|
EXTREME WEATHER
RECOMMENDATIONS
Caring for your Pet in Hot Weather
Animals in Automobiles
- 10 Minutes to Disaster
Dogs and cats cool themselves by panting
and releasing heat through their paws. On
summer days the air and upholstery in
vehicles heat to high temperatures making it
impossible for pets to cool themselves.
Temperatures in a parked car, even if left
in the shade with windows partly open, can
rapidly reach a level that will seriously
harm or even kill your pet! On a 25 degree
Celsius day, the temperature inside a shaded
car is 32 degrees Celsius, while the inside
of a car parked in the sun can reach a
whopping 71 degrees Celsius in minutes. PETS
DIE IN HOT CARS! LEAVE YOUR PET SAFE AT
HOME!
Symptoms of Heat Stroke:
Exaggerated panting (or sudden stop of
panting), rapid or erratic pulse;
salivation; anxious or staring expression;
weakness and muscle tremors; lack of
coordination; tongue and lips red (which may
eventually turn bluish); convulsions or
vomiting; collapse, coma and death.
Emergency Treatment
If your pet shows symptoms of heatstroke
follow these instructions:
 |
Immediately move the animal to a
cool, shady place |
|
|
Wet the animal with cool water |
|
|
Fan vigorously to promote
evaporation. This process will cool
the blood, which reduces the
animal's core temperature |
|
|
Do not apply ice. This
constricts blood flow, which will
inhibit cooling |
|
|
Allow the animal to drink some
cool water (or to lick ice cream if
water not available |
|
|
Take the animal to a
Veterinarian immediately for further
treatment |
If you witness an animal in a vehicle
that seems to be in distress and the Owner
cannot be located, call the RCMP, SPCA or
local Humane Society, IMMEDIATELY!
Caring for your Pet in Cold Weather
Animals and pets should be brought inside
if the temperature dips below freezing,
unless a proper shelter is provided such as
a barn, shed or dog house. Most dogs are not
suitable for outdoor life and any short
haired or toy breed should not be housed
outdoors even if provided with a shelter.
They are unable to adjust to climatic
extremes - nor can puppies, elderly dogs or
sick animals. They should also have sweaters
on while outside. Long haired dogs should
have fur trimmed from paws/pads to avoid ice
and snow collection. Petroleum jelly may be
used on pads for further protection. Matted
coats do not insulate well so fur should be
brushed. Watch for frostbite on ear tips,
tail and foot pads. Ice on the body and
shivering are symptoms, and affected tissue
turns red, then pale, and finally black.
Shelters need to be sturdy with a floor
which is 1-2 inches off the ground. It walls
are built so they touch the ground, such as
in a dog house, a pocket of air is left
under the shelter that acts as insulation.
Placement should be against your home or
under a patio deck, not out in the open.
They should be situated so driving rain or
wind cannot blow directly inside. Doors or
flaps keep out the cold as well. For dogs,
walls should be 1 1/2 times longer than the
dog and 1 1/2 times taller, measuring from
the ground to the animal's shoulders.
Bedding is also needed. Clean straw or hay
4-5 inches thick is usually best as it
allows moisture to evaporate and it retains
warmth, unlike blankets, rugs, etc. which
retain moisture. If you have allergy
concerns regarding hay or straw, please
speak with your animal's vet. Restraining
ropes or chains should be at least 20 feet
long unless there is danger of tangling.
Remember to keep a check on collars for
proper fit.
Additional food is needed for outside
pets to provide enough calories to maintain
proper weight. Animals kept inside may need
less food as exercise may not be as readily
available. Water for outside animals should
be supplied constantly to avoid dehydration.
It should be kept in deep, dark colored
plastic containers as the depth slows down
freezing time and dark colors help absorb
heat from the sun. Dishes should be kept ice
free. Metal dishes should never be used as
tongues will stick to them!
Keep pets away from rock salt as it burns
their paws. If they walk through it, wash
feet immediately with warm, soapy water.
Also keep pets away from Antifreeze as a
very small amount will kill cats and dogs.
Immediately take your pet to a Vet if it
swallows antifreeze. Only very quick action
will keep your pet alive. Another tip is to
hit the hood of your car several times in
case a cat has crawled up inside to seek
warmth from the vehicle engine.
In the case of livestock, if adequate
grazing food is not available provide
supplementary food. Enough moisture will be
available to avoid dehydration as long as
there is soft, fluffy snow on the ground, or
if food has been provided that has had a
chance to absorb rain or snow.
Horses need covers if exposed to cold,
harsh weather. A place of shelter is a must,
as well as for goats.
Providing animals with adequate food and
shelter is simple. When you feel the need to
turn up the heat or add extra blankets, your
pet could use help keeping warm too.
If you have any concerns about an owner
providing enough food, water or shelter for
their animal(s) please call your local SPCA
or Humane Society. |
Resources
