For many of the people in the province, the swings from temperatures at -20° or colder to above freezing, sometimes within a span of just a day, can be frustrating. It can also be uncomfortable, as people will at times dress for the weather in the morning, not expecting a drastic change in temperature by the afternoon. 

While the changes in the weather affect people, pets are also impacted by the changes. 

Kristin Caldwell is the Chief of Veterinary Operations at Prairie Animal Health Centre in Weyburn. She explained that for cats, this can sometimes lead to issues such as frostbite. 

“When it was nice out, those cats that like to go outside started going outside again, and as the temperature got lower they were still going outside and staying out a little too long,” Caldwell said. “And so issues with the tips of their ears, tips of their tails and pads of their feet.” 

Oftentimes, a cat won’t be as vocal about discomfort as the other common four-legged companion: dogs. 

“They lift up the paws a little bit more and come to the door and they’re a little bit more noticeable when they’re uncomfortable, where cats kind of often will suffer in silence a bit more,” Caldwell added.  

When the temperatures do get to the extreme, the ability to handle the cold depends on the animal. Caldwell used the example of a Malamute versus a Chihuahua. Malamutes are able to handle the colder temperatures a bit better a lot more than the smaller breed. 

“A lot of it boils down to common sense,” said Caldwell. “If you are comfortable outside then likely your animal is too and if its extreme frostbite issues, you know, your skin can freeze in minutes, their skin can too, especially those tips of the ears.” 

Caldwell pointed out that for pets that do end up outside for an extended period, the best bet is to get them indoors and warm them up slowly. You can also get in touch with a veterinarian who can help to bring the body temperature back up.