Cold weather can be dangerous for pets, SPCA offers safety tips

It’s not just people who have to be careful in this extreme cold, the weather can be dangerous for pets as well.

It’s important to recognize the warning signs that your dog is getting too cold. The most obvious is that they’ll pick up their feet when they’re walking on the snow and ice, but shivering and whining are also signs to look out for.

According to the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA), a coat or sweater in extreme cold weather is very important.

“Much like us, they don’t want to be out in the cold. So short coated dogs like Chloe, they’re not going to be wanting to go outside if they’re not layered up,” said Karen Reichheld, the HBSPCA’s director of animal care.

Wearing layers is one way to keep your pet safe, but you also have to watch out for the warning signs that they are too cold.

“Things like shivering, if they’re doing that. If they’re vocalizing, if they’re holding their feet up, those would be reasons to know to go back inside,” said Reichheld.

Another thing to consider in winter is putting down pet friendly salt on your sidewalks – dog’s feet are sensitive.

“That’s why we recommend booties, especially for the small breed dogs that are a lot more sensitive. Getting that salt on their feet can be troublesome,” said Reichheld.

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Despite the cold, Louise McCarthy isn’t going to change her schnauzer Ralphie’s routine – four walks around the block a day.

“He likes the outdoors. I have a big backyard, he doesn’t really seem to want to do things in the backyard so I’ve got to take him for a walk,” said McCarthy.

John Sheahan is taking advantage of a P.A. day at W.H. Ballard Elementary School to take his mini goldendoodle Frankie to the Hill Street Dog Park. The cold weather isn’t slowing Frankie down at all.

“I’m pretty lucky, when he’s had enough he goes right to the gate. I give it about 20 minutes because it’s so cold. I keep an eye on his paws. But he loves it out here. As soon as I put my coat on, he was ready to go,” said Sheahan.

Bill Lane is taking his gentle giant Atlas for a shorter walk today before he has to go to work.

“We’ve already been out once this morning. Today is going to be a quick one and I’m off to work and he’s going to stay in a nice warm home,” said Lane.

To make up for the shorter walk or less time outside you can always find indoor activities for your furry friend.

“Lots of fun things you can be doing indoors. You can use enrichment feeders … it’s like a puzzle. These are things we use in the shelter all of the time to keep their mind busy. You can tire a dog just as much by working their mind as working their physical body,” said Reichheld.

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