Charity's winter warming tips

Dec. 7, 2010 - PRLog -- As temperatures plummet and the big freeze continues to take its hold on the country, Wood Green Animal Shelters is urging pet owners to ensure animals are not left out in the cold this winter.
Deputy Head of Animal Welfare Linda Cantle said: “It is not just humans that struggle with winter weather, animals feel the cold too and by taking some small simple steps pet owners can ensure their four-legged friends are kept happy, healthy and warm this winter.”

•   If you have indoor pets like dogs and cats, ensure their beds are kept in a warm, draft free place possibly near to a radiator.
•   Outdoor pets should ideally be kept in an insulated shelter like a shed or garage with cover all around to keep any draughts out. With small animals such a guinea pigs and rabbits they are designed for cold weather, however lots of dry hay packed in their bedding and a cover over their hutch will help to keep them warmer. If there is more than one animal in a hutch they will use their body heat to keep warm.
•   Check that water bowls have not frozen over, check water in fields for horses and break any surface water. Try putting a sock over your rabbit or guinea pigs water bottle to stop it freezing.
•   Like humans, staying warm requires extra calories, food supply can be increased, however changing to a higher quality food which contains more calories is advisable.
•   Before starting your car bang loudly on the hood and sides of the car to scare away any cats. Cats are known to seek refuge from the cold under cars.
•   Don’t leave animals in cars, even for a short period of time.
•   Winter is an easier time for pets to become lost, stolen or hurt. Keep your cat inside overnight as they will suffer greatly to an excessive decrease in the weather; possibly leading to them freezing.
•   Identification is imperative. Your pet should always have identification tags with his/her owners contact details on and all animals should be microchipped.
•   Short-coated pets will suffer more than most, so extra special care needs to be taken to ensure they are kept warm and dry.
•   Horses should be rugged up to ensure they keep warm and dry.