By Lara Gerrits The Tri-City News
Dec 01 2006
Pooches looking for protection from the icy temperatures don’t have to look far in the Tri-Cities, where jackets and booties geared for dogs are almost as common as those for babies.
In fact, pet stores reported seeing an increase in sales in cold-weather attire this past week as temperatures dipped well below O.
“We’ve had a great increase,” said Logan Walden, manager of Bosley’s Pet Food Plus on North Road in Coquitlam. “Out of the 80 people we have a day, probably a quarter of them ask about coats... Some people get quite excited that we have them for big dogs.”
The store sells the usual array of sweaters, tennis shirts and rain jackets, although attire more fitting during a cold snap include thick West Coast Storm Wear jackets, dog booties (made of fabric or waterproof material) and even a heated water bowl.
Mr. Pet’s manager Cherie Wilgan said the Port Coquitlam store has seen a 30% increase in sales of clothing this week.
“The sweaters are really popular right now, just because of the cold weather,” she said.
Sean Alger, owner of the Urban Barkery on Westwood Plateau in Coquitlam, noted that heavy duty boots with textured rubber soles are available for dogs who accompany their owners while doing activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
But aside from keeping their pups fashionable, dog owners have more to be concerned about during the winter months.
Animals shouldn’t be left outdoors for prolonged periods unless provided with proper insulated housing, said Jamie Lawson, chief animal health officer with the BC SPCA.
“People should take steps to ensure their animals are appropriately cared for,” he said.
Animals must also have access to fresh water and extra food, which, during cold weather, helps them burn more calories and thus, stay warm.
Owners should make sure to clean the pads of their dogs’ feet after walks in the snow as salt from roads can irritate the pads. If ingested, road salt can also hurt animals.
Emmanuel Lim, owner of the After Hours Pet Hospital in Maillardville, noted cold weather isn’t generally a concern for dogs and cats as long as they’re active.
“But they shouldn’t be allowed to stay out for too long,” he said. “It’s just like us. If we were living in Ontario, this past week’s weather is no big deal but, because we’re used to milder temperatures, it is. The same goes for pets.”
Other winter pet tips offered by the BC SPCA include:
• Ensure you are using a pet-safe propylene-based antifreeze in your car as ethylene glycol antifreeze is extremely toxic to any animal (a tablespoon is enough to kill a cat or dog).
• Thump the hood of your vehicle before starting it to startle any animals that might have crawled into the engine compartment for warmth.