Healthy and Happy Pets this Holiday Season

Kitchener. February 8, 2007

The Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society (KWHS) reminds pet owners to keep their pets indoors whenever possible on these extremely cold days.  The forecast for the next week means showing caution and discretion with your outdoor pets.  A fur coat does not exclude pets from frostbite and hypothermia.  Ontario’s laws require that animal guardians supply proper care and shelter.

How cold is too cold?
Extremely cold weather affects animals the same as humans.  Inspector Gary Boes of the KWHS suggests, “Go out with your dog but don’t wear gloves – when it becomes too cold for you, it is too cold for them.”  Wind chill is a big factor in how the cold affects animals.  “Watch for shivering, vocalizing or the paw hop,” continues Inspector Boes.  If you suspect frostbite or hypothermia seek advice from a veterinarian.

Outdoor Dogs and Cats
Dogs use their body temperature to heat a doghouse (See How to Build).  An appropriate sized house must be built with weatherproof materials, facing away from prevailing winds. “Dogs have frozen to death in their dog houses.  Bedding must be changed frequently, and houses should be insulated.  Straw is the best bedding – blankets and rugs freeze too quickly” Inspector Boes tells us.  Keeping them indoors is best.  A dog cannot heat a garage or shed sufficiently with their body heat and can suffer hypothermia.  Cats and dogs that spend time outside will also require increased amounts of food and water in order to keep their body temperatures up.

Cats should be kept indoors if possible but if they do venture out-of-doors they will also need adequate, warm shelter.  Cats seeking warmth often end up inside car engines which could prove fatal.  Be sure to knock on your hood before starting your car.  Additionally, anti-freeze, which is toxic, can attract pets because of its sweet taste.  Be sure to clean up spills and to store        anti-freeze where pets cannot reach it. Anti-freeze poisoning requires immediate veterinary treatment.

There are times when animals must be outside; when they return indoors, be sure to wipe the corrosive salt from paws to prevent cracking or ingesting salt or chemicals from the ground.

Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society:

Since 1927, the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society (KWHS) has been responsible for the welfare of animals in the twin cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, and their surrounding communities.  KWHS is one of the largest humane societies in Ontario.  As a member of the community, our mission is to be a proactive leader in providing humane care through education, advocacy and enforcement to promote the well-being of all animals.