Owners reminded to keep pets indoors during deep freeze

Battlefords Humane Society shelter co-ordinator Michelle Spark is asking people to keep an eye on their pets during the frigid temperatures.

“A rule of thumb is that if it’s too cold outside for you, it’s too cold outside for your animals,” she said. “Any animal should be watched for signs of frostbite or hypothermia.”

Spark said, for dogs, it can also depend on the breed. For example, hardier breeds such as a Saint Bernard that has a heavier coat can withstand much colder temperatures such as –30 C, than smaller dogs like Chihuahuas that can’t tolerate much below –15 C.

People should also make sure their animals have fresh food and water at all times.

Dogs that need to spend time outside should also have access to an insulated dog house where they can find warmth.

Spark recommended people use straw for dog bedding instead of a blanket. Straw can retain heat and stay dry, while a blanket will hold moisture and the cold.

The expert said if people feel their dogs or cats have any signs of frostbite or hypothermia the pet should be taken to the vet clinic as soon as possible to be treated.

The humane society strongly discourages any trapping of cats in the cold weather, Spark noted.

“It doesn’t take long for them to freeze if they are inside a trap,” she said.

Shelter open Mondays to Sundays

Spark is also reminding everyone if they need to surrender an animal for any reason, to bring the cat or dog directly inside the facility, during opening hours, so they will be safe.

“Please don’t drop any animals off outside the shelter,” she said.

The shelter in North Battleford is open to the public from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mondays to Sundays. The only days it is closed is on holidays.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow

by Angela Brown

Owners reminded to keep pets indoors during deep freeze

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