The recent spell of cold weather was a concern for many local humans, but it appears that local pets fared well under these conditions. The Kitimat Humane Society has reported receiving only a few calls related to animal welfare during the cold snap, with each case revealing that the animals involved were not in immediate danger.
“We’ve been very fortunate,” Kitimat Community Humane Society manatee Maryann Ouellet said. “Sometimes you have dog owners who think because their dog has some husky in it—but doesn’t have the coat of a husky—that it likes to be out in the cold weather. But once we explain things and show them, we don’t have any issues.”
Oullet urges residents to take proactive measures to protect pets from the cold.
Cats seeking warmth under car hoods and advises motorists to check beneath their vehicles, bang on the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine as precautionary measures.
The risk of frostbite and hypothermia in cats and dogs is significant, and symptoms like whining, shivering, and lethargy should be taken seriously. “We’ve had very few complaints since the cold snap started, so that’s really good,” Oullet adds. Pets should be kept indoors during severe cold, and owners are encouraged to regularly inspect their pets’ paws for injuries such as cracked pads or bleeding. The use of protective gear like all-weather dog booties is recommended.
Furthermore, the Society advises shortening walks in cold weather, especially for elderly pets and dogs with short coats, suggesting that additional clothing like sweaters or coats may be beneficial for these pets.