Cold weather is not only unpleasant but also poses many dangers for pets. During the cold winter months, you should take extra precautions to ensure your pet stays safe and comfortable. Our team at The Pony Express Veterinary Hospital shares tips to protect your pet when the temperature drops.

Monitor your pet outdoors

Every pet has a different coat type, coat color,  body type, and cold-tolerance level. While pets bred to live or work in cold weather have a high cold tolerance, all pets are susceptible to cold-related hazards such as hypothermia and frostbite. Temperatures below freezing are uncomfortable for most pets, and heavy moisture or high wind can make them feel worse. Regardless of the temperature, never leave your pet outside unattended. When in doubt, keep your inside, and let them outdoors only for potty breaks. When your pet does go outside, watch for the following hypothermia and frostbite signs:

  • Hypothermia in pets — Hypothermia (i.e., low body temperature) occurs when a pet cannot maintain their normal body temperature. Untreated hypothermia can lead to serious health issues and death. Watch for these early hypothermia signs:  
    • Shaking or shivering
    • Reluctance to play or continue on a walk 
    • Holding up a paw or limping
    • Cold extremities (e.g., feet, tail, ears)
  • Frostbite in pets — Your pet’s extremities—tail, nose, ears, and paws—are most susceptible to frostbite. Although rarely life-threatening, frostbite can lead to hypothermia. Frostbite signs include:
    • Shriveled skin 
    • Initially, pale skin that eventually becomes red and puffy
    • Red or grey-tinged ears, tail, or nose
    • Painful ears, tail, paws, or nose
    • Ice crystallization around the nose

Store antifreeze out of your pet’s reach 

Antifreeze, which is used to winterize cars and homes, contains ethylene glycol, a dangerous ingredient that tastes sweet but is highly toxic to pets. Store unused antifreeze in a secure cabinet out of your pet’s reach. Keep an eye out for antifreeze spills or leaks from a car’s radiator on the garage floor, driveway, and street, and clean up spills quickly to prevent your pet from lapping up the chemical and experiencing a life-threatening situation. If your pet ingests antifreeze, immediately contact The Pony Express Veterinary Hospital, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center, or the Pet Poison Helpline. 

Dress your pet appropriately

Before heading outside, outfit your pet in protective winter gear for added protection against the harsh elements. Consider dressing your pet in these garments:

  • Waterproof jacket — A waterproof jacket’s insulating layers trap body heat, helping maintain your pet’s body temperature in cold conditions. A jacket can also block the sharp wind and keep your pet from being soaked by snow and ice melt.
  • Paw protection — Cold weather can be hard on your pet’s paws. Snow and ice can increase your pet’s frostbite risk, and deicers dry out their paw pads, leaving their skin chapped or cracked. Pet booties can protect your furry pal’s paw pads by minimizing contact with harsh salt and chemicals, and preventing snow, ice, salt, and other debris from lodging between their toes.

Adjust your pet’s grooming routine

Winter conditions can irritate your pet’s skin and coat. To ensure your pet stays comfortable during the cold months, follow these winter grooming tips:

  • Bathe your pet less frequently — Frequent bathing and drying can strip your pet’s natural skin oils and leave their skin dry and itchy. Spot clean your pet’s fur as needed, and fully bathe your pet only if necessary.
  • Avoid shaving your pet — Your pet’s coat has an insulating effect that protects them from the elements. Unless your pet’s fur is severely matted, avoid shaving them during the winter months.
  • Keep paws warm and dry — Check your pet’s paws daily for injury, and wash and dry them thoroughly after contact with harmful irritants. If necessary, use a moisturizing paw balm or boots to protect your pet’s paws from injury.

Leave your pet at home 

Leaving your pet in the car during cold weather is as dangerous as leaving them unattended in a vehicle when the weather is hot. A pet who is left alone in a cold car for too long is at risk of rapidly developing frostbite or hypothermia, so leave your pet safe and warm at home when you run errands. 

Keep your pet off frozen bodies of water 

A frozen body of water may appear solid, but your pet can easily fall through thin ice and struggle to escape, leading to a dangerous and potentially fatal situation. To ensure you and your pet avoid a disastrous scenario, follow these tips: 

  • Keep your pet leashed near frozen bodies of water.
  • Avoid walking on ice-covered bodies of water when possible.
  • Teach your pet to come when called to help prevent them from venturing onto unsafe ice.

Our team is here to help you keep your pet safe all year long. Contact The Pony Express Veterinary Hospital if you need additional pet cold weather safety guidance or in case of a cold-related pet emergency.