EDMONTON – After a few weeks of above average temperatures in January, adjusting to the current cold snap can be difficult. But it’s not just humans who need protection from the cold.
“We’re seeing a large number of calls, actually, coming in regarding animals being left outside in the cold,” said Peace Officer Taylor, an Animal Protection Peace Officer with the Edmonton Humane Society’s Animal Protection Department.
While the temperature is expected to reach a high of -12°C Thursday, the mercury is expected to dip down over the weekend again, with overnight lows ranging between the -23°C and -28°C mark, according to Global Edmonton’s Chief Meteorologist Nicola Crosbie.
Watch below: Global Edmonton’s weather forecast for Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014
In these chilly conditions, it doesn’t take long for an animal to become distressed. Wednesday afternoon, the Edmonton Humane Society tweeted a reminder to keep animals warm, after rescuing a cat that had severe frostbite to its ears and paws.
“If you’re going outside and it’s cold to you, it’s likely it’s cold to your animal,” Taylor explained.
Because their bodies are not designed for low temperatures, the EHS says cats should be kept inside at all times. When it comes to dogs, it depends on the size, age and breed of the dog.
The EHS provided the following guidelines for dogs:
- If you have an outdoor dog, provide it with an insulated doghouse with straw bedding, NOT a blanket. Blankets absorb moisture that will cause the blanket to freeze.
- Elderly animals; young puppies; small-breed dogs; and dogs with short hair should never be left outside for extended periods of time during cold or wet weather. It may be necessary to paper-train puppies inside during cold temperatures.
- Dogs should never be allowed off leash on snow or ice, as this can increase their chance of becoming lost and suffering from hypothermia or frostbite.
- Outdoor dogs require energy for warmth and should be fed an increased supply of food with plenty of protein. Provide fresh water in a non-metal dish, as a dog’s tongue can easily freeze to the metal. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.
No animal should be left alone in a vehicle during cold weather, the EHS added.
If you see an animal in distress, you’re asked to contact EHS Animal Protection at 780 491-3517.
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