SPCA urges pet owners to take precautions as temperatures plummet

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is reminding pet owners to take extra precautions to help keep their animals safe as temperatures across the region plummet.

The organization says owners should be on the lookout for signs their animal is too cold and it’s time to get back inside.

“Our furry friends depend on us to look out for their needs,” said Dr. Julia Hughes, Shelter Health & Wellness Veterinarian in a news release. “In cold winter conditions, it’s important to consider every part of your pet’s daily routine to ensure they are comfortable and safe at all times.”

The animal charity has offered the following tips to help keep your pet safe.

Supervise outdoor time
Some dogs want to be outside, regardless of the weather. Even if your dog has a thick coat, keep an eye on them when they are outside playing to watch for early signs that they’re cold, such as holding up paws or shivering.

Modify outdoor activities
Limit the length of time spent outside and choose walking routes that loop past your house, in case you or your pooch need to come in to get warm.

Leave pets at home
Leave your animal at home where they are warm and safe when you’re running errands. Cars cool down quickly and don’t hold in body heat, which can lead to animals suffering from cold stress, hypothermia or frostbite.

Watch for cats seeking warmth under vehicle hoods
Knock on the hood of your car or sound the horn before starting the engine. Cats hiding under hoods can be injured or killed by the fan belt.

Keep paws clean
Use a damp towel to wipe your pet’s paws and underside if they’ve walked along salted sidewalks or roads. Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice on roads and sidewalks can irritate and burn your pet’s sensitive paws and can cause illness if ingested.

Clean up car spills
Keep an eye out for antifreeze, or other automotive leaks in your driveway. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that can be attractive to animals and can be fatal if ingested.

Know your animal’s unique needs
Cats, puppies and short-coated dogs are particularly vulnerable in cold temperatures. Some dogs, especially short-coated breeds, puppies and elderly dogs may benefit from a dog sweater or coat as an extra layer of warmth.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is also reminding dog owners to never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle at any time of the year.

If you’re playing with your dog outside, make sure to take frequent indoor breaks for your dog to warm up and hydrate.

Here are some signs that can indicate your dog is too cold.

• Shaking or shivering
• Hunched posture with a tucked tail
• Whining or barking
• Change in behaviour, like seeming anxious or uncomfortable
• Reluctance to keep walking or tries to turn around
• Seeks places for shelter
• Lifts paw off the ground

The organization says while it’s important that your dog maintains good exercising habits, when conditions are especially cold it’s a good idea to cut your walk short and supplement your animal’s exercise with some indoor activities and enrichment.