Vet tech Quinn Schotanus demonstrates how a warming bag is used to warm animals. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Gates Guarin

Pet safety paramount with temperatures declining

Dec 2, 2022 | 4:42 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It’s the time of year when pet owners should be taking extra precautions when taking them for a walk or having them be outside. The frigid temperatures affect our loyal companions much more than ourselves, especially if they are on the smaller side.

Quinn Schotanus, registered veterinary technologist at Horizon Veterinary Services, says smaller dogs, like chihuahuas, yorkies or toy poodles, are much more susceptible to hypothermia if they are left out in the cold for an extended period of time, and outdoor cats may feel the effects of frostbite on their ears, feet and tails if they are not cared for. She adds while these cases are uncommon, they still put the animal at risk.

“Sadly, the ones that you see far are below the numbers that you don’t see,” Schotanus says. “The big one that we see is people finding cats outside, so outdoor cats, whether they belong to somebody and they’re just an outdoor roaming cat, or whether they are a feral cat or a kitten that’s been just out and about, you tend to see them come in very hypothermic with those frostbitten ears and the frostbitten tail.”

Schotanus says if cases like these come in, they will assess the patient and begin active warming with heating pads. The patient’s body temperature will be monitored for improvement, and will be put on fluids. She adds that pet owners should also be aware of ice melters being used on sidewalks or driveways, as they could be harmful to their pets on walks.

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“So the big thing is irritation to the paw pads and of course, when their paw pads are irritated and they’ve got salt on them, the first thing your pets want to do is they want to lick at them, and as soon as they start licking them, that salt can kind of get into their mouth, into their gums and it can cause some irritation and potentially even ulcers if it’s enough of it,” Schotanus says.

Schotanus says to always have a warm place for your pet when they come back into the house and to dry off the paw pads once you’re inside. She adds that this time of year also sees increased cases of antifreeze poisoning in dogs and for owners to be aware of their pet’s surroundings. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include vomiting, staggered walk, dehydration and increased urination. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian for immediate attention.