Calgary's extreme cold snap proves tough on dogs
Morning dog walks have been cancelled by many pet owners as it's just too cold outside, but try telling that to your dog.
"If it's too cold for humans, it's going to be too cold for dogs," said Lisa Olund, manager of animal operations at the Calgary Humane Society. "So basically your dog should just be going outside for a quick pee break, then coming in"
According to the Humane Society different breeds of dogs will have very different tolerances to snow and cold. If a dog is running in circles, leaping into snow banks or using their face as a snow plow, then they probably like the snow and are perfectly happy playing in it. But many dogs show signs they're too cold.
"Lifting paws are always really good signs that your dog is cold," said Olund. "But do keep in mind, depending on the breed of dog and what their ears are like, by the time they start lifting their paws, quite often, they've already frozen their ears so if you do have a dog that's got like a thinner ear or no hair on their ears, (only take) very, very short breaks outside."
Mark Bewer, owner of Unleashed, sells a variety of products to keep dogs warm when they're outside but says many owners don't equip their pet properly.
"I drive past the park all the time and there's a lot of dogs at the park in the same outfit that they're in July but that human is bundled up like crazy," said Bewer. "We got to be a little careful when it dips below minus 15."
Bewer says some owners use a salve to protect paws from harmful salt used to melt snow and ice, but he says boots are the best bet when temperatures plummet into the -20s.
Olund says if pets are spending longer than usual in doors, there are games to activate their senses.
"For a lot of those high energy dogs, it's really important to keep them stimulated when it's this cold outside," said Olund. "So we have puzzle games, you can put treats in some of the puzzles, that sort of gets the dog working and thinking about how to get the treats or kibble out."
She adds that treats can be hidden around the house for the dog to search for, or a paper towel roll can be used with dog treats inside and the ends sealed. Then the dog has to figure out how to get them out.
Correction
The original version of this story incorrectly referred to Unleashed's owner as Mark Vewer instead of Bewer.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: jobs report
The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Remains from a mother-daughter cold case were found nearly 24 years later, after a deathbed confession from the suspect
A West Virginia father is getting some sense of closure after authorities found the remains of his young daughter and her mother following a deathbed confession from the man believed to have fatally shot them nearly two decades ago.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
2 military horses that broke free and ran loose across London are in serious condition
Two military horses that bolted and ran miles through the streets of London after being spooked by construction noise and tossing their riders were in a serious condition and required operations, a British government official said Thursday.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.