When the mercury plunges, exercise caution and limit your pet’s exposure to the outdoors.
- Take dogs for shorter, more frequent walks
- Consider bundling your dog in a sweater or coat
- Keep your cats safely indoors
Seasonal Pet Tips
Cold Weather
Cold Weather Tips for Pets
Just because animals have built in fur coats doesn’t mean they are immune to the harsh realities of a Canadian winter. With a bit of thoughtful planning, your best friend will be warm and safe when the snowflakes fly.
Here are some tips for animal care in cold weather:
While the salt used on roads and driveways is helpful in preventing spills, it can irritate the sensitive pads on the bottom of your pet’s feet. Put boots on your dog during winter walks, or after a walk, wipe your dog's paws to remove salt, sand and other harmful substances.
If you keep any water bowls outside for your animals during the winter, be sure to check the supply a few times a day to ensure it isn’t frozen over. If you are unable to provide fresh, clean water regularly throughout the day you need to provide an insulated, heated water bowl in order to keep the water from freezing. Clean, fresh snow is not an adequate replacement for water for an animal.
Cats and wildlife are drawn to the heat generated by your car’s engine on cold days. Make sure you bang on your car’s hood to avoid injuring a sleeping creature.
Antifreeze is tasty to many animals, and they’ll readily consume it if given the chance. But even a small amount of antifreeze can be harmful, or even fatal, to your pet.
- When adding antifreeze to your vehicle, pour carefully and clean up any spills that may occur. It’s also a good idea to check that your car isn’t leaking fluid. A quick look under the hood will help keep your own animals, and those in the neighbourhood, safe.
- If your pet does come in contact with antifreeze – either by ingesting it directly, or by licking exposed paws – you should be looking for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, unconsciousness, drooling and panting. If you suspect antifreeze ingestion, it’s important to act quickly, as the poisoning can cause kidney failure. Call your veterinarian immediately to avoid complications.
- You may want to consider a less toxic alternative to the ethylene glycol-based antifreeze that is most commonly used. There is new propylene glycol-based antifreeze available at many retail outlets that is safer for pets and humans alike.
The winter season is a peak time for at-home parties and other get-togethers. It may be a good idea to keep animals away from the bustle and noise during a party. If everyone does mingle together, keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t sneak any of the festive food and drink.
Having an animal run away from home at any time of the year is troublesome, but especially during the winter season. Make sure your best friends are equipped with proper identification, including a collar, tag and microchip to ensure they have the best possible chance of finding their way back to you.
Hot Weather
Dogs Die in Hot cars
When the thermometer soars, a parked car can quickly become a furnace, endangering an animal’s life, and making the owner liable to criminal charges.
Even on a relatively mild day, temperatures in parked cars can become dangerous in a matter of minutes. Opening or lowering the windows does little or nothing to slow this process.
With only hot air to breathe, a dog’s normal cooling process – panting – doesn’t work. A dog can withstand internal body temperatures of 40 C for only a few minutes before brain damage or death can occur. The older or more vulnerable the animal, the more susceptible they are to heatstroke or something worse.
What to do if you see an animal in a car
If you see an animal that may be suffering from heat exhaustion, and the owner can’t be quickly located, enlist the help of a parking attendant, security guard or nearby police officer, or call 911.
Information to collect when reporting
When calling to report an animal in a hot car, provide the following information:
- Caller’s name and phone number
- How long has the caller seen the vehicle parked there?
- Get the exact location of the vehicle
- Get the make, model and colour of the vehicle
- Get the license plate number
- Are the windows up or down?
- Is the vehicle parked in the sun or shade?
- Is the vehicle running?
- Is the dog sitting or laying down?
- Is the dog panting?
- Can the caller knock on the window? How does the dog react?
- What type of dog is it? What does it look like?
- Where is the dog in the vehicle?
- Is there water in the vehicle for the dog?
What is the legislation involved?
It is against the law to leave a pet unattended in a parked vehicle in a manner that endangers the health or safety of the animal, as outlined in the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act. Read more about the PAWS Act.
A hot car is no place for a pet. When it’s hot, keep your dog at home, with access to shade and lots of fresh water.
Summer Safety Tips for Pets
Here are a few other tips to keep your companion animals safe during hot weather:
If your pet spends lots of time outdoors, make sure there is adequate shelter for protection from the sun/heat. Outdoor kennels need to be well-ventilated and situated in shaded areas. Clean, fresh water must be accessible at all times.
On hotter days, monitor your pet’s activity and be careful to not over exert them. Watch for signs of heat stress, excessive panting, disorientation, staring or anxious expression and weakness. Bring your pet to a cool area, gradually lower your pet’s temperature by immersing his paws in cold water or hosing him down and call your veterinarian immediately.
When the heat and humidity rise, be especially careful with short-nosed dogs (pugs, bulldogs, etc.) and older animals. Exercise your pets in the early morning or late evening to avoid the midday heat.
In summer, asphalt can burn your pet’s paws – keep to the sidewalk or grass.
Shaving a hairy pet for the summer may seem like a good idea, but they can actually get a sunburn. Shave your pet at the beginning of the summer before it gets too hot.
- In summer, mosquitoes are out in full force. Heartworm prevention medication is recommended and available. See your veterinarian for details.
- Flea and tick prevention is important. See your veterinarian for more information.
- When you take your dog out for exercise, bring a portable water container for the both of you.
- Water should be refreshed/changed often, and the bowl should be kept in a cool shaded area.
Biking With Your Dog
Going for a bike ride with your dog might seem like a great way for some combined canine/human exercise. But just because you’re up for a workout, doesn’t mean your dog will be! Before you head out on the bike with Fido in tow, make sure you follow these tips to ensure the experience will be safe for both of you.
First, take your dog to your veterinarian make sure your dog is OK to come along for your exercise routine. It’s incredibly important that your dog be physically capable of keeping up with you and the bike.
Once you receive medical approval, you’ll want to ensure your dog has a proper harness and attachment for running alongside a bike. These attachments act like a shock absorber to help prevent injury to both you and your dog.
Now you’re ready to begin training! Start by walking the bike with your dog attached to it, until your dog is comfortable walking close to your bicycle.
Teaching your dog some basic commands is essential for safety. For example:
- Ready
- Hike (let’s go!)
- Gee (right)
- Haw (left)
- Whoa (slow down)
- Stop
The next step is to ride the bicycle for short distances in a quiet, low-traffic area. Start slowly, and monitor your dog’s well-being. When you are confident your dog is ready and comfortable, you can start taking longer rides.
Remember: your dog may not necessarily stop running when tired. Many dogs, especially working dogs, continue to run past the point of exhaustion. All dogs are meant to roam and do not usually sprint for long periods. Maintain a pace slow enough that your dog is only cantering, rather than galloping alongside the bike.
Provide lots of breaks for water and rest and watch your dog for signs of exhaustion or heat exhaustion:
- Panting heavily, with the tongue fully extended
- Stumbling, dragging feet
- Glazed eyes
- Disorientation
- Staring or anxious expression
- Weakness
Be very careful when biking in warm weather. On a hot day, it doesn’t take long to cause heat exhaustion, stroke or even death. Lots of sunshine means pavement can quickly become hot and damage your dog’s feet. To avoid these risks, exercise your dog earlier in the morning or late in the evening. If it’s too hot, leave your dog at home.
Balcony Safety
Your apartment is a terrific home for your feline friend. High above the busy streets, your cat will be safe from speeding cars, dangerous diseases and cruel people. However, living in an apartment might not protect your cat from serious injury. Balconies, terraces and open windows can be unseen enemies, if you don’t take precautions.
While high rise syndrome is primarily a problem of city cats, even suburban and country cat owners need to take heed. Although cats usually land on their feet, depending on the distance of the fall and the kind of surface they land on, they can sustain severe injuries or death. Cats appear to like to perch in dangerous, high places and have little fear of heights. Many owners believe they will not fall. But they do fall, thousands of them each year from balconies, open windows and rooftops. Sometimes a cat who has been watching a bird will become so focused, she may step out into thin air; sometimes a cat chasing a moth indoors can sail right out an open unscreened window.
A determined cat can wiggle through the smallest opening of any window or glass sliding door. Tiny balcony ledges are a particular hazard to high-rise cats. A comfortable body harness and leash held by you is the best protection against any falls.
Keep your cat safe by "cat-proofing" your balcony or terrace. To prevent your cat from slipping out, make sure your entire balcony is fully enclosed with wire fencing, that the wire is firmly attached to the frame and there are no gaps. Learn how to build a "catio" on your balcony or yard.
For added safety, secure your cat in a well-fitted harness and leash and supervise them on the patio.
- Never assume that your cat has been killed, even if you look down and see her lying lifeless.
- Do not give up looking should your cat disappear after a fall. It is not uncommon for cats to hide in bushes or creep into buildings if the fall has upset or frightened them.
- Call your veterinarian immediately.
Holiday Safety
Vacation: If You Leave Your Pet Behind
Take time to explain your pet’s routine to the sitter and include a list of instructions of what to do if the pet is lost.
Ideally a relative or a friend who knows your pets or gets to know them before you leave and will be with them most of the day. Before you go, leave an adequate supply of food, grooming instructions, exercise routine and veterinarian’s and emergency clinic telephone numbers. Also inform your microchip provider of the temporary contact numbers. If possible, leave your itinerary and phone numbers. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and tag and has had all vaccinations. Call your sitter a couple of times to check things out.
Many agree to stop by each day to feed, water and exercise your pet. Make sure you entrust this duty to a responsible person and get references.
Pet sitters are an excellent alternative to kennelling, especially for cats who often don’t do well out of their home environment. Check the yellow pages for people offering these services. Better yet, talk to friends and family and find out if they can recommend someone. Always check references and look for someone who is bonded.
Visit The Kennel and Check for the Following
- Are the cages clean and large enough for your pet?
- Is water available at all times?
- Do the kennel owners insist on all vaccinations?
- How often will your pet receive exercise? What kind of exercise?
- Is the boarding agreement complete and satisfactory?
- Is a veterinarian on call 24 hours? You might check with the veterinarian’s office to verify.
Vacation: If You Take Your Pet With You
Travelling with your pet can be fun for the whole family if you take precautions to keep your pet safe.
Keep complete identification and rabies tag on your dog or cat at all times.
- Carry current health and vaccination certificates
- Book your hotel in advance in a hotel that allows pets.
- Do not leave your pet alone in a hotel room without familiar toys and bedding. It is a good idea to bring a pet carrier or even a crate with you.
- Make sure your pet is used to travelling in the car. If necessary take him on a few short rides before vacation time.
- Do not leave your pet in the car, even with the window open. Heat Kills!
- Do not feed your pet for a few hours before a trip. Bring along fresh cool water and a familiar water bowl.
- Allow for exercise breaks during long trips. They’re good for both you and your pet.
If travelling by air or train, make sure to check the policies of the carrier or train line beforehand. Air travel is of most concern when taking pets on vacation. It is recommended that you do not ship your pet unless there is no alternative. However, you can minimize the chances of an unpleasant experience.
- Contact the airline well in advance to check regulations and services.
- Ask about other cargo on your flight and placement of the crate.
- Feed your pet a light meal at least six hours before departure.
- Try to schedule the flight so that there are a minimum of stops and transfers.
- Choose early morning or late evening flights during warm weather.
- Make sure the shipping container is well constructed. The proper cage, available from airlines or pet supply stores, should have the following features:
- Large enough to allow the animal to stand, lie down or turn around
- Leak-proof bottom covered with absorbent material
- Label “LIVE ANIMAL” with arrows indicating upright position. Include your name, pet’s name, address, phone number and destination.
- Find out about quarantine regulations, required health certificates and location of quarantine facility at your destination.
- Tranquillize your pet – only with veterinarian’s approval and instruction.
- Pick up your pet promptly upon arrival
Remember, there is never a vacation from a leash, collar and identification tag. Do not allow your pet to roam. Many pets become lost and confused in unfamiliar surroundings. Many die from malnutrition, stress or disease. Encounters with wild animals such as raccoons and porcupines can be very unpleasant and dangerous to your pet.
Winter Holidays and Pets
The holidays are a great chance to spend quality time with loved ones, but they also present many hazards for pets. The same things that make the holidays special to people may cause problems for their animals. Follow these pet tips for the holidays to keep your companion animals safe, healthy and happy.
Keeping Pets Safe Around Guests
- Holidays are a busy time for visiting and being visited — you may be away for extended periods or have a house full of guests. If you’re away, have someone check in on your pet or board your pet. Note that your pet’s vaccinations will have to be up-to-date to be accepted at a boarding facility.
- If you’re entertaining, you may wish to keep your pets in a quiet room away from the noise and activity. If they’re mingling among the guests, make sure you’re monitoring them so that they don’t share your guests’ holiday finger foods!
- Ornaments should be pet-friendly. Avoid using tinsel on trees. Curious animals are attracted by the shiny strings and may swallow them, which can lead to serious injury and expensive surgery. Ornaments hung on lower tree limbs should not be breakable. Also, keep your tree free of decorations made of food.
- Barricade the water trough around the tree to prevent your pet from drinking the water, which may be dirty and contain pine needles, which are indigestible.
- Be careful with decorative lights! Secure electrical cords and conceal outlets. Pets may chew on cords. Keep pets away from open flames.
- Some festive plants are toxic to pets. Keep your pets away from mistletoe, holly, poinsettias and amaryllis. If ingested, they may cause vomiting, diarrhea or other problems. If your pet has ingested something you’re unsure about, call your veterinarian.
Keeping Your Pet Safe Around Gifts
- After gifts have been unwrapped, discard or store wrapping paper and ribbons, which could be dangerous play toys for pets.
- You’re not the only one looking under the tree with curiosity. If you don’t know what’s in a package, don’t leave it under the tree. If a box of chocolates is wrapped and accessible to your pet, they might get into the box and ingest the toxic substance.
Don't Share Holiday Meals With Your Pet
- Table scraps and leftovers aren’t just too rich for your pets: bones in the meat could lead to serious complications or death.
- Ensure that edibles in Christmas stockings or on the tree are unreachable by your pet and away from dangerous places, such as the fireplace.
- Always ensure that your pet is wearing adequate identification. With more frequent comings-and-goings, it’s easy for your pet to slip out of the house unnoticed.
- On colder days, limit your pet’s exposure to the outdoors to short time periods.
Pet Care on Canada Day
With the warm weather, festivities and evening fireworks, Canada Day is an exciting day for people. It also presents challenges for pet owners. This Canada Day, use our checklist below to make sure your pets are able to have as good a time as you!
See our Hot Weather Safety Tips for more info!
Fireworks are incredibly loud for animals. The explosions are frightening and happen at unpredictable intervals. Pets can interpret fireworks as threats, possibly causing them to run away or hide. It’s best to keep your pet indoors in a cool location with water. Pets that do run away and are confused or panicked often wind up in shelters like the OHS, so make sure your pets are microchipped.
To help keep your pet calm during fireworks, try turning the TV or radio on to mask the noise, or set up a spot for them in a quiet room like the bathroom.
Alcohol and cannabis are dangerous for pets to consume and can lead to vomiting, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, urinary incontinence/dribbling urine, hypothermia, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death. If ingested, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Summer weather, especially in recent years, is hot and humid. This heat means pavement can burn a dog’s feet when they walk on it. It’s best to either avoid paved areas and go to a dog park, or wait until it cools down.
If you're bringing your dog to an event, keep an eye on your dog's stress and comfort level in crowds. If your dog is showing signs of stress, be prepared to step away and bring them to a quiet area away from people to calm down. Don't forget to offer your dog water regularly and watch for signs of heat stroke.