RSPCA shares advice to keep animals safe during weekend cold snap

Low temperatures and icy conditions can present additional challenges for animals, particularly those that are outdoors or in exposed areas.

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

- 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.

- Protect pet birds in aviaries, coops, or runs, by providing extra dry bedding, covering enclosures to keep out the wind and rain, and ensuring constant access to food and fresh, unfrozen water. Never house animals, including birds, in greenhouses, and take care if you have a conservatory.

- 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 it.

- Horses and livestock need adequate shelter, additional feed, access to dry, standing areas, and regular checks of water supplies to prevent ice. Waterproof rugs may be needed, and hooves should be checked often for loose shoes or signs of problems such as mud fever. Extra care and protection should be considered for young or vulnerable animals.

- Keep bird baths ice-free, and clean feeders regularly. Check wood or leaf piles for hibernating animals, such as hedgehogs, frogs, and mice, before lighting fires or bonfires.

- Leave out fresh water and food for birds, such as 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.

Call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for information and flood warnings 24 hours a day, or visit the Environment's Agency flood website. Don’t put your own life or another’s life in danger to attempt an animal rescue, and call the RSPCA for help in an emergency.

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.