The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

eg uO 18 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, November 26, 1991 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" Cold weather is a potential hazard to pets By Kelly Lown There are many potentially dangerous situations facing your pets as the colder weather arrives. "Most people do not knowing- ly place their pets in these pre- icaments, but, rather are ig- norant of the potential perils facing their animals," accord- ing to the Ontario Humane So- ciety. Animals that have ingested antifreeze is the most common occurrence that we see in the winter, said Dr. Keith Elliott of Port Perry Veterinary Services. Ethylene glycol, found in an- tifreeze, brake fluid and other items is extremely toxic and causes severe and often irrepa- rable damage to the kidneys if ingested. "It is lethal. By the time we see the animal, the damage is done, and it is irreversible," Dr. Elliott told the Port Perry Star. " outside where many of these so- cial creatures are virtually for- gotten. Canines which are kept outdoors must have appropri- ate shelter," the Society says. The Humane Society also suggests that dogs should be ac- climatized to outdoor living when they are young and also when the weatheris warm. Once they have been estab- lished in outdoor accommoda- tion, they should remain there and not be allowed to spend some nights inside and others outside; such a disrupted rou- tine could lead to a lowered re- sistance and illness. Animals should be given the opportunity to be prepared for the cold weather over a period of time before the weather turns cold, said Dr. Elliott. "They should (have time to) build up their coats, and get conditioned to the weather," he added. EE There are many dangerous situations facing your pets as the cold weather approaches. Cats like to curl around the engine of cars for warmth. Pet owners and all car owners should sound their horn or bang on the hood of their vehi- cles to warn a cat which may be there. Animals ingesting an- tifreeze and frostbite are other hazards facing your pet. They (animals) like the anti- freeze because it is sweet, he added. Although antifreeze 1S presentin all seasons, itis more prominent in the winter months. Two common signs that a pet has ingested ethylene glycol are weakness and vomiting. If a pet owner suspects his pet has ingested the substance they sheuld get the pet to a vet- erinarian quickly. The best method of insuring your pet does not get into this substance is tokeep it locked up where they cannot get at it. If any product containing ethy- lene glycol is accidentally spilt, it should be cleaned thoroughly and immediately. Exposure to cold weather is another winter factor that can cause your pet discomfort. According to the Ontario Hu- mane Society, dogs that are kept out-of-doors with no or in- adequate shelter likely suffer the most with the arrival of cold weather. "It is sad that companion ani- mals, such as dogs, are kept .- Animals that are outside in very cold weather can also get frostbite. "Often we find the tips of ani- mals' ears become frostbitten," said Dr. Elliott. In really cold weather the animal does not have to be exposed for very long, he added. Every year, numerous cats are injured by car fan belts. The feline seeking warmth, will find its way inside the car to huddle around the engine. Dr. Elliott said his clinic sees cats every year that have been injured in this manner. Pet owners and all car own- ers should take the time tobang on their hood or blow their horn to alert the feline that may be huddled around the engine. The Humane Society stress- es if the blowing the horn tech- nique is used, give the cat time to escape before starting up the engine. The Criminal Code of Cana- da requires animal owners and custodians to provide suitable and adequate food, water, shel- ter and care for their animals. Failure to supply these necessi- ties could result in the animal being removed and might lead to the prosecution of its owner. Many breeds of dogs can live outside during the winter if they are provided with an insu- lated doghouse proportioned to the dog's size. Heavy-coated dogs endure cold temperatures more easily than short-coated breeds such as Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Bulldogs and Boxers. The following is a set of guidelines issued by the Onta- rio Humane Society on how to winterize your doghouse. Doghouse exteriors should be finished with weatherproof ma- terial or non-leaded paint. By changing the location of the doghouse this will allow owners to control the effects of the sun, shade and wind. Bedding material should be placed in the sleep-area. Cedar or wood chips are preferable over blankets or straw, and the bedding should be changed eve- ry one to two weeks. The interi- or of the house should also be & kept clean. A burlap or canvas outside flap may be used in the winter for more protection from the weather. * Eh The house should be elevated on bricks or cinder blocks to keep the floor dry and it may then be necessary to provide a ramp or step so the dog can get over the raised sill when eniter- ing. If a present doghouse is equipped with a peaked roof (which is unsuitable for winter use), and if itis large enough, it may be possible to install an in- sulated ceiling and a separate hallway in order to make it warmerin the winter. sider how the change in seasons affects their pets. See sto- ry for details. The Port Perry Star has commissioned Rowe & Associates to undertake a subscription drive. The sales persons pictured below will present a Special Offer to residents during a special door-to-door subscription campaign. This is your - opportunity to subscribe to the Port Perry Star or renew your PATRICIA MADAU present subscription and take advantage of the savings. Rea ROBERT KOLARI THY VERRAL These friendly folks will present you a Special Offer on THE PORT PERRY STAR "Your Community Newspaper of Choice" MICHAEL ROWE A : YA Family "Tradition for 125 Years THE PORT PERRY STAR 188 MARY STREET - PORT PERRY - 985-7383 - FAX 985-3708