THE RSPCA is urging pet owners to keep them safe and warm as temperatures plummet.
For rabbits and guinea pigs housed in a hutch, a sloped roof is preferable to allow water to drain away.
utches should be raised off the ground by at least four inches and placed in a sheltered position, facing away from wind and rain.
Make sure they have plenty of warm bedding.
Cats should have constant access to the house or to a warm, inside area such as an outbuilding or barn with appropriate heating.
Be aware that antifreeze and rock salt can be poisonous to pets.
If you have an elderly or sickly dog, you can buy a special coat or jumper to keep them warm when you’re out on walks.
Make sure your dog can still behave normally, for example, go to the toilet easily and that it is a good and comfortable fit.
Make sure their paws don’t get impacted with snow.
Pet birds in aviaries, coops, or runs, should also be protected 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 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.
RKeep bird baths free of ice.
