Photo courtesy of Alanna Rogers.
With an extreme cold warning in effect for the region, the Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is offering tips on how to keep pets safe.
“If you own or are caring for companion animals, you need to take extra precautions to protect them from the extreme cold,” the Alberta SPCA website said.
With the frigid temperatures, pet owners are urged to keep their furry friends inside, except when you take them outside for exercise.
“Even long-haired dogs that are accustomed to being outside need extra precautions when the temperature plummets,” the website said.
Here are some ways to keep pets safe and comfortable during the winter months:
Provide extra food: Animals that spend time outdoors in the winter require extra food to give them the necessary energy to stay warm.
Refresh water: Ensure their water remains unfrozen by frequently replacing the water or using a heated bowl. Avoid metal bowls that tongues can stick to and freeze to.
Proper shelter: A doghouse needs to be the right size for your animal—just big enough for the dog to stand up and turn around, allowing the dog to retain its body heat. Make sure the doghouse is sturdy and has proper bedding. Straw is better than blankets, which soak up moisture that then turns to ice. The house should be turned away from the wind or have an L-shaped entrance to reduce wind chill.
Supervise pets when outdoors: If you let your pets outdoors to relieve themselves, keep a close eye on them. Pets that are not acclimatized to the cold weather may not be able to tolerate the frosty temperatures, even for short periods of time. Watch your pets to ensure they aren’t showing signs of discomfort or distress while outdoors.
Wash paw pads: Pets that go outside can pick up rock salt, ice, and chemicals on their foot pads. After a walk, wipe your pet’s paws with a washcloth. This will keep their pads from getting chapped and will also prevent inflammation of the digestive tract that may result from licking the salt.
Trim excess hair on paws: Ice pellets will sometimes form in the hair between your dog’s toes, causing discomfort when they walk outside. The warmth of their feet causes the snow to cling to these hairs, melt, then re-freeze, and allow for more snow to accumulate. Trimming excess hair between their toes will decrease the development of ice pellets.
Be aware of garage dangers: Make sure that all chemicals are properly stored, and spills are cleaned up. Be especially careful with antifreeze, which has a sweet taste that attracts both dogs and cats but can be fatal in even small amounts.
Be cautious when starting your car: Cats and small wildlife in search of warmth may curl up inside a car’s engine compartment. Before you turn your engine on, honk the horn or knock on the hood to scare them away.
Animals that are young, old, or in poor health are particularly susceptible to the cold.
Click here for more information.
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