Protect your pets from cold weather
Posted Dec 15, 2016 06:54:51 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA – Mother nature has an icy grip on the Ottawa area.
The frigid temperatures can be dangerous for your health, as well as your pets. Animals left outside for long periods of time risk frostbite and even death.
The Ottawa Humane Society has a list of tips to protects your animal from the cold:
-cats should live indoors year-round and never be allowed to roam in the cold
-limit the time your dog spends outside and take them for shorter, more frequent walks
-consider a sweater or coat for your dog
-be sure to wipe your dog’s paws after returning from a walk to remove salt, sand and other chemicals designed to melt ice and snow
-keep an eye on outdoor water bowls, making sure your pet’s water hasn’t frozen
-don’t leave your pet in a cold car for a long period of time
-be mindful of animals that may have crawled under your car to keep warm by banging on the hood to scare away cats and other wildlife
It is also important to note that dogs living outside are required by law to have an insulated doghouse that faces away from the wind. The shelter must be elevated from the ground with a door flap and bedding.
If you see an animal in distress, please call the Ottawa Humane Society emergency line at (613) 725-1532.
