Winter in Canada is always something to be prepared for. Over the past week, the country has experienced some of its coldest temperatures on record, along with severe snowstorms. The aftermath? Deep heaps of snow, heavy use of salt to break it down, and sidewalks that are even more slippery than usual.
While cities try as much as possible to stay lit up during this season, the infrastructure behind that effort poses a very serious danger and could even be fatal for pets. Stray voltage can be described as a tiny, unintended "leak" of electricity. Because electrical systems are connected underground to keep things safe, sometimes a bit of electricity "strays" onto metal objects along sidewalks, like metal utility covers, lampposts, bus shelters, and hydrants.
Just over a week ago, a dog in Toronto stepped on a metal plate near a hydro pole and was electrocuted; unfortunately, it was fatal.
In this blog post, we will explain what stray voltage is and how to protect your dog from the hidden dangers of the sidewalk.
What is Stray Voltage and Why Does it Target Dogs?
The Science of the "Perfect Storm"
In cities, many power lines run under the sidewalks through tunnels. When it snows, people put salt on the ground to melt the ice. This salt dissolves into the melting snow and creates a "salty slush," which is perfect for carrying electricity. If, for any reason, an underground wire has a tiny crack in its insulation, the salty water can act like a bridge, carrying electricity from the wire up to the surface.
Why Humans Sometimes Stay Safe While Dogs Suffer
The soles of most footwear we humans wear are typically rubber, which acts like a shield against electricity. However, dogs are "barefoot" most of the time. Their wet paw pads touch the metal directly with no protection. And because their front and back legs are farther apart than the feet of humans, they can bridge a larger "voltage gap" in the ground, making the shock feel much stronger to them than it would to you.
Signs Your Dog Has Been Shocked: Symptoms to Watch For
● Sudden Behavior Shifts: If your dog starts yelping, screeching, or jumping as if they’ve stepped on a bee or something hot, they might have been shocked.
● Physical Distress: If your dog suddenly has muscle tremors, rigid limbs, or "freezes" in place, they may have been electrocuted.
● Extreme Cases: In serious cases, your dog may develop seizures, collapse, lose consciousness, or even have difficulty breathing.
● Delayed Symptoms: Some symptoms may be delayed. Things like internal burns or heart arrhythmias can show up hours after the walk.
5 Preventive Measures to Keep Your Dog Grounded and Safe
1. Gear Up with Rubber-Soled Boots
Get your dog rubber-soled footwear. The fit should be snug but still comfortable. Your dog's boots should have good traction for wet or slippery surfaces and should be waterproof and well-insulated.
2. Avoid the "Hot Zones"
Before and during walks, try to identify potential danger spots. Routes with metal manhole covers, utility grates, the base of streetlamps, and metal "handwells" should be avoided as much as possible.
3. Ditch the Metal Leash
If your dog is shocked while on a metal chain leash, the current can travel directly to your hand and affect you. For the winter season, it is best to stick to high-quality nylon, leather, or Biothane leashes.
4. Don’t Let Them "Mark" Metal Poles
Urine is a highly conductive fluid. If a dog pees on an energized light pole, it can often result in an immediate and fatal shock.
5. Monitor Puddles and Slush Near Construction
Puddles near subway grates or construction zones are high-risk areas. Make an effort to always steer your dog toward fresh, "clean" snow or dry concrete.
What to Do if the Unthinkable Happens?
In the unfortunate situation of your dog being electrocuted, the following steps should be followed:
● Step 1: Don’t Be a Hero. Do not touch your dog with your bare hands if they are still in contact with the source; you could also suffer fatal injuries.
● Step 2: Use an Insulator. Use a dry nylon leash or a wooden stick to move them away from the metal or puddle.
● Step 3: Immediate Vet Care. Even if they seem fine, a shock can cause "silent" heart damage. Get to an emergency vet immediately.
Reporting the Danger: Who to Call in Canada
If an electrocution occurs, it is important that you act quickly and contact the appropriate authorities in your city. Reporting the issue immediately can help prevent further injuries to people and pets.
Key emergency and reporting contacts for major Canadian cities include:
● Toronto: Toronto Hydro — (416) 542-8000
● Ottawa: Hydro Ottawa — (613) 738-0188
● Vancouver: BC Hydro — 1-800-224-9376
If you are in another city, be sure to reach out to your local hydro or municipal authority as soon as possible. It is extremely important to stay observant during walks and immediately report warning signs such as flickering streetlights, buzzing junction boxes, or any unusual electrical behavior the moment you notice them.
Conclusion: A Little Caution Goes a Long Way
Winter walks are great when caution is exercised; it is a wonderful way to keep your pets engaged and stimulated. Always remember to make sure they put on a pair of rubber-soled boots and keep a watchful eye at all times!