While your pet might love the outdoors year-round, here are a few things to keep in mind during the winter months:

• Fur coats won’t protect your pets from hypothermia and frostbite
  • Fur loses its insulating ability when it becomes wet
  • Paw pads, ears, and noses are vulnerable to frostbite
• It’s not safe for your pet to be left in your vehicle
  • Vehicles left running can become a carbon monoxide risk to animals inside
• Antifreeze can be lethal to dogs and cats, even in extremely small doses.

Tips for keeping your dog safe this winter

• Limit outdoor time for puppies, senior dogs, small dogs and short-haired breeds in cold or wet weather. Instead, try indoor enrichment activities to keep your dog’s body and mind active.
• Consider boots and a sweater or coat if your dog doesn’t mind bundling up!
• After a walk or playtime in the snow, thoroughly dry your dog’s feet, legs, and stomach. Keep an eye on their paw pads, which can be injured from snow, ice and salt spread on sidewalks.

Tips for keeping your cat safe this winter

• Cats cannot withstand low temperatures, so it’s best to keep them indoors.
• Before starting your car, check for paw prints, bang the hood, or honk to allow any cats seeking warmth under or inside your car to escape.

How to tell if your pet is in distress

If your pet exhibits any of the following behaviours, bring them inside immediately:

• Excessive shivering
• Lifting/licking/biting paws
• Refusing to play

If you witness any pet in distress due to low temperatures, bring them to a safe space and report it to the New Brunswick SPCA hotline at 1-877-722-1522.