An image of a Finnish hound. Credit: EtaKarppa/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0
The Helsinki Animal Welfare Society (HESY) recently issued a warning that Finland’s extreme winter weather is dangerous for pets.
The Nordic region has experienced its coldest winter this winter, with temperatures reaching as low as -40 degrees Celsius, putting the safety of pets, especially those left outdoors for long periods or abandoned, at risk.
Effects of cold weather
Recently, bad weather has begun to disrupt transport across the region, causing serious problems for rail traffic in the northern Arctic and leading to school closures in southern Norway.
This dangerous cold wave not only affects human activities, but also poses a deadly threat to pets. Animals exposed to severe cold are at risk of frostbite and fatal hypothermia, especially if left outdoors for long periods without proper protective equipment.
Hypothermia can cause vital organ failure, and frostbite can cause tissue damage and loss, especially in extremities such as the ears and tail.
Understanding variety-specific cold tolerance
Different dog breeds have different levels of cold tolerance. Unlike Finnish Hounds, Dobermans, and Pugs, which are more susceptible to the negative effects of cold weather, breeds such as Huskies and Lapland Reindeer are adapted to the cold.
HESY emphasizes the importance of knowing your pet’s breed-specific needs and vulnerabilities to ensure their safety.
vigilance and public service
Pet owners are encouraged to keep their pets indoors during inclement weather and provide protective clothing and footwear for short-haired or hairless pets.
If your pet is found alone in the cold, we recommend bringing the animal indoors to warm up before taking it to an animal shelter.
Cats are especially susceptible to frostbite in the winter, especially those sheltering in unheated environments.
This situation calls for extra vigilance and responsibility on the part of pet owners to protect their pets from these dangerous situations.
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