3rd January 2025
With temperatures set to drop in parts of England and Wales, and snow and ice forecast in many areas, the RSPCA is urging people to follow its urgent advice and top tips to keep pets, livestock and wildlife safe and happy amid the big freeze.
The animal welfare charity is calling on people to do their bit to help animals this weekend as The Met Office issues yellow warnings of ice for northwest England, the Midlands, and a threat of overnight ice extending south as far as the South West of England, which it says is also likely to move across parts of central and southern UK through the weekend.
RSPCA pet welfare specialist Dr Sam Gaines said: “It’s really important we help our animal friends during this latest upcoming spell of cold weather. As we all strive to create a better world for every animal, people can share our helpful advice and tips to make sure their own animals, and local wildlife, are kept safe.”
Here are the RSPCA’s top tips:
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. The RSPCA recommends guinea pigs are housed indoors when temperatures are below 15°C (59°F). 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 4in (10cm).
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.
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.
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.
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.
When walking your dog in the dark or riding your horse, wear reflective clothing and think about reflective protection for your pet too!
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.
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.
Never house animals, including birds, in greenhouses and take caution when housing them in conservatories.
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.
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.
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).
Keep bird baths free of ice, leave out bowls of clean water, and keep feeders clean.
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.
The RSPCA doesn’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 10°C (50°F).
If flooding is a risk in your area, you can stay informed by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for information and flood warnings 24 hours a day, or visit the Environment's Agency flood website.. Wales residents should seek updates from Natural Resources Wales. Don’t put your own life or another’s life in danger to attempt an animal rescue and call us for help in an emergency.
