As temperatures plummet to as low as -7C this week, the RSCPA is urging people in Staffordshire to follow its urgent advice.

They have provided 15 top tips to keep pets, livestock and wildlife happy and healthy this winter. 

RSPCA pet welfare specialist Dr Sam Gaines said: "It's really important we help our animal friends during the colder weather. 

"We're encouraging people in Staffordshire to join the winter rescue to help animals and we're sharing helpful advice and tips available for people to make sure their own pets are kept safe."

Regional Editor Sarah Garner's pet Labrador Rory staying warm in his festive jumper (Sarah Garner).

Here are the RSPCA's top tips:

1. Outdoor pets need to be moved inside when temperatures are below freezing for rabbits and below 15OC for guinea pigs. Don't forget they still need plenty of time and room to exercise safely. 
2. Ensure cats have constant access to the house or to a warm, indoor area such as an outbuilding or barn. You should also ensure the cat's bedding or sleeping area is warm, dry and away from any draughts. 
3. Antifreeze and rock salt - commonly used at this time of year - can be 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. 
4. If you have a pet who gets wet or cold, rub them dry with a towel and make sure they have plenty of warm bedding. 
5. If you have an elderly or sickly dog, you can buy a special coat or jumper to keep them warm when you're out walking. Make sure your dog can still behave normally, for example, go to the toilet easily and that it is a good and comfortable fit.
6. When walking your dog in the dark or riding your horse, wear reflective clothing and think about reflective protection for your pet too!
7. Keep your pet dog away from frozen ponds, lakes or rivers which can pose a danger, and make sure their paws 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 additional dry, warm bedding such as straw and cover enclosures to keep the wind and rain out.
9. Never house animals, including birds, in greenhouses and take caution if housing them in conservatories.
10. 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.
11. Horses and livestock 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.
12. 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 and boiled potatoes).
13. Keep bird baths free of ice, leave out bowls of clean water, and keep feeders clean.
14. Carefully check any wood or leaf piles for wild animals such as hedgehogs, frogs and mice before lighting any fires or bonfires. 
15. 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 the temperature does not drop below 10OC."

For more information, visit the RSCPA Seasonal Advice webpage.