Take precautions to protect pets from colder weather: OHS

With the capital seeing a stretch of the coldest weather of the winter season, the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is offering some advice on protecting pets from the frigid cold temperatures. 

Some of the tips the OHS is offering include:

• Limit the time dogs spend outside.
• Take dogs for shorter, more frequent walks, and consider a sweater or coat. 
• After a walk, wipe the dog's paws to remove salt, sand and other
• harmful substances.
• Monitor outdoor water bowls to ensure the water is not frozen. 
• Avoid leaving pets in a cold car.
• Be mindful of animals hiding in cars to keep warm.

“Dogs that live outside are required by law to have an insulated doghouse built from weather-proof material, facing away from prevailing winds,” OHS representatives said in a release. “The shelter must be elevated from the ground with a door flap and bedding.”

The OHS said to be on the lookout for stray cats that may be outside during the cold weather, and to call the OHS and if the cat is in danger, to call the city's by-law services.