RSPCA shares advice to keep animals safe during cold snap

With Met Office warnings for snow and ice active, the RSPCA is urging people to take some simple steps to help keep pets, livestock and wildlife safe.

Low temperatures and icy conditions can present additional challenges for animals, particularly those that are outdoors or in exposed areas. The charity is reminding people that a few simple checks and small changes to daily routines can help keep pets, livestock and wildlife comfortable and safe during colder spells.

The call comes as the charity’s Big Give Back to Animals continues to raise awareness for how the public can support its frontline officers amid a challenging winter.

RSPCA superintendent Simon Osborne said: “Cold weather can be challenging for animals, especially those that are outside.

"There are a few simple steps - like giving pets extra bedding, preventing water from freezing, or leaving extra food for birds - can make a big difference.

"Small actions like these help keep our pets, livestock and wildlife safe, warm and comfortable during the colder days ahead.”

The RSPCA is encouraging pet owners and members of the public to consider the following winter care tips:

• Keep a close eye on outdoor pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, and the RSPCA advises bringing them indoors when temperatures drop below 15°C (59°F). If pets remain outside, provide plenty of extra bedding and ensure hutches are protected with insulated - and ventilated - covers. The hutches should also be in a sheltered position, with a sloped roof, and should be raised off the ground by at least 4in (10cm).
• Ensure cats have constant access to a warm, indoor area - whether that’s the house, or a suitable outbuilding or barn. Bedding and sleeping areas should be warm, dry and free from draughts.
• If your pets get wet or cold, dry and warm them using a towel, and provide additional bedding where needed.
• Some dogs, particularly those that are elderly or sickly, may benefit from a coat during cold walks. Any clothing should fit comfortably and still allow dogs to move and behave normally, such as not restricting tail movement and allow them to go to the toilet easily.
• The RSPCA does not advise keeping dogs outdoors in any weather and they should have constant access to a clean, dry sleeping area with a safe heat source to prevent temperatures dropping below 10°C (50°F).
• Take care during dark, icy conditions by wearing reflective clothing when walking dogs or riding horses, and consider reflective protection for your animals too. Keep dogs away from frozen ponds, lakes and rivers, and check pets for compacted snow.
• Antifreeze and rock salt can be toxic for pets, so store these securely and well out of reach. Contact a vet immediately if you think your pet may have ingested anything they shouldn’t.
• Check fish ponds daily to ensure they are not fully frozen, as poisonous gases can build up under the ice. Do not attempt to break the ice, as this can harm fish, but instead gently melt a hole by carefully placing a saucepan with hot water on the surface. Don’t tip boiling water straight onto the pond, and never try to use antifreeze or salt to thaw as both of these pose significant risks to the fish.
• Leaving out fresh water and food for birds is also encouraged, such as suitable seeds and grains, such as oats and sunflower seeds.

To ensure RSPCA officers can remain on the frontline during the cold weather, the charity has launched its Big Give Back to Animals appeal, to help raise vital funds.

For more advice on keeping animals safe during the winter, visit the RSPCA website.