Caring for Pets and Garden Wildlife During Wintry Weather

As winter begins to bite across the UK, with snow, icy winds, and heavy rain affecting many areas, it’s essential to take extra steps to protect both our pets and the wildlife that visit our gardens. Cold and stormy weather can be challenging for animals, but with a little preparation, we can help keep them safe, warm, and well-fed during these tough conditions.

1. Keeping Pets Safe and Comfortable in Cold Weather

• Provide Warm Resting Spots: Ensure your pets have warm, cosy places to rest indoors. Heated beds or thick blankets can provide much-needed comfort for dogs, cats, and small pets. Keep their sleeping areas away from draughts.
• Limit Time Outdoors: Reduce the amount of time your pets spend outside during extreme cold or snowy conditions. For dogs, take shorter walks, and make sure they’re wearing a coat if they have a thin coat or are small breeds prone to feeling the cold.
• Protect Paws: Salt, grit, and ice can damage your pet’s paws. Clean their paws after walks to remove irritants and use paw balm to keep their pads moisturised and protected.
• Stay Visible in the Dark: Winter days are short, so use reflective collars, leads, or coats to keep your pets visible during early morning or evening walks.

2. Helping Wildlife in Wintry Conditions

Winter can be particularly hard for garden wildlife as natural food and water sources become scarce. Here’s how you can help:

Feeding Birds

• Provide High-Energy Foods: Offer birds high-calorie foods like suet balls, seeds, and peanuts to help them maintain energy levels during cold weather.
• Keep Feeders Topped Up: Ensure bird feeders are regularly filled, as food is harder for birds to find in the snow.
• Provide Fresh Water: Water sources can freeze in low temperatures. Place a shallow dish of fresh water in your garden and check it frequently to remove ice.

Helping Hedgehogs

• Provide Safe Shelter: Hedgehogs hibernate during winter, but unseasonably mild spells can wake them up. If you see a hedgehog, leave out specialist hedgehog food or meaty cat food to help them build energy reserves.
• Check Bonfire Piles: If you’re clearing garden debris, always check for hibernating hedgehogs before burning or moving piles.

Supporting Foxes and Badgers

• Offer Safe Food Options: Foxes and badgers will appreciate small amounts of food like unsalted peanuts, dog biscuits, or fresh fruit like apples and pears.
• Keep It Consistent: If you start feeding foxes or badgers, try to maintain a regular feeding schedule to prevent them relying too heavily on it.

3. Creating a Safe Garden for Wildlife

• Protect Water Sources: Prevent water bowls or small ponds from freezing by floating a ball on the surface or using a small heater if necessary.
• Provide Shelter: Wildlife like birds, foxes, and squirrels need shelter from harsh weather. Nesting boxes and wildlife houses can offer them a safe place to rest.
• Avoid Harmful Chemicals: If you’re using antifreeze or de-icers, ensure they’re kept well out of reach of pets and wildlife, as these substances can be toxic.

4. Safety Tips for Stormy Weather

• Secure Outdoor Spaces: Strong winds can knock over fences, bins, or garden furniture, which could pose risks to pets and wildlife. Secure these items to prevent injury or damage.
• Provide Indoor Shelter: If you care for outdoor pets, such as rabbits or guinea pigs, bring their enclosures indoors or into a sheltered area like a garage or shed during extreme weather.
• Stay Alert for Escapes: Stormy weather can spook pets, so ensure they’re microchipped and that your contact information is up to date.

Summing Up

Wintry weather can be tough on both pets and wildlife, but with a little care and preparation, we can help them thrive even in harsh conditions. Whether it’s keeping your pets warm and safe indoors or offering food and shelter to garden visitors, every small step makes a big difference.

Visit Superpet for a wide range of products to help you care for your pets and garden wildlife this winter. Let’s keep all our furry, feathered, and wild friends warm and well-fed this season.