| The cold weather is starting now .....
which means that these are difficult days for the Community Cats. Who
are the Community
Cats?
They are the abandoned stray cats and their offspring, the feral cats.
They are found in every nook and cranny of Nova Scotia. All
around the province, hard working little volunteer
Trap Neuter Return
groups are working to create healthier communities by humanely managing
feral cat populations. Find out
How You Can Help
Stray or Feral, all animals have basic
survival needs:
- Food ... it takes more energy to stay
warm in the cold, so outdoor cats of all stripes will need extra
food
- Water ... freezes at 32 degrees F or 0
degrees C. Snow is no substitute for water and cats will NOT
survive in the cold without a source of drinking water. Water
dishes freeze quickly outside and so need to be changed frequently.
- Shelter from the elements is critical
for survival in the cold. Providing Shelter saves lives.
STAY WARM AND STAY SAFE! PROTECT YOUR PETS
FROM WARM WEATHER HAZARDS:
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Pets can't read the
weather forecast!
They're depending on
us to take care of them and keep them safe.
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Frostbite:
- Bundle up! If you find its cold out ... so
will your pets! Good warm winter coats and boots for your pet will
allow you both to have fun .... safely ... when playing and hiking
in the snow
You wouldn't put your pet in the fridge ... don't leave them waiting
for you in your car.
Like us, pets burn more energy outside in the cold. If you and your
pet spend time out in the cold, you may need to increase the amount
of food for them. ( the reverse is also true ... if you and your
pets would rather hang by the fire, you may need to watch their diet
on the cold winter days )
SPECIAL NOTE: Paws are susceptible to frostbite, but most symptoms
don't surface for a couple of days. If paws are swollen or your pet
is fussing over the area, wrap your pet in warm blankets, apply a
warm...not hot ... water bottle to the affected area and go to the
vet immediately
Special Note: Pets with heart or
respiratory problems are at greater risk when exposed to cold weather
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Dog Walking
- Dog walking: the salt that is spread on
the streets and roads contains chemicals. If your dog will not wear
winter boots, train him or her to sit while you wipe paws with a
damp cloth. Remove all bits of ice from between pads too
HELPFUL HINT - if your dog will not wear boots, put petroleum jelly
on his or her paws to protect them and help keep paws from drying
out and cracking
when its snowing, drivers visibility is reduced. Carry a flashlight
even during the daytime and sew reflective strips on your dog coats.
Helpful hint ... most of the hunting season vests can do double duty
on a stormy day by making you and your dog more visible.
On country roads its not always safe to walk facing traffic because
drivers cresting hills behind you cannot see you in time. Use common
sense.
see note below on Antifreeze
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| Antifreeze
is toxic to any pet and is a year round hazard, but in the summer cars
can be more likely to overheat and leak antifreeze. Exercise caution
and common sense when leash walking ... either use the sidewalk or stay
on the shoulder of country roads to minimize the hazard. |
Bundle Up:
- Bundle up! If you find its cold out ... so
will your pets! Good warm winter coats and boots for your pet will
allow you both to have fun .... safely ... when playing and hiking
in the snow
You wouldn't put your pet in the fridge ... don't leave them waiting
for you in your car.
Like us, pets burn more energy outside in the cold. If you and your
pet spend time out in the cold, you may need to increase the amount
of food for them. ( the reverse is also true ... if you and your
pets would rather hang by the fire, you may need to watch their diet
on the cold winter days )
SPECIAL NOTE: Paws are susceptible to frostbite, but most symptoms
don't surface for a couple of days. If paws are swollen or your pet
is fussing over the area, wrap your pet in warm blankets, apply a
warm...not hot ... water bottle to the affected area and go to the
vet immediately.
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| Fireworks -
Many pets are terrified of fireworks and every
year on every holiday beloved family pets are lost when they panic at
the noise. Protect your pets by keeping them on a leash, even in fenced
yards, when there are fireworks planned in your area.
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Love Your Pets for Life!!!
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