With snow falling across parts of the region and temperatures continuing to drop this week, pet owners are urged to take extra precautions to keep their animals warm and safe.

Here’s what you can do:

Keep pets warm and dry

• Where possible, allow your pets to stay indoors, especially overnight. Animals that tolerate clothing can also be given a jersey or pet coat to help retain body heat.
• For animals that need to remain outside, make sure they have access to a dry, draught-free shelter. The enclosure should be large enough for the animal to sit and lie down comfortably, but not so large that it cannot retain heat.
• Raise the floor of the shelter a few inches off the ground using pallets or mats. This can help prevent cold and dampness from seeping into the enclosure.
• Provide clean, dry bedding, with extra blankets or straw to provide additional insulation.
• Livestock should be moved to sheltered areas protected from wind and rain. Ensure they have access to clean, unfrozen drinking water at all times.
• If heaters are used in animal shelters, ensure that they are positioned safely and cannot burn animals or create a fire hazard.

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