RSPCA issues tips on keeping animals warm and safe this winter

As temperatures plummet, and with snow, ice and fog in many UK areas, RSPCA Cymru is urging people across Wales to follow its urgent advice and 15 top tips to keep pets, livestock and wildlife happy and healthy this winter.

With a Met Office yellow warning for snow, ice and fog in many parts of the UK until Thursday (15 December) – and temperatures having recently plummeted across Wales – the animal welfare charity is calling on people
to do their bit to help animals. RSPCA pet welfare specialist Dr Sam Gaines said:

“It’s really
important we help our animal friends during the colder weather. We’re encouraging people across Wales to join the winter rescue to help animals and we’re also sharing our helpful advice and tips available for people to make sure their own pets, and local wildlife, are kept safe.” Here are the RSPCA’s top tips:

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Keep a close eye on outdoor pets like rabbits and guinea pigs; if the
temperature starts to drop below freezing, you may wish to move your
bunny inside. We recommend guinea pigs are housed indoors when
temperatures are below 15OC. If you do bring your pets indoors, they
still need plenty of time and room to exercise safely. If you have to
leave them outside, provide them with lots of extra bedding and make
sure their home is protected from adverse weather with insulating but
ventilating covers. Hutches should be in a sheltered position, with a
sloped roof and should be raised off the ground at least 4ins.

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Ensure cats have constant access to the house or to a warm, indoor area
such as an outbuilding or barn. You should also ensure the cat’s
bedding or sleeping area is warm, dry and away from any draughts.

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Antifreeze and rock salt – commonly used at this time of year – can be
poisonous to pets so keep any stored products out of their reach. If
you’re concerned your pet may have ingested anything they shouldn’t,
please speak to your vet immediately.

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If you have a pet who gets wet or cold, rub them dry with a towel and
make sure they have plenty of warm bedding.

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If you have an elderly or sickly dog, you can buy a special coat or
jumper to keep them warm when you’re out walking. Make sure your dog
can still behave normally, for example, go to the toilet easily and that
it is a good and comfortable fit.

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When walking your dog in the dark or riding your horse, wear reflective
clothing and think about reflective protection for your pet too!

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Keep your pet dog away from frozen ponds, lakes or rivers which can pose
a danger, and make sure their paws don’t get impacted with snow.

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If you keep pet birds in aviaries, coops, or runs, then you should also
protect them from the cold weather. Provide plenty of additional dry,
warm bedding such as straw and cover enclosures to keep the wind and
rain out. Birds will eat more to keep warm in cold conditions so ensure
the birds always have access to plenty of food and fresh water, ensuring
water does not freeze over.

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Never house animals, including birds, in greenhouses and take caution if
housing them in conservatories.

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If you have a fish pond, check it every day to make sure the surface is
not entirely frozen as poisonous gases can build up under the ice.
Don’t break the ice as this can harm the fish, but carefully place a
saucepan of hot water on the surface to gently melt a hole in the ice.
Never tip boiling water straight onto the pond either, as this can also
harm or kill any fish living there. And never try to use antifreeze or
salt to thaw frozen ponds or birdbaths.

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Horses and livestock need extra care in the winter, such as adequate
shelter to escape bad weather, extra feed as grass can be sparse, and
regular checks on water troughs to keep them clear of ice. Give added
protection with a waterproof rug, ensure they have access to dry
standing areas, and check hooves regularly for loose shoes or signs of
problems such as mud fever. Farmers and smallholders should give extra
consideration to young animals and whether they need extra protection
from the cold weather.

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Wildlife may need an extra helping hand during tough, winter conditions.
Birds can struggle to find food during the winter months so, to help
them stay strong over this period, householders can leave out extra food
for them (like suitable seeds and grains such as oats and sunflower
seeds; cooked pasta or rice; boiled potatoes, cheese, or uncooked
unsalted bacon rind; raisins and sultanas; net-free fat or suet balls;
apples, pears and soft fruits; insects such as mealworms or waxworms).

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Keep bird baths free of ice, leave out bowls of clean water, and keep
feeders clean.

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Carefully check any wood or leaf piles for wild animals such as
hedgehogs, frogs and mice before lighting any fires or bonfires. If you
find wild animals in hibernation, be sure to leave them be.

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We don’t advise keeping dogs outside in any weather. Meeting the needs
of dogs when they’re kept outside is very hard – and more so in very
low temperatures. Owners should make sure their dogs have a clean,
comfortable and dry sleeping area with a safe heat source so the
temperature does not drop below 10OC.”

Don’t let animals pay the price of the cost of living crisis this
Christmas. Join the Christmas Rescue today

Picture: Isobel Tierney