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Stop Pets Dying In Cold

Author: The Blue Cross
Posted: Monday 16th January, 2006. 00:00:00

The Blue Cross, Britain’s pet charity, is asking pet owners to protect their guinea pigs and rabbits during what forecasters say will be the coldest winter in ten years.

The charity warns that animals can freeze to death in prolonged cold temperatures and so suggests bringing hutches indoors, or at least into a warm-weather shed until the Spring. If keeping the hutch in a garage, then owners are urged to remember that car fumes can be fatal to small animals. If it is impossible to bring the hutch inside then ensure the hutch is well insulated and protected from wet weather, using bubble wrap and heavy-duty plastic, or buy a specially made hutch insulating cover. The front of the hutch should be protected by a blanket and faced away from direct wind, but always make sure there is adequate ventilation or your pet might suffocate.

Kelly Haggerwood, veterinary nurse at The Blue Cross animal hospital in Hammersmith, said: "In winter, The Blue Cross sees animals suffering from the effects of the cold if they are kept outside. To prevent unneccessary suffering, make sure your pet is warm enough throughout the winter. Animals will need more food during the colder months, and water bottles should be checked regularly to make sure they haven't frozen. You can buy special covers to prevent this.

“Don’t forget that winter can also bring out desperation in predators such as foxes who may try especially hard to reach an animal in a hutch. This is another good reason to bring your pet inside. Provide extra bedding so your pet can snuggle in and feel safe.”

Weighing your small pet should be part of its regular care, but this is especially important in winter, as it indicates if anything is wrong.

For more information, please call The Blue Cross hospital in Hammersmith on 020 8748 5150.

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