It could be extremely cold the next couple nights,with windchill values expected to be in the mid-minus-30s.
That also affects animals. The manager of shelter operations for the Timmins and District Humane Society, Chelsey Romain, says with your dog, be aware of the breed, what it can handle and what it’s acclimatized to.
“Even huskies that live indoors most of the time are not acclimatized to freezing temperatures outside all the time,” she says. “So we have to be aware of what they’re acclimatized to, what they’re used to and what their breed allows for.”
The same basic rules of thumb apply to your cat, too.
Stray cats far outnumber stray dogs. Romain points to great online resources to protect them, including how to make shelters using Tupperware containers.
Then there are wild animals in your neighbourhood. Romain says they have a natural instinct where to go, build dens and get into shelter.
“Let’s use common sense when it comes to our animals this year, this winter and make sure everybody’s cozy and warm and safe.”
Romain reminds us that streets and sidewalks often have sand and salt on them. That can be painful for a dog’s paws, so consider getting your dog some booties.
Listen for more from Romain via the link below:
