Public Service Announcement
Take extra precautions for pets in cold weather
While some pets can’t get enough of the snow, others would rather avoid it. Either way, be aware of your pet’s tolerance for cold weather and adjust accordingly. During extreme cold snaps, consider keeping pets indoors or shorten walks. While they’re outside, look for signs such as:
Lifting or licking their feet high off of the ground
Slowing down or stopping often
Whining
Appearing anxious
Shivering
Shaking
Tucking feet under their body
Curling up in a tight ball with their tail over them
Other ways to help keep pets safe during the cold include:
Using a protected dog house
Pets who spend a lot of time outside need access to a well-insulated and heated wooden structure that is protected from wind, rain and snow and is equipped with straw. Blankets are not recommended as they are prone to freezing. It’s important to ensure your pet’s water and food are not frozen. Avoid using plastic doghouses and metal dishes.
Safeguard pets from frostbite
Pets are vulnerable to frostbite; particularly the ears, paws, nose and tip of the tail. Frostbite is sometimes hard to detect. Frostbitten areas initially turn a reddish colour then gray or bluish. If you suspect your pet has frostbite, take them to their veterinarian for further care.
Avoid ice melt and salted roads
Salt and chemicals in ice melt can irritate a dog’s paws or be harmful if ingested. Check your pet’s feet after a walk and wipe off any excess snow/ice or any debris.
Avoid frozen ponds, rivers, lakes and other water
Many animals and people have perished going onto ice-covered bodies of water. If you see someone or a pet fall through the ice, call 9-1-1. Do not attempt to rescue them yourself.
Do a walk around your car to check for animals
Before driving, do a walk around your car to check for animals. Outdoor cats find antifreeze appealing because it’s sweet. Cats also like to curl up around a car engine for warmth. By giving a knock on the hood or honking your horn you will hopefully scare them off.
Make a complaint if you see an animal in distress or one that has been neglected, abandoned or abused
Within city limits, the City of Edmonton’s Animal Control Peace Officers and the Edmonton Police Service both deal with animal welfare concerns. The City of Edmonton Animal Control Peace Officers investigate concerns that fall under the Animal Protection Act including neglect and abandonment. Edmonton Police Service investigates concerns that fall under the Criminal Code of Canada including intentional abuse of animals, poisoning concerns or threats to kill an animal. For more information on who to call, visit edmonton.ca/animalprotection.
The City of Edmonton’s Animal Control Officers investigate hundreds of animal welfare complaints each year. This season, Animal Control Officers have investigated more than 70 complaints of animals left in the cold.
For more information:
Pinoy Edmonton News 