather takes its toll on their joints.

“We try and manage cases year round but we often need to step up their osteoarthritis management during the winter months,” she said.

“The cool causes some stiff muscles and it really flares up the condition.”

The tell-tale signs that indicate your pet may be feeling the effects of the cold include stiff or sore joints, disinterest in exercising, struggling to get up and a change in their sleeping positions.