Baby it’s cold outside: this is how you help animals through the winter

Fireplace roaring, blanket on, hot cocoa on lap. Ah, cold is not such a big deal for us. Animals, on the other hand, have it a bit tougher and believe it or not: that’s also because of us. Because we think that animals could really use our help, but not all well-intentioned help is suitable for animals. Four tips to keep in mind this week.

Feeding animals is very kind, but not always necessary
Did you know that ducklings and other birds can't handle bread very well, for example? It's better to give them bird feed or duck grain. Additionally, most birds in the Netherlands build up a layer of fat in the autumn, so they can get through the winter just fine.

What can you help with? Water.

When it freezes, it’s harder for animals to access drinking water. You can help them out by placing drinking bowls. Just be careful: no iron bowls for the birds, they can freeze to them.

Do you find a frozen animal in a ditch or puddle?
Whatever you do: try not to just pull the animal free, but let the ice around its legs melt with a closed pot or bottle of warm water next to the ice.

And what about dogs and cats? 

Keep your dog active during this cold, and especially watch that it doesn’t eat snow. Cats are generally a bit more princess-like with snow, but if they do go outside, make sure the cat flap works well. Oh, and before you drive away: do check if there’s no cat hiding underneath.