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OMHS urges care for animals in harshness of winter by Julie Slack Metroland West Media Group 19 | Thursday, January 15, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The bitter cold of winter has people scrambling to keep warm with mittens and gloves, but our four-legged friends need consideration too. The Oakville and Milton Humane Society (OMHS) reminds animal owners and pet-sitters that this time of year can be harmful to our furry friends. Exposure for prolonged periods of time can cause them to experience hypothermia, just like it does to humans, said OMHS Executive Director Kim Millan. Even minutes exposed to temperatures below 0 C, like we're seeing now, can cause frostbite. She suggested limiting exposure to the cold for all pets and trying to avoid letting cats go outside. Dogs and cats are safer indoors in all sorts of weather. "The rule of thumb, if it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your pet," she said. "Do not leave pets alone in the car in the cold, it will be like sitting in a refrigerator." For dogs, she also added the importance of wiping down their feet, legs and tummy after walks because of the accumulation of salt. Our four-legged friends must be considered as the bitter cold of winter, and all that comes with it, such as antifreeze, road sat and more, can be harmful as well as potentially fatal to animals. | Oakville Beaver file photo www.edwardjones.com "Salt can hurt the paws, but if the dog starts licking himself, you also don't want to get all the chemicals from the salt in his system because it could make him ill," Millan said. "The salt is very abrasive to the tender paws of the dog and if the dog starts to lick his feet, they will ingest the salt, causing further discomfort and possible sickness." She reminded drivers to bang the hood of their car on cold mornings before starting their car. "Before you get into car, hit the hood of the vehicle, in case a cat or wild animal crawled in there because of the warmth of the engine," she said. Another harmful substance people need to remember, Millan said, is antifreeze and its sweet taste. People should clean up spilled antifreeze if they see it. "Pets are attracted to that, and if owners think their pets have licked up any antifreeze, it's quite lethal. Take them to the vet." Finally, make sure your pets have proper identification, including collar, licence tag or microchip so they can be reunited with their owners if they ever become separated, Millan reminded pet owners. Notice Your interests come first. Marc Nutford - Financial Advisor 2387 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, ON L6H 6K7, 905-844-4043 marc.nutford@edwardjones.com · www.edwardjones.com Member ­ Canadian Investor Protection Fund Annual General Meeting to be held January 22nd from 6:30 to 8:00 pm Jean Vanier High School Cafeteria 1145 Bronte Street South, Milton There are two ways to vote for Directors, Bylaw changes and Auditor appointment: By Proxy Form or in person at the meeting. For more informarion or to obtain a proxy form, please contact info@haltonfoodforthought.com DiversifieD financial services Since 1988 Ready to buy a New Car? Visit www.carcostcanada.com first. Canada's #1 resourCe for wholesale priCe reports. We'll show you all advertised & non-advertised factory incentives & discounts. Accountants working for you! We do U.S. tax returns "I saved over $2,500 using my CarCostCanada report." Nancy, Oakville. for all your Personal, Business & corporate accounting and tax services. 1515 Rebecca Street, Suite 301 (Inside South Oakville Centre) 905-847-0029 · www.diversifiedfinancialservicesinc.ca Call us at 289-438-1573