With winter's grip tightening across Canada, animal welfare organizations and veterinary experts are issuing urgent reminders to pet owners: don't forget your furry family members when preparing for the cold. As temperatures dip to extreme lows, such as the -40 C with wind chill recently warned for parts of Saskatchewan, proactive measures are essential for pet safety.
Essential Winter Preparations for Pets
Experts emphasize that pets, much like people, are vulnerable to frostbite and hypothermia. Shorter-haired, very young, elderly, or sick animals are at particular risk. The core recommendation is simple: limit your pet's time outdoors during severe cold snaps. What might be a comfortable walk for a human in boots and a parka can be dangerous for an animal with paws directly on frozen ground.
For dogs that need outdoor bathroom breaks, vets advise wiping their paws and bellies afterward to remove ice, salt, and chemical de-icers, which can be toxic if licked off. Using pet-safe ice melts on your own property and considering protective booties or paw wax can provide an extra layer of safety. Furthermore, a well-fitting sweater or coat can help short-haired breeds retain body heat during necessary outings.
Addressing Shelter and Nutrition Needs
For pets that spend any significant time outside, including cats and community animals, access to appropriate shelter is non-negotiable. Experts state that an outdoor shelter must be dry, draft-free, and just large enough for the animal to sit and lie down comfortably—a space too large won't retain body heat. Straw is often recommended over blankets for bedding, as it retains heat better and doesn't hold moisture like fabric can.
Nutrition and hydration are also critical in winter. Animals burn more calories to stay warm, so some may need a slight increase in food. More importantly, ensuring access to fresh, unfrozen water is a constant challenge. Heated water bowls or frequently replacing water are key strategies to prevent dehydration.
Special Considerations and Vehicle Dangers
A common and dangerous misconception is that a vehicle provides sufficient shelter from the cold. Veterinarians warn that cars can act like refrigerators, rapidly holding in the cold and putting an animal's life at risk. Pets should never be left alone in a vehicle during winter months.
Finally, experts urge vigilance for stray or feral animals. During extreme cold, they may seek warmth in dangerous places, like under car hoods or in wheel wells. A quick check by banging on your hood or honking the horn before starting your engine can prevent a tragedy. Community efforts to provide insulated shelters for outdoor cat colonies can also save lives during the long Canadian winter.
By taking these expert-recommended steps, pet owners across Canada can ensure their companions stay safe, warm, and healthy until spring returns.
