With winter finally arriving with colder temperatures, here is how to keep your pet safe when they need to go outside.

As of right now, temperatures are expected to drop to -37 on Thursday and -46 Friday overnight. While that is cold for most Airdronians, it's especially cold for your pets. 

Brad Tomlinson, a Sergeant with Airdrie's Municipal Enforcement stated the best thing to do is understand the temperature outside before letting your pet out or going for walks.

"Frostbite and hypothermia, are both things to be extremely aware of. It can happen very quickly with how cold it gets in our climate."

Here is a list of signs Tomlinson provided for if your dog is getting too cold:

  • Hunched posture
  • Shaking
  • Shivering
  • Whining
  • Barking
  • Lifting their paws
  • Standing at the door waiting to be let in

"Being familiar with the type of dog that you have is important Whether they're short hair, medium hair or long hair, it's important to know what works for them."

Tomlinson did mention jackets and shoes are a good alternative if your pet likes them.

Municipal Enforcement does get a few phone calls each year about animal welfare and they do investigate every one.

"Anytime that we can get a case where we're investigating and we speak with the residents. We're always educating and helping them out."

The overnight lows will be in the -30 range starting Wednesday night and the cold spell is expected to last into Sunday.

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