Brrr... It’s Cold Outside: Essential Winter Pet Safety Tips
Brrr.. it's cold outside - so cold you can see your breath the minute you walk outside cold. Not only is winter cold, but it can be harsh with snow, wind, and ice. Keeping warm can feel like a full-time job. If you've lived in cold weather for any amount of time, you know what to expect and how to stay safe and warm, but what do you know about keeping your pets warm and safe? In this blog, we'll share all the essential winter pet safety tips you need to know.
Winter Pet Safety
Preparation is Key
Is your pet prepared for the cold winter months? Colder temperatures can be tough on pets with certain medical conditions. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances may have difficulty regulating their body temperature.
Your pet should always get an annual exam, but if you've put it off or think your pet may be affected by the cold weather, now is the time to get them checked out. A thorough examination by your veterinarian can help identify any potential health issues your pet may have or stay on top of any current ones.
Outdoor Hazards
You need to be aware of various outdoor hazards to keep your pet safe in winter.
Temperatures
Winter can be cold. If it's too cold for you, it's probably too cold for your pets. Just like people, pets' cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health. Know your pet's tolerance for cold weather and adjust accordingly. You may need to shorten their walks in colder weather to protect them from weather-associated health risks. You can also get your dog a sweater or coat to help them with the cold.
You can check out the best winter coats for dogs for 2024 with the Top 10 Best Dog Winter Coats For 2024 Reviewed & Tested – The Dog Outdoors.
Paw Safety
Paw safety and protection during the winter are super important. Dogs who go outside are exposed to snow, ice, salt, sand, and chemicals. Inspect your dog's paws after each walk, washing them with warm water to remove salt, sand, or toxic chemicals like deicers. Check regularly for signs of cold-weather damage, such as cracked paw pads, bleeding, or ice buildup between the toes.
Protect your dog's paws with Pawtection, a wax-like substance that prevents materials from sticking to their paws. It also keeps their paw pads moisturized, especially for dogs that spend more time outdoors or require daily walks in the winter. You can also consider using booties, but be sure to help your dog get comfortable indoors before using them outside.
Pick up some Pawtection at Buddy's Vets.
The colder temperature can quickly take a toll on your pet. Signs of hypothermia include whining, shivering, slowing down, stopping moving, or looking for warm places to burrow. If you notice any of these, get them back inside quickly. If you suspect your pet has hypothermia or frostbite, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Many pets become lost in winter. Ensure your pet has a well-fitting collar with up-to-date identification and contact information. A microchip is a more permanent means of identification, but remember to keep the registration current, especially if you move. If your pet doesn't have a microchip, contact us at Buddy's Vets or your local veterinarian to discuss microchipping options and ensure your pet has proper identification in case they get lost this winter.
Indoor Hazards
Winter pet safety isn't just about the outdoors; ensure your home is pet-proofed to protect them from indoor hazards.
Indoor Heat Sources and Fire Safety
Heating your home safely during winter is essential for you and your pets. Use space heaters with caution around pets due to the risk of fire and burns. Check your furnace before the cold weather sets in to ensure it works efficiently. Install carbon monoxide detectors to protect your family and pets from harmful exposure (read more from the ASPCA on Protecting Your Pets and Your Family from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning | ASPCA).
Fireplaces, candles, and stoves also pose risks. I've tended to animals who've walked into fireplaces or cats who've swatted at candles. Even if stoves are off, they could still be hot and burn paws if used recently. To minimize danger, always supervise your pets around heat sources, use wickless or flameless candles, and install screens on fireplaces.
Pets are curious and playful creatures. Be careful with certain holiday decorations, such as tinsel, among others that can be harmful if ingested. Tuck away electric cords for holiday decorations and trees, which may be tempting for pets to chew on. Avoid toxic plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly. For more tips on keeping your pet safe during the holidays, check out this helpful resource from the AVMA.
If you're having guests over for the holidays, certain foods and table scraps can pose serious risks to pets, such as chocolate or bones. Read more here to learn about common pet poisons and how to keep your pets safe.
General Winter Pet Safety and Care
Besides keeping your pet safe in and out of the home, other general winter pet safety tips exist.
Cold cars pose a significant risk to your pet's health. A car can rapidly cool down in cold weather. Limit car travel to only necessary trips, and don't leave your pet unattended in the vehicle.
Emergencies
Be prepared. Cold weather brings the risks of severe winter weather, blizzards, and power outages. Prepare a disaster/emergency kit, and include your pet in your plans. Have enough food, water, and medicine (including prescription medications, heartworm, and flea/tick preventives) on hand to get through at least five days. Also, put together a pet-specific first aid kit.
The increased indoor time in the winter makes it increasingly important to keep your pet active and engaged inside during the winter. Keeping them engaged can include enrichment toys and games, like snuffle mats, puzzle toys, and feeders.
Keep on top of your pet's grooming in winter. Keep their fur clean and dry and avoid shaving their coats too short. Remember to trim the fur between paw pads to help prevent ice buildup.
Breed-Specific & Special Considerations
Different breeds handle cold weather in varying ways. Small or short-haired breeds, as well as puppies and senior pets, require extra precautions. For these vulnerable pets, consider shorter outdoor time, providing warmer indoor spaces, and closely monitoring for signs of cold intolerance to keep them safe and comfortable during winter.
Stay Warm and Safe
Your pets are part of the family, so just as you prepare your human family for winter, it's equally important to prioritize winter pet safety. Familiarize yourself with what hazards exist for your pet inside and outside the home. We hope our tips can help you keep your pets safe during the cold and harsh winter weather. As always, if you have questions, we are just a phone call away at Buddy's Vets.