Shorter walks, clean paws, a check under the car hood and a few habits that matter more than a cute sweater. Fur does not make pets immune to winter. As temperatures drop across the country, veterinarians and animal welfare groups repeat the same simple rule: if it is too cold for you outside, it is probably too cold for your pet.
“Winter weather can be just as dangerous for pets as it can be for people,” says Dr. Lori Bierbrier, senior medical director of ASPCA Community Medicine. Here is how to keep cats and dogs safe and comfortable before the real cold sets in.
Know Your Pet’s Limits
Cold tolerance varies from one animal to another. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises owners to learn their pet’s limits and adjust time outside accordingly, keeping walks short in very cold weather. Short-haired dogs, small breeds, very young or older animals, and pets with health conditions generally struggle more.
For dogs with short coats or those that seem bothered by the cold, the AVMA suggests a sweater or coat. If you are not sure where your pet stands, ask your veterinarian about its specific risks this winter.
Watch for the Warning Signs
The American Red Cross lists the signs of hypothermia: whining or shivering, anxiety, moving more slowly or stopping, weakness and looking for warm places to burrow. If you notice them, bring your pet inside quickly and call your vet.
Frostbite is harder to spot. According to the Red Cross, it may not be fully recognized until a few days after the damage is done, so contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect it.
Take Care of Their Paws
Ice, road salt and de-icing chemicals can irritate and crack paw pads. The AVMA recommends checking your dog’s paws often and wiping or washing their feet, legs and belly after walks to remove snow, salt and chemicals, before they lick them off.
Booties can help if they fit well. At home, choose pet-safe ice melt. The ASPCA also advises against shaving pets down to the skin in winter, since a longer coat provides warmth, and recommends bathing less often to avoid dry skin.
Indoors and Outdoors: Small Adjustments
Inside, give your pet a warm, draft-free bed raised off the floor. Be careful with space heaters, which can burn pets or be knocked over.
Outside, the AVMA says pets need insulated shelter and unfrozen water, and that in extreme cold, even outdoor pets should stay inside. Keep dogs on a leash in snow, since they can lose their scent and get lost, and make sure ID tags and microchip details are up to date.
Two Hidden Dangers Most People Forget
Cats often shelter in warm car engines. Before starting your car, check underneath, bang on the hood and honk the horn, as the AVMA and Red Cross recommend.
Antifreeze is the other one. It is lethal to dogs and cats, so wipe up spills immediately and store it out of reach. The ASPCA suggests considering products made with propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. If you suspect poisoning, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Winter does not have to mean a miserable season for your pet. Shorter outings, dry paws, a warm bed and a quick check under the hood go a long way. If you are reaching for a heavier coat, it is time to think about theirs too.