Humane society warns to keep pets indoors amid deep freeze
Guelph Humane Society says leaving pet outside is life-threatening
The Guelph Humane Society is reminding pet owners to keep their pets warm and inside during the deep freeze this weekend.
Temperatures are forecast to dip to -19 C and -22 C in Waterloo Region and Guelph overnight on Saturday and Sunday.
Daytime highs on the weekend are forecast to be between -13 C and -15 C. Forecast windchills will make those temperatures feel more like -24.
Officials said the cold temperatures pose an extreme danger to pets, and cat owners in particular should be keeping their cats indoors at all times.
Dog owners are being advised to take dogs out only for short periods, and be mindful of the risk of frostbite to their ears, nose and paws.
If a dog starts to lick its paws while walking, it should be taken home or to a warm place immediately, officials said.
The Guelph Humane Society advises anyone who sees an animal left outside during cold temperatures to call them at 519-824-3091.