The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society reminds pet guardians to take extra precautions to keep animals safe during cold weather.
Cats, short-coated dogs and puppies are particularly vulnerable in cold temperatures.
Some dogs may benefit from a dog sweater or coat as an extra layer of warmth.
The Ontario SPCA shares these 5 tips to help keep your pet safe:
Supervise outdoor time – If your dog gets free run of the backyard, stand at the door until he comes back inside.
Keep your walks shorter during extreme weather.
Animals should never be left alone in a vehicle during cold weather, sol eave your pet at home when you’re running errands.
Watch for cats seeking warmth under vehicle hoods; make a point of knocking on the hood or sounding the horn before starting the engine.
After taking your dog for a walk, use a damp towel to wipe your pet’s paws and underside to prevent salt and other chemicals used to melt snow from burning your pet’s sensitive paws.
To report an animal in distress, call the provincial government’s animal cruelty hotline at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625).
Canine courtesy of Pexels Mati Mango
