Pets need fresh air and exercise, including during the cold winter months, so knowing how to keep your pet safe and healthy is important. Here in the Midwest, the seasonal temperatures can be erratic, from above average, balmy days to below freezing, snowy ones. To help you keep your furry friend safe and warm, Liberty Veterinary Hospital wants to share some cold weather pet safety tips. 

Is it too cold for your pet? 

The dark, chilly days dissuade most of us from being outdoors, but what about our pets? They still want to run, sniff, and frolic outside. The question is, what does the weather permit? When temperatures are below freezing, you need to be concerned about frostbite and hypothermia, which is a dangerous condition caused by prolonged exposure to the cold.  

Hypothermia signs in pets include: 

  • Excessive shivering
  • Tiredness and lethargy
  • Difficulty walking
  • Pale gums
  • Dilated pupils
  • Confusion
  • Collapse

If your pet shows these signs, they need to be taken inside your warm home or vehicle and wrapped in blankets. Then, you need to call our hospital or your nearest veterinary emergency clinic for treatment advice.

You also should consider frostbite on your pet’s paws, nose, eartips, and other exposed skin. If your pet is reluctant to walk, is licking their paws, or their skin is discolored (e.g., blue, grey, or pale), frostbite may be the cause.

To avoid a veterinary emergency, keep all pets indoors when unsupervised and skip those early morning outdoor excursions until the warmer times of the day. 

The right gear makes the difference for pets

While you’re busy putting on your coat, boots, and hat before heading out, you should also assess your pet’s cold weather gear. Keeping your pet dry and warm is essential to make their daily walk more enjoyable, so invest in good quality winter gear for them as well as yourself. Some recommended items for pets include:

  • Insulated jacket or vest
  • Waterproof dog booties
  • Reflective leash and collar for low-light conditions
  • Eyewear or dog goggles for bright, snowy days
  • Dog paw balm or moisturizer
  • Portable water bowl for hydration

Many dog owners purchase dog booties, which keep sensitive paw pads healthy and free from noxious chemicals, such as road salts and deicers.

If you decide against boots or your pet will not tolerate them, wipe down your pet’s legs and paws as soon as you return home to ensure they’re clear of debris, snow and ice, and ice melt salt.

Speaking of poisons and pets

Antifreeze is a serious hazard for all animals, including our pets, who can come into contact with antifreeze products on sidewalks, driveways, and roadways. To avoid exposure, don’t allow your pet to drink from any puddles, keep them away from standing or pooled liquid, and ensure you clean up automotive spills in your garage and on your driveway to protect your pet and other curious animals.  

Cold kitties, warm cars

Vehicles pose a big risk to outdoor cats or cats who spend time outdoors. Like most animals, when the temperatures drop, cats will find warm spots—and under the hood of a parked car is perfect. Many animals are seriously injured or killed when unsuspecting drivers start their car when an animal is near the engine. We strongly recommend that you keep outdoor cats inside in winter for their health and safety. 

As an added precaution, always knock on your car’s hood a few times before you start the engine.

Winter safety redux for pets

Winter is a beautiful time to enjoy the great outdoors with your pets, but pet-safety is key when you’re dashing together through the snow, bundled up for an afternoon hike, or keeping dry as the rain falls. Here are a few final suggestions for making the most of the season:

  • Ensure your pet stays hydrated — Winter weather can cause dry, itchy skin. Ensure your pet drinks plenty of water and consider a humidifier to help keep your furry pal itch-free. 
  • Inspect those tootsies — Periodically, check your pet’s paw pads and ensure they are dry and free of debris and ice that can harm their sensitive paws.
  • Give your pet a draft-free, warm place to sleep — Move your pet’s bed away from doors, windows, and other drafty areas. Provide extra blankets or a sweater for young, senior, or small pets who are more affected by the cold. 
  • Schedule a winter wellness check-up — Schedule a wellness appointment with our team, so we can assess your pet’s overall health, detect any problems early, and answer any questions about winter pet care. 
  • As the saying goes … — If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet. Keep them indoors when the temperatures fall below freezing.

No matter what the time of year, your pet most enjoys spending time with their favorite person. Keep your pet happy, healthy, and active by taking precautions before venturing into the chill. Contact our Liberty Veterinary Hospital team if you would like additional pet cold weather safety tips or to schedule a wellness examination.