Remember your pets during this cold snap

North Bay & District Humane Society
News Release

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As temperatures drop dramatically below freezing, the North Bay & District Humane Society is warning the public to shelter their pets from frostbite and hypothermia by keeping cats indoors and by taking dogs outside for short periods of time only.

“When temperatures fall this far below freezing it creates dangerous and potentially life-threatening conditions for animals left outside”, warns Inspector Stephanie Auger.

Cats, short-coated dogs and puppies are particularly vulnerable in cold temperatures. Consider slipping your short-coated dog or puppy into a comfortable dog sweater or coat as an extra layer of warmth, and slipping on a pair of well fitting dog booties.

Outdoor dogs MUST be provided with adequate shelter and a constant supply of high calorie, good quality food, and clean potable water. A good supply of straw bedding should be placed in the dog house to help the dog retain some body warmth. “Straw is ideal bedding because it retains body heat, while wicking away moisture and water that builds up from melting snow. Blankets become wet and turn into a hard bloc of ice, which is not very comfortable for a dog to lie on”, says Inspector Auger.

The pamphlet, “Ideal Doghouse for Ontario’s Outdoor Dogs” is available on the Ontario SPCA website at www.ontariospca.ca/docs/Ideal_Doghouse.pdf.

Cats should not be allowed outside at all when the temperature drops below 15◦C – they will seek heat and shelter and hide and not want to come back in when you call them. “With the dangerously low temperatures we are experiencing right now, a cat’s ears, tail and paws can become frostbitten within 15 minutes of exposure”, says Inspector Auger. “Also, cats and kittens often crawl up into vehicles to seek warmth, and this poses a serious risk of injury when the vehicle is started.” Inspector Auger advises you to make a habit of banging on the hood of your vehicle and honking the horn once or twice before starting it if you have a lot of cats roaming around your neighborhood.

Livestock such as cattle and horses also need to be provided with an ample supply of good quality, high calorie feed during these cold periods. They should also have access to a wind break, either a man made shelter, or a natural forest or stand of trees. Livestock owners should check on their stock daily, to make sure that all are doing well, and that older, thinner animals are still thriving in this weather.

“Across Ontario, SPCA and Humane Society investigators will be on the alert for animals left without protection in intolerable conditions”, warns Inspector Auger. “If you see an animal without shelter from the cold, or in distress, please contact your local SPCA Branch or Humane Society, or contact police to make a report”.

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