By Roger White

Humane society has winter warnings for pet owners

Dec 8, 2016 | 1:00 PM

As the temperatures continue to plummet this winter, pet owners in the Battlefords are reminded that even our furry friends suffer as the mercury in the thermometer drops.

Michelle Sparks, executive co-ordinator of the Battleford’s Humane Society remind residents that just because your pet has fur, it doesn’t always protect them from the elements.

“If you want to know how a dog feels in minus 37 degree weather, see how long you can stand outside after you take off your coat and shoes and stand outside in the snow wearing just a t-shirt and sock feet,  without covering your face or ears.” said Sparks. “That’s how long a dog should stay outside during these temperatures.”

Sparks told BattlefordsNow as your pet’s body starts to get cold, it will conserve heat and send it to the parts of the body that need it most for survival.

“The vital organs like the heart and brain will receive the majority of the heat from the body. However, parts deemed unimportant like the tail, ears, paws and paw pads will lose circulation first and that is when frostbite sets in.”

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Sparks reminds all pet owners to have your animals spayed or neutered and to avoid having litters during the winter months.  She also asked people not to abandon pets at their door.

“Please do not leave cats or dogs at our front doors overnight or in the  early mornings. Last year someone dropped off a kitten in a pail overnight. When we found her, she was frozen to the bottom. That is animal cruelty. Our doors do not open until 12:30 p.m., but Animal Control is always available to take calls if you find a stray.”

roger.white@jpbg.ca

Twitter:   RogerWhiteCJNB@BattlefordNow.com