AS the cold weather blasts across Victoria, pet owners are being reminded to consider their pets and prepare for how to best care for them in the cold months ahead.

RSPCA Victoria’s chief executive, Dr Liz Walker said that while some animals can live happily outdoors in colder weather, they still require extra care and consideration during the winter months.

“There are many things we can do to prepare and ensure our animals stay warm and protected from the winter elements,” she said.

“Last year RSPCA Victoria received over 4700 cruelty reports during the winter months, with common issues being underweight animals, insufficient food and shelter, poor husbandry, and lack of veterinary treatment.

“It’s important pet owners consider any additional requirements needed during winter, such as extra bedding, more food and adequate shelter away from the wind and rain.”

To assist locals with keeping their furry friends happy and healthy during winter, the RSPCA has released some cold weather pet care tips.

Outdoor pets should always have proper shelter and a place to sleep away from the elements, while indoor pets should have a warm place to sleep away from drafts, with safe heating units to avoid them sustaining burns.

Vulnerable pets, such as those who are very young, elderly, or who suffer from health conditions such as arthritis, often suffer more in cold weather and, therefore, require extra care to keep them comfortable.

Where possible, small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, should be kept indoors during winter as their body temperature can drop dangerously low in the cold weather, posing a series of health threats.

Horses are not immune to the cold either, with the RSPCA urging people to rug their horses according to age, breed, type of exercise, and the climate, but warning them not to leave summer rugs on horses during wet weather.

When it comes to caring for farm animals during winter it is important livestock have the option to move from their paddock into three-sided shelters to escape the cold, rain, and wind, with chickens requiring extra bedding to keep them warm.

Regardless of the type of pet you care for they will require shelter, access to fresh water that is not frozen, and food to provide them with enough energy to regulate their body temperature.

Anyone who is unsure how to properly care for their pet during winter should consult a veterinarian.

For more information about caring for pets in cold weather visit RSPCA’s Knowledgebase at kb.rspca.org.au/.