Vet William Smith of Waterford City based City Vets joined Maria for this fortnightly slot on Deise Today, where he answers your pet questions and discusses various animal-related topics.

This time it was all about cold weather and how animals can be affected by it. William pointed out that every species has its own thermo-neutral zone (the temperature range within which you don't have to expend energy to stay warm - humans are between 20 and 30 degrees). However, cats and dogs are different to people; dogs tend to have a lower thermo-neutral zone, and outside of that there's an upper and lower critical temperature range. Smaller and short-haired dogs are more prone to the cold.

William says there are ways to keep your dogs warm, for example coats can help in cold weather. Shelter and warm bedding helps but smaller dogs need extra heat and padding if it gets too cold.

William told Maria that he believes that the right place for dogs is in the house.

He also discussed how to protect cats in cold weather, explaining that cats prefer higher temperatures than dogs, and will seek out warmer places.

In addition to talking about how to help your pet on winter days like this, vet William Smith also answered some listener questions put to him by Maria.

Have a listen to their chat.

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