Home Advice Cold weather tips
Cooler weather brings it’s own set of seasonal considerations for pets and wildlife
- Dogs – Keep dogs away from frozen water like ponds and lakes. A functional dog coat can help keep your pet warm and dry. This is particularly important if they are elderly or have any illness. Get seen, you can buy reflective collars and lights, these are helpful on dark mornings/evenings. Snow can compact on feet and floppy ears so make sure you check for this. Wash any rock salt/grit from paws as this is harmful.
- Cats – Longer nights mean more hours of darkness. Sadly, that’s when a lot of cats are injured or killed so keep your moggie inside after dusk. Provide somewhere warm for them at home or if they like to be outside, a draught free, heated place to shelter. Antifreeze and rock salt are poisonous, so be careful when using these, clear up spillages straight away and take your pet to the vets immediately if you think they have ingested anything.
- Rabbits & small pets – Bring small pets who live in hutches/outdoors inside to a shed or outhouse. Provide lots more hay/straw for insulation and check there are no water leaks or draughts getting in. You may need to make a temporary exercise area inside. Check water bowls are not frozen.
- Horses/donkeys – Equines will need regular checks. If fields are muddy with wet cold weather, horses need to have somewhere dry to stand out of the wet. A waterproof rug may be beneficial and extra food will be needed too. Fresh, clean water is vital so check for frozen troughs and water buckets.
- Wildlife – Garden birds appreciate supplements to their diet when natural food is scarce. Keep feeders clean to help prevent disease. Like all animals, birds and wildlife need access to water. A shallow dish or bird bath that is ice free will help our feathered friends and passing mammals. If you have a pond, gently melt the ice with the bottom of a pan of hot water. This will prevent dangerous gases building up.
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