Thursday, January 30, 2014

Baby, It's Cold Outside...


Winter! It is sure not over yet, with more snow and cold winds to come. Being originally from B.C., winters typically meant for me skiing and snowshoeing and spending time on the mountainous slopes. Then in Saskatchewan, where I went to school, there were -50 degree wind chills and bundling up in snowpants just so you can walk to the mail box. Here in Ontario, winter seems to come with ice storms and winter squalls and a chilly damp cold. But regardless what you call your winter, during these frosty months, we need to think about our furry friends and things we can do to help them stay warm and safe.

Bundle Up: Just like us, some pets need their winter coats and booties on to go outside. This can be especially important for animals with short coats, younger or older pets, and those with certain disease and conditions that can affect their ability to regulate their temperature. Make sure the coat is dry (wet coats can make pets more chilled) and the boots are properly fitted (no one likes pinched toes!).

Beware of Ice: Ice can pose a problem for many reasons. An animal playing or walking on slippery ice can slip and hurt itself, or can fall through ice over deeper bodies of water. Some deicers can be toxic to pets, and salt can dry out paws. Be sure to avoid the ice best you can and wash your pet’s paws carefully after their trip outside. While you’re at it, check between the toes for annoying bundles of snow and ice that can get lodged in there!

Check the Car (inside and out): We all know that warm engines can be very inviting to our outdoor animals. However, they can also be dangerous if an animal is left snoozing there when the car is turned on. Honk the horn, tap the sides and alert an animal to your presence before starting that ignition. Be sure to also check underneath cars for anti-freeze spills. All anti-freeze, even the so-called “non-toxic” antifreeze, is toxic to pets. Also, never leave an animal inside a car after it’s been turned off, as temperatures can drop rapidly.

Provide Shelter: Don’t forget about your outdoor dogs or barn cats this winter. Make sure they have warm and cozy shelter options. Insulate the shelter with warm, dry material (straw makes a great insulator), and elevate the floor of the shelter off the ground if possible. Direct the shelter away from wind to avoid a draft. Make sure they always have access to fresh and non-frozen water.

Feed Appropriately: In the winter, a significant portion of your pet’s caloric intake can be directed towards keeping it warm. In animals spending a large amount of time outside, it may be required to increase the amount of food being fed. However, in animals spending larger amount of times inside and going on less-frequent walks, it is a good idea to watch your pet’s weight closely and consider decreasing their food intake if they are prone to gaining weight over the winter. While a lot of animals will gain weight over the winter and lose it again come spring, it is best for an animal’s overall health to maintain a steady, ideal body condition.


We hope that you and your pets enjoy the winter months ahead. However, be on the look-out for signs of frostbite or hypothermia. If you pet seems anxious or shivering, seemed depressed or quiet, or becomes unconscious, move your pet to a warm area and seek veterinary care. Remember, signs of frostbite can take days to show the full effects. 

Stay warm and stay safe!

Vanessa Tonn, DVM

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

I Own A Husky !

Years ago when we first decided it was time to welcome a dog into our family I did my research. As a Technician at Bowmanville Veterinary Clinic I had met and fallen for many different shapes and sizes but making a personal choice was a big decision. So many purebreds have health concerns that are more common with that specific breed. We had considered a mixed breed but I kept coming back to the Husky. As far a health concerns the list was manageable; behaviour concerns topped the list. The digging, running, howling, prey drive and shedding-piece of cake. So the adorable, fluffy cuddly ball of fur we named Kara came to live with us. I was convinced we would have the first husky that could play off leash, would not dig, would not chase my father-in-laws chickens etc, etc. WRONG. After six months of chasing calves, running off with the coyotes, getting caught in a trap, a porcupine encounter, holes in the yard, howling when left alone we knew things had to change. That's when I became a "walker". I am now known as " the lady from Enniskillen who walks her dog all the time". Until then I loved being outdoors, after all I lived in the country on a small farm. I walked her to the farm every day to see my horses and do chores, but this was apparently not enough, I was the proud owner of Kara for fifteen years and did not hesitate to adopt another gorgeous girl after it was time to say good bye to Kara.

It was not long before Kenzie came into my life. The two weeks between losing Kara and adopting Kenzie were brutal for me. I had been walking Kara for 1 1/2 - 2 hours a day and not having that as part of my day was very difficult. The first month I owned Kenzie we walked part way and then I carried her. She has never been off leash, I learned that from Kara. Kenzie is the perfect dog, I know we all think that about our own dogs but she really is fantastic as long as she gets her long walks every day. Sometimes she goes twice because both Brian and I enjoy walking her.Our walks are primarily in the fields and woods around Enniskillen just north of Bowmanville. This brings me to the reason for this blog. Over the next several months I want to share some of my experiences as well as talk about things to consider for the Veterinary care of a really outdoorsy dog. More to come...... Diane McGill Registered Veterinary Technician