Help & advice.

SEASONAL ADVICE

Autumn dangers for pets

The temperature is dropping and darker nights are drawing in, so it’s time to refresh your memory on things to look out for during Autumn that may pose a potential threat to your pets.

• Acorns Fall from oak trees between September and November and can be toxic to our pets. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting and diarrhoea, tiredness, weakness, weight loss and loss of appetite.
• Autumn crocus is a plant that flowers from May to October. Ingestion of this plant can cause severe stomach irritation for cats and dogs. Signs to ingestion also include vomiting and diarrhoea, dehydration and collapse.
• Alabama Rot This disease affects dogs, damaging the blood vessels in the skin and kidneys that can lead to kidney failure. Most reports come from owners who walk their dogs in the countryside, so remember to wash off all mud after a wet and muddy walk.
• Dark walks  Remember to make your pooch visible when walking near roads in the dark by fitting them with a reflective collar or night light.
• Fireworks If you plan on bringing small animals indoors during the firework season, this will need to be done gradually, so remember to plan ahead!
• Fleas Your home can provide the perfect breeding ground for fleas this Autumn. Flea pulpae like dark, warm spots in your home and can hatch into adults when you turn the heating on!
• Pumpkins Lots of animals like to munch on small pieces of pumpkin, but make sure to remove tealight holders or candle wax first – and remember to make sure that the inside of your pumpkin isn’t mushy, mouldy or scorched before feeding it to an animal. Pumpkin can also make some wildlife poorly, so avoid leaving it outdoors overnight when nocturnal visitors might pass by.

To find out more by visiting the national RSPCA website via the link below.

SEASONAL ADVICE

Tips to keep your pets warm this winter

As temperatures plummet, here are some tips to keep your pets and wildlife happy and healthy this winter:

1. Keep a close eye on outdoor pets like rabbits and guinea pigs; and consider moving them inside if the temperature drops, but try to give them lots of time and space to exercise properly. If outside, provide them with lots of extra bedding and protect their home from adverse weather with insulating, ventilating covers. Keep them in a sheltered position, raised four inches off the ground, with a sloped roof.
2. Ensure cats have constant access to the house or to a warm, indoor area such as an outbuilding or barn, and keep their bedding warm, dry and away from draughts.
3. If you have a fish pond, check it every day to make sure the surface is not entirely frozen as poisonous gases can build up under the ice. Don’t break the ice as this can harm the fish, but carefully place a saucepan of hot water on the surface to gently melt a hole in the ice. Never tip boiling water straight onto the pond either, as this can also harm or kill any fish living there. And never try to use antifreeze or salt to thaw frozen ponds or birdbaths
4. Antifreeze and rock salt are poisonous to pets so keep any stored products out of their reach. If you’re concerned your pet may have ingested anything they shouldn’t, please speak to your vet immediately.
5. If your dog feels the chill, you can buy a special coat or jumper to keep them warm when you’re out walking. Make sure it fits well and that they can still go to the toilet freely.
6. When walking your dog or riding your horse in the dark, wear reflective clothing.
7. Keep your pet dog away from frozen ponds, lakes or rivers which can pose a danger, and check their paws when you get back from walking to ensure they’re not covered in grit and don’t get impacted with snow.
8. If you keep pet birds in aviaries, coops, or runs, then you should also protect them from the cold weather. Provide plenty of dry, warm bedding such as straw and cover enclosures to keep the wind and rain out. Birds will eat more to keep warm in cold conditions so ensure they always have access to plenty of food and fresh water, ensuring water does not freeze over.
9. Horses need extra care in the winter, such as adequate shelter to escape bad weather, extra feed as grass can be sparse, and regular checks on water troughs to keep them clear of ice. Give added protection with a waterproof rug, ensure they have access to dry standing areas, and check hooves regularly for loose shoes or signs of problems such as mud fever.
10. Wildlife may need an extra helping hand during tough, winter conditions. Birds can struggle to find food during the winter months, so to help them stay strong over this period, householders can leave out extra food for them (like suitable seeds and grains such as oats and sunflower seeds; cooked pasta or rice; boiled potatoes, cheese or uncooked unsalted bacon ring; raisins and sultanas; net-free fat or suet balls; apples, pears and soft fruits; insects such as mealworms or waxworms).
11. Keep bird baths free of ice, leave out bowls of clean water and keep feeders clean.
12. Carefully check any wood or leaf piles of wild animals such as hedgehogs, frogs and mice before lighting any fires or bonfires. If you find wild animals in hibernation, be sure to leave them be.
13. We don’t advise keeping dogs outside in any weather. Meeting the needs of dogs when they’re kept outside is very hard – and more so in very low temperatures. Owners should make sure their dogs have a clean, comfortable and dry sleeping area with a safe heat source so that the temperature does not drop below 10°C.

Wildlife awareness

Help our wildlife thrive

Here are some top tips for wildlife in Autumn and Winter:

• Help hedgehogs prepare for the harsh winter months now. Provide hedgehog food or tinned dog or cat food and crushed cat or dog biscuits (never bread or milk), and shelter to hedgehogs in your garden. Small acts of kindness can help increase the hedgehog population that is close to extinction.
• If possible, build bonfires close to the time of lighting and check them thoroughly for animals before lighting. This can help save the lives of hedgehogs and other small animals.
• Pumpkin flesh and seeds can be used to make tasty meals and treats for us to enjoy. However, sadly they’re dangerous for some wildlife, such as hedgehogs. If you have any leftovers, please don’t leave them on the ground.
• As the nights grow longer, we see more injured wild animals who’ve been involved in road traffic accidents. Take note of warning signs, drive with extreme caution (especially early morning and evening) and report collisions with deer to the police.
• September to December is the breeding season for grey seals. Pups are born with a fluffy white coat and don’t enter the sea for the first two to three weeks. Don’t approach a seal pup on its own, or allow dogs or other animals to harass them, as they can give a nasty bite – and if a seal pup is scared into the water, it could be washed out to sea and get lost.
• If you can safely transport an injured wild animal to your local vet, they should treat them free of charge.

Cost of living crisis

Help we can offer

If you are finding it tough to care for your pet at the moment, we may be able to help.

We offer support to low-income families within our branch area. If you are receiving benefits or have a household income under £15,000 per year, you can access the following services.

• Vet consultations for just £25 at our Welfare Clinic in Ipswich, and £15 at our mobile clinics in Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds
• Heavily subsidised prescription medications for your pet
• Potential financial support for veterinary care (limitations apply)
• Low-cost microchipping from just £10 per pet
• Sale of low-cost food and pet supplies at our Animal Centre, Ipswich Welfare Clinic and shops
• Pop-up pet food banks (keep an eye on our Facebook page for more details)

DEADLINE WAS 10 JUNE 2024

Cat microchipping becomes law

Since 10th June 2024 it is a legal requirement that all cats are microchipped.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help and are offering cat microchipping for just £10 for one animal, £15 for two at our Martlesham Animal Centre; or £15 per animal at our Ipswich Welfare Clinic. A friendly, fast and professional service to ensure your cats are up to date!

You don’t have long, so book today! Call us on 0300 999 7321 or email us to get your cats booked in ASAP. Same-day appointments may be available.

BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION

XL bully dogs

As of 1 February 2024, it is illegal to own an XL Bully unless the dog is exempted. The deadline for exempting XL Bullies has now passed.

The change in the law means that it is illegal for animal charities to rehome an XL Bully.

Follow the link below for the latest guidance from the RSPCA.