KINGSTON ON -- Winter weather, travel and the increased risk of an emergency are all part of the holidays and the Kingston Humane Society is reminding  pet owners to take extra care with their companion animals this winter. Besides the threat of cold weather and wind chill, pet owners should also prepare to meet their pet's needs in case of an emergency. 

"Every pet owner needs to include an emergency plan for their animal companion," says Judy O'Brien, executive director of the Kingston Humane Society.  "Many of us remember the ice storm or have learnt from other communities that have faced disaster.  The needs and care of the family pet is important to minimize the risk of him or her become lost or suffering. And winter care is important not only from the cold but also the wind chill factor."

Tips from the Kingston Humane Society to help pets deal with winter cold  

• Reduce outdoor activities and amount of time spent outdoors for all pets.
• Cats,short-coated dogs and puppies are very vulnerable to the cold.
• Dogs susceptible to the cold due to a coat length, age or illness should wear a sweater or coat as an extra layer of protection.
• Winter boots are recommended to protect your dog's paws from the cold and salt on city streets.
• Do not shave your dog down to the skin and ensure, if they have been bathed, they are completely dry before going outdoors.
• Be aware of your pet's surroundings -- Food shortages for wild animals increase in the winter and wild animals may become more aggressive and become a threat to family pets.
• Take extra care when housetraining a puppy -- Do not leave your puppy outside unattended. Do put a jacket or sweater on your puppy.
• Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car -- Cars act as a refrigerator holding the cold and temperatures can drop quickly. All pet owners should be aware that the Kingston Humane Society, as an OSPCA affiliate, will respond to all calls of a pet left inside a car.
• Bring outdoor dogs inside -- All outdoor dogs require adequate doghouse protection and fresh water that does not freeze.  Information on winter doghouse requirements is available at the Kingston Humane Society. When extreme cold temperatures are being predicted even outdoor dogs should be brought inside.
• Keep cats indoors/Beware of cats under car hoods -- Cats are very susceptible to the cold.  They will seek a place for shelter, often finding a warm car engine to huddle in. When the car is restarted many cats are killed or injured.
• Provide paw care for your pet -- Winter boots to protect paws from cold and salt are recommended.  Paw care for your dog or cat should include wiping paws and undersides after being outside.
• Take care when using or storing antifreeze -- Antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts animals. Any spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible and ensure it is stored out of your pets reach.
  

 "While many farm animals have natural abilities to deal with extreme cold, protection from wind is still important," says Steve Toy, an OSPCA Inspector. "All farmers should be following the Codes of Practice from the Ontario Farm Animal Council."

In Ontario, we are each responsible for our own safety and survival during the first 72 hours of an emergency. Including your pets needs when making your emergency plans will reduce anxiety, physical stress and danger for your pet.

Emergency steps for your pet.

• Ensure your pet wears a collar with emergency tags -- Information should include your name, home address, phone numbers and your veterinarian's phone number.
• Have enough food, bottled water, and dishes for at least 3-7 days.
• Keep on hand a Pet First Aid Kit and blankets; leash, muzzle and harness; litter and litter pans.
• Compile a list of pet friendly hotels and motels within a 100 kilometer radius.
• Have contact information for local animal rescues.
• Know the contact for your local animal control office, should your animal be picked-up.

Additional information on protecting your animal from cold or in an emergency is available from the Ontario SPCA at  www.ospca.ca.

The Kingston Humane Society is a registered local charity providing care for injured, abused and homeless animal in Frontenac County.  It is not affiliated with and does not receive any funding from other animal welfare groups or dedicated government funds for its programs. Its programs include adoption, animal cruelty investigations, providing emergency rescue, promoting spay and neuter programs and assisting with the education of Veterinary Technology and Veterinary Assistant Students of St. Lawrence College.

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