The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - the UK's largest animal welfare charity. We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome hundreds of thousands of animals each year in England and Wales. We offer advice on caring for all animals and campaign to change laws that will protect them, which we will enforce through prosecution. Our work relies on your support, so get involved or donate today. You can make a difference.

1. Prevent animals
suffering
Seasonal advice for
winter

2. 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.

3. Frozen ponds - dos and don'ts
If 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.

4. 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.

5. Extra special care for your pets
Pets 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.

6. Extra special care for your pets
Try 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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).

10. 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.

11. We wish you and your pets a safe
and happy Christmas.
Thank You