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By Angela Brown

Extreme cold alert

Battlefords residents asked to keep pets indoors during extreme cold

Jan 25, 2021 | 1:18 PM

With temperatures dipping to -29 Celsius in North Battleford Monday, feeling more like -40 with the wind chill, animal care providers are asking people to be extra careful to ensure their pets are not exposed to the cold.

Temperatures are expected to remain extremely frigid for most of the week.

Battlefords Humane Society shelter coordinator Michelle Spark said small animals in particular are especially vulnerable to the frigid temperatures and should not be left outside.

On Sunday a kitten was found outside in the North Battleford area suffering from severe frostbite to all four of its feet, and unfortunately was unable to be saved.

“For cats, absolutely do not let them outside in this kind of weather,” Spark said. “They should be in the house where it is warm.”

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For those who have farm cats or shop cats, owners need to make sure the animals have access to a warm area to get out of the elements – whether it be a barn full of straw or a heated dog house with straw.

“It’s important when it is this cold out that they have access to fresh food and water,” Spark added. “The fuller their bellies are, the healthier they will stay in the cold.”

For small dogs that are not used to the cold, such as house dogs, she recommends people allow them a short bathroom break in their backyard but forgo taking the animal for a walk until conditions improve. Spark said people can find ways to entertain their pets inside, to offer them some level of activity instead.

Large dogs with heavy coats such as Huskies and Malamutes are more tolerant to the cold, but still need to have fresh food and water if they are outdoors, and, as always, access to a warm shelter.

—

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW