Keeping pets safe during extreme cold requires adjusting their routines to prevent frostbite. Veterinarian Dr. Valérie Bissonnette advises limiting outdoor time for cats and reassessing dogs’ comfort in frigid temperatures. Protective gear like coats and boots is essential, and pets should never be left unsupervised outside. Indoor activities, such as using interactive toys, can help keep pets engaged. Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of stray animals seeking warmth during winter, promoting community efforts to shelter them.
Keeping Pets Safe During Extreme Cold
While animals can spend time outdoors during harsh winter conditions, it’s crucial to adapt their routines to protect them from frostbite. Here are some essential tips to ensure your furry friends stay safe amidst the chill.
Expert Advice on Cold Weather Care
Dr. Valérie Bissonnette, a veterinarian and vice-president of the Association of Veterinarians of Quebec, emphasizes that cold affects all living beings, not just humans. With Quebec currently facing its first extreme cold snap of the winter, wind chill temperatures are plunging between -30 and -45°C, depending on the area.
For those cats accustomed to outdoor adventures, it’s vital to significantly reduce their outdoor exposure, according to Dr. Bissonnette. Dogs, on the other hand, may require a more substantial adjustment in their routines. “Many dogs rely on their outdoor exercise, but the severe cold can be quite bothersome for them. It’s essential to evaluate their comfort levels,” she advises.
Utilizing coats and boots can significantly enhance your pets’ ability to withstand the cold. These accessories help prevent frostbite and injuries caused by ice or salt on the ground. Keep a watchful eye on your pets while they’re outside, looking for signs of discomfort such as lifting their paws, shaking, shivering, or stiffening. Even breeds known for their cold tolerance can feel the effects of extreme temperatures.
It’s crucial not to leave pets unsupervised outside or tie them up without allowing them the freedom to move around.
Indoor Alternatives and Enrichment Activities
Despite the cold, it’s essential for pets to get fresh air and relieve themselves to avoid potential health or behavioral issues, according to Laurence Massé, the general director of the SPCA of Montreal. In addition to reducing outdoor time, there are various ways to stimulate your pet indoors. Interactive toys and digging mats can help them expend energy effectively.
“Engaging with food-filled toys for just 15 minutes can be as beneficial as an hour of physical exercise. This way, we can easily substitute longer walks with enriching activities,” explains Mrs. Massé. Winter is also a perfect opportunity to teach your pets new tricks, keeping their minds sharp and entertained.
Lastly, professionals urge everyone to be vigilant for stray animals during these frigid conditions. Cats often seek warmth in car engines, so it’s wise to tap on the car hood or honk the horn before starting your vehicle to coax them out. “We receive reports of injured kittens every year,” warns Mrs. Massé. The SPCA of Montreal encourages the community to build shelters for stray animals to provide them with a safe refuge from the cold.