How to keep your pets safe in cold weather: Ontario SPCA

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has released some tips to keep our pets safe and warm during the winter months. 

When the temperature drops below freezing, the SPCA says pets should not be left outside for extended periods of time. Cats, short-coated dogs, elderly dogs and puppies are particularly vulnerable in cold temperatures, and a dog sweater or coat is recommended. 

The SPCA is also reminding dog owners to keep walks short when it's cold, and make sure you wipe off your dog's paws after a walk, as the road salt can be an irritant to their skin and cause illness if ingested. You're also advised to choose a route that is protected from the wind.

The SPCA says animals should never be left in a vehicle in during cold weather because cars cool down quickly and don't retain body heat, which can lead to animals suffering from cold stress, hypothermia or frostbite. 

Lastly, always check for cats seeking warmth under the hood of your vehicle, as the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt when the engine is started. The SPCA says knocking on the hood before getting in is one way to check.

To report an animal in distress, call the province's 24-hour animal cruelty hotline at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625).