By Alicia Draus

Tips for Keeping your Pets Safe in the Winter

Jan 9, 2017 | 8:47 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — With temperatures dipping below -20 C this week, people are being reminded to take extra precautions with their pets.

“They can get frostbite just like humans can, they can get hypothermia just like humans can,” said SPCA Executive Director, Katie Ayres.

Ayres recommends that most animals should not be left outside for longer than 10 minutes, unless going on a walk which she says should be no more than 15-20 minutes. 

“Because they’re moving they are generating some heat so it’s not as bad as just being out in the yard,” she said.

One way to know if it is too cold is by watching your dogs paws. If they keep lifting their paws it can show their discomfort.

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Ayres also recommends taking the time to examine their paws after being outside. 

“Sometimes they can get colder snowballs or ice balls in between the pads of their paws and they’ll start chewing them.”

While most dogs spend most of their time indoors, Ayres says there are some dogs who live outside like those on farms. 

“The bylaw says as well they have to have a warm shelter to retreat to if they get too cold.

For those animals that spend more time outside people should also do regular checks on water and make sure the animals have fresh water that hasn’t frozen over.