6th January 2021
The ISPCA is asking owners to ensure their pets are kept safely indoors as the temperature is forecasted to fall below zero degrees Celsius this evening and tomorrow with snow and ice expected.
Consider bringing dogs on more frequent, but shorter walks so they spend less time exposed to the cold, taking extra care during treacherous conditions. Use a pet jacket for older or thinner dogs that are more sensitive to cold. It is important they are kept on a lead and are microchipped as a permanent form of identification, should they escape and that your contact details are up-to-date on the microchip database too. If your pet should escape, you should contact your local animal rescue centre, veterinary practice or pound, who will reunite you with your pet if they have picked it up.
Cats in particular are great at finding warm spots to sleep, but sometimes these can be dangerous. They often take shelter under the bonnet of a car, so make sure to bring them in and always check for sleeping cats before you drive off. Check inside sheds and other outdoor structures as they may have taken shelter there and become locked inside.
The ISPCA is also reminding pet owners to keep their pets away from antifreeze and clean up any spills immediately. The active ingredient in antifreeze, ethylene glycol, actually tastes good to cats. They will lick it up if the liquid is left spilled on the ground, perhaps after being added to a car. Cats often hide beneath cars or sit on the bonnet, and therefore can easily be exposed to antifreeze. It only takes 1 millilitre per kilogram of body weight ingested to prove fatal for a cat. If you suspect your pet may have antifreeze poisoning, please contact your vet immediately.
Read more winter pet care tips and advice here.
