15.01.13
With bad weather due to hit the UK in the next few days, including an increasing likelihood of floods and snow,?we are?offering some help and advice to pet owners.
While severe weather can sometimes leave people with little time to prepare, there are some things which people can do to try and reduce the risk to their pets.
Sophie Hacking an?RSPCA companion animal scientist says:
Taking action early really can make the difference to your pet. We are mostly a nation of animal lovers, and many people will happily go that extra mile for their animals.
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Horses and ponies need extra care and attention during the winter months. To ensure your horse is happy and healthy during the cold spell, owners are advised to visit your horse as early as possible each day. This way, if there are any problems, you can seek assistance during the daylight hours.
We also?suggest it?is important to make sure your horse has dried off properly after exercise as sweat can lead to chills. Read our winter care advice for horses for more information.
If rabbits or guinea pigs are usually housed outdoors, it?s best to bring them indoors or into a unused garage or shed, but they will still need free access to a secure exercise area.
It is also an idea to?grow grass from seed in trays to give rabbits/guinea pigs opportunities to graze if they are brought indoors or undercover, or if the grazing outdoors is poor. If keeping rabbits? outside, their home should be placed in a sheltered position, facing away from the prevailing wind and rain. Read more on our rabbits page.
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In the case of cats,?we suggest?providing enough litter trays, filled with the cat's preferred litter, indoors at all times of year. During the winter the ground outside may freeze, and cats who usually toilet outdoors may be put off from doing so, so it is very important they have suitable toilet facilities indoors.
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Dog owners should dress them and their dogs in reflective coats when out on night-time walkies, to help you both stay safe and seen.
During the recent floods?we received thousands of calls from worried pet owners.
We helped rescue hundreds of animals including four Chihuahuas, a Border collie and a German shepherd which were taken to safety after becoming stranded by rising flood waters in Somerset. In another incident in Wales, RSPCA inspectors rescued a budgie in a cage, sitting on top of a floating kitchen table.
For more advice why not visit our All about animals pages where you can find expert advice on how to keep your animals healthy and happy, and read our seasonal advice for winter.
We are only able to carry out rescues and care for animals because of donations from the public.
- To help the RSPCA rescue and care for more animals, please text HELP to 78866 to give ?3. Text costs ?3 plus one standard network rate message.?
Source: http://www.rspca.org.uk/media/news/story/-/article/WinteryAdviceForPetOwners_Jan13
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