ROLDA Winter Care Tips for Your Furry Friends

As winter sets in, the cold months bring extra challenges for our pets and stray animals. At ROLDA UK, we know how vital it is to keep our furry friends safe, warm, and comfortable when temperatures drop. Whether you’re a pet owner or someone looking out for strays, these winter care tips will help you support cats and dogs during the season.

1. Create Warm Shelter

• For Pets at Home: Make sure pets have a warm, draft-free place to sleep, such as a cosy bed off the floor and away from cold tiles or unheated rooms. Adding extra blankets can provide additional warmth and comfort.
• For Strays: Stray animals often lack sufficient shelter. If you can, set up a small, insulated shelter with materials like straw, which stays dry and helps retain body heat. A sturdy cardboard or plastic box with a covered entrance can offer strays a much-needed refuge from the elements.

2. Avoid Over-Grooming and Bathing

• In winter, it’s essential to let pets’ natural oils build up in their coats to help insulate them. Avoid frequent baths, which strip these oils. Brush pets regularly to keep their coats healthy and untangled, which also helps with warmth.
• For Cats: Remember that cats’ winter coats are thicker and shouldn’t be trimmed or shaved in colder months.

3. Protect Paws from Cold and Salt

• Cold pavements, ice, and salt can harm pets’ paws. After walks, rinse or wipe their paws to remove salt or chemical de-icers. If your dog tolerates them, consider pet-safe boots that protect from frostbite, ice, and salt-related injuries.
• Paw Care for Strays: Stray animals’ paws also suffer in winter. Keep an eye out for signs of injury and, if possible, leave out a small bowl of warm (not hot) water for strays to help thaw their paws after being out in icy weather.

4. Keep Outdoor Cats Safe

• Cats may hide under or even inside car engines for warmth. Before starting your car, tap the hood or honk the horn to encourage any cats hiding underneath to move away.
• If you’re feeding stray cats, try to keep a consistent feeding schedule and place food in a sheltered spot. Cats generally accept wet food, but it can freeze quickly, so consider mixing in dry food on frigid days.

5. Adjust Food and Water Intake

• For Pets at Home: Pets burn more calories by staying warm and may need extra food during the winter. Consult your vet for specific guidance on adjusting your pet’s winter diet.
• For Strays: Leave food in well-insulated containers, and check that water bowls haven’t frozen. Heated water bowls are an excellent option for regularly feeding strays in cold areas.

6. Ensure Visibility and Safety on Walks

• Winter Gear for Dogs: Consider a warm, weather-resistant jacket for outdoor walks if your dog has a short coat. Reflective collars or leashes help keep your dog visible in low light.
• Leash and Visibility for Strays: If you’re near areas where strays frequently roam, drive slowly and watch for them, especially near sunrise and sunset when visibility is lower.

7. Mind the Antifreeze and Toxic Chemicals

• Antifreeze, commonly used in winter, is highly toxic to pets and strays. Unfortunately, its sweet taste can attract animals. Clean up any spills immediately, and store antifreeze and other chemicals securely out of reach.

8. Offer Community Support for Strays

• Community care is essential during the colder months. If you see a stray animal struggling or injured, contact your local shelter or ROLDA UK for guidance. You could also join or start a neighborhood group dedicated to feeding and caring for stray animals during winter.
• Leave blankets, pet-safe heating pads, or temporary shelters in areas where stray animals are known to gather.

9. Stay Indoors During Severe Weather

• For Pets: On especially cold days, keep walks brief and avoid leaving pets outside for extended periods. Indoor play and exercise will keep them entertained and safe from the chill.
• For Strays: During extreme weather, consider opening your garage or shed slightly for a warm refuge if you feel safe doing so. Strays will often gravitate toward any shelter they can find, so keeping spaces accessible can make a difference.

10. Foster or Adopt if You’re Able

• Winter is an ideal time to open your home to a pet in need. Fostering, even temporarily, can give animals a break from the harsh outdoor environment, while adoption offers a permanent loving home. Check out ROLDA UK’s foster and adoption programs if you are considering this rewarding option!