By Brady Bateman

Snowmageddon

Protecting your pets from winter weather

Feb 2, 2019 | 10:01 AM

With the recent cold weather in the province, residents have been reminded to take extra care to protect themselves from extreme temperatures. It’s also important however, to take steps to protect your pets.

Kathleen Howell, operations manager with the Prince Albert SPCA, said it’s important for pet owners to remember not all species and breeds are equipped to deal with cold temperatures, something her team is dealing with after finding stray puppies suffering from frost bite.

“Pet owners absolutely need to be taking precautions. Obviously different animals are suited better for the weather that we’ve been having lately,” Howell said. “In weather like this, small breeds and short haired breeds like a boxer or a Pitbull, shouldn’t even really be out exercising. They should be out for bathroom breaks and maybe a short walk.”

Howell noted that, not unlike humans, dogs and other animals may suffer from difficult breathing in extreme cold temperatures, and owners should be mindful of their pet’s behaviour when they have been exposed to very cold conditions.

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“Frost bite is always the biggest concern. We’ve got two little three-week old puppies who are probably going to end up with docked tails because their tails were so frostbitten,” she said.

A group of puppies recently brought in to the SPCA suffering from frost bite. The tails will have to be partially removed due to the frost bite. (submitted photo/Prince Albert SPCA)

“As silly as it looks, there are outfits and jackets and boots that you can get. As well, when your animal is outside, there are insulated dog houses at places like Pet Planet.”

Howell warned dog-owners to be mindful when selecting a dog house for a pet which may spend long hours outside during the winter. She warned of igloo-shaped dog houses which may lead pet-owners to believe the house is meant for cold-weather conditions.

“Make sure if you’re getting a dog house, that it’s a proper dog house. Make sure it’s insulated, that it breaks the wind so it’s not coming right inside,” Howell said.

“Those igloo houses can give the impression that they are rated for outside because they are shaped like igloos but they are just plastic. If you go online there are hundreds of cases of dogs being found dead after being left in those overnight.”

Howell also noted cats are at risk during periods of cold weather, no matter the length of their fur.

Under the City of Prince Albert’s bylaws, no cats may be allowed to roam freely, something staff from the SPCA has dealt with for years.

“We had a cat that had to be humanely euthanized because it was frozen to the ground. It would have required multiple amputations and just couldn’t have made it,” she said. “We’ve had frost-bitten paws and ears, it’s just awful.”

Frost bite often comes with extreme pain, and often has early warning signs such as changes in the animal’s behaviour.

“If you think an animal might have frost bite, definitely take them into the vet,” said Howell. “When limbs freeze, or tails freeze, the tissue can die and then it rots and that can turn into a really big deal if it’s not taken care of. Added to that it’s extremely painful. It’s awful and you don’t want to do that to your animal.”

Howell added anyone who finds an animal in extreme cold weather conditions is encouraged to bring the animal to the SPCA, and to avoid trapping during the winter unless you’re able to check the traps every 15 minutes.