Prevent animals suffering

Seasonal advice for winter

Seasonal advice for winter

During a cold snap we are on full alert, ready to deal with a variety of animals affected by the cold weather.

But you can also do your bit to prevent animals suffering.

Frozen ponds - dos and don'tsIf you have a pond, make sure

you check it every day for ice, as toxic gases can build up in the water of a frozen pond. These may kill fish or frogs that are hibernating at the

bottom.

If a pond freezes over, 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 or break the ice with force, as this can harm or even kill any fish living

there.

Dog owners must keep their pets well away from ponds and lakes that are iced over. Thin ice

may break under a dog's weight. Also watch out for dogs' paws

becoming impacted with snow - this can cause them discomfort.

Feeding birds

Don't forget to look after the wildlife in your

garden. In winter, birds may have difficulty finding normal food supplies such as berries,

insects, seeds, worms and fruit.  An extra titbit from your kitchen will help to keep them

going.

Extra special care for your petsPets need extra special care during the chilly winter months.

Keep a close eye on outdoor pets, such as guinea pigs and rabbits. Put extra bedding in their home and be prepared to move them into a shed or unused garage for extra shelter

whilst the weather is cold.

Extra special care for your petsTry to maintain a regular

routine with your dog. Although you may not

feel like taking your dog for a walk on dark wintry

evenings, the exercise will keep your pet happy and

healthy and will help to keep you fit as well!

Remember: Always wear reflective clothing to make

yourself visible when walking near roads in the dark. And

don't forget your pets too - fit your dog with a reflective

collar.

Extra special care for your pets

We advise that if horses and ponies are kept outside during

the winter they must have access to shelter at all

times.

They also need a constant supply of fresh water (check that ice hasn’t formed on it) and a rug to protect them

against the cold and wet. Extra food will be needed too, as winter grazing provides very

little nourishment.Read more 

winter care advice for horses.

For more pet care advice, see our pets and horses pages

Fireworks during the festive season

Domestic pets, farm animals and wildlife

can all suffer as a result of the noise created by loud

fireworks.

Every year we have to deal with hundreds of calls regarding firework related incidents, such as terrified pets that have bolted or

accidents that could easily have been avoided.

Christmas - Dos and don'ts

Deck the halls with boughs of holly - but don't forget that many plants are poisonous,

including yew, ivy berries and poinsettia. Prickly Christmas

trees are dangerous too, if dogs are attracted to their needles.  

 Give your pets a treat, but

remember that too much rich food isn't good for

animals. Some seasonal foods, such as grapes, sultanas and raisins are toxic to dogs, and

chocolate can actually kill them (doggy chocolate drops made

especially for pets are fine though).

Christmas - Dos and don'ts

Splinters of poultry bones are also dangerous to dogs and cats, as they can become stuck in their throats or even

pierce their intestinal tract.  

Don't ignore your pets' needs while you’re celebrating - try to keep to a regular routine of feeding and exercising them. 

Thank You

We wish you and your pets a safe and happy Christmas.