THUNDER BAY -- Severe cold weather can be deadly to pets.
The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society says animals should be left outside for no longer than five minutes in weather like this.
Executive director Cassandra Nordal told tbnewswatch.com that "It's very, very critical. We always say 'If it's too cold for you, then it's too cold for your animal.' "
Nordal said the society receives calls from people concerned about stray animals, but there have been only one or two calls recently about pet-owners leaving their animals outside the house too long, and no rescues have been required.
She attributes that to education campaigns that have alerted pet-owners to the danger of prolonged exposure to the cold.
According to the website dogtime.com, dog breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat are particularly vulnerable to the cold. It recommends that dogs with a low tolerance be given a jacket or sweater for chilly walks.
Nordal noted that it can also be dangerous to leave a pet in a vehicle.
"We're telling people not to leave an animal in their car when they're going inside. Leave them at home."
She said that the risk from the cold weather should override concerns about pets that suffer from separation anxiety, and that guidance is available on how to deal with that issue specifically.
