Here in North Carolina, we typically enjoy a mild winter—and we like it that way. Unfortunately, as recent severe weather has shown, we are not immune from bone-chilling, life-threatening cold. 

Winter weather can be unpredictable, but your pet’s safety and health shouldn’t be, so check out these winter pet care tips from your trusted Caldwell Animal Hospital team.

Winter preparation for pets

Chilly temperatures and freezing precipitation put everyone at risk—especially when we’re unprepared. If a severe winter weather event is forecast, take extra pet-centric precautions to ensure your four-legged friend’s safety and comfort, including:

  • Food — Keep at least one week’s worth of pet food on hand, which is especially important if your pet is on a therapeutic diet or a brand that isn’t readily available in stores.
  • Medications — If your pet receives daily medications, ensure you have enough doses to last until the cold snap or severe weather breaks. 
  • Pet-safe ice melt — Untreated pathways and stairs can cause pets to slip and fall, and potentially cause serious injury. Use a pet-friendly (i.e., non-irritating, non-toxic) ice melt to clear your pet’s path.
  • Cold weather apparel — Cold-sensitive pets will appreciate a coat, sweater, or jacket. Check your pet’s sleeping area for drafts and relocate their bed if necessary.
  • Potty patch — If your pet prefers to eliminate in the grass, cover a patch of ground with a tarp or blanket before the snow or sleet falls, and uncover the area once the storm has passed.

Cold weather injury risk factors for pets

Your pet’s age, breed, structure, and health play a significant role in their ability to regulate their body temperature. Recognizing your pet’s risk level can help ensure they stay comfy and cozy when cold winds blow.

  • Small dogs and cats — Small pets are in closer proximity to the cold ground.
  • Puppies and kittens — Puppies and kittens are not only small but also have less insulating body fat to keep them warm. 
  • Senior pets — Elderly dogs and cats have less heat-retaining muscle and body fat, so cold temperatures can aggravate arthritis, making movement stiff and painful.
  • Certain breeds — Hairless, short haired, and sighthound breeds are at high cold risk. 
  • Pets with certain medical conditions — Diabetes, hypothyroidism, arthritis, and Cushing’s disease affect thermoregulation. 

Shelter options for outdoor pets

The Caldwell Animal Hospital strongly advises owners to bring all pets indoors during winter weather, but if this is not an option, alternative spaces, such as garages, basements, and barns, can provide some warmth. For feral or untamed pets, provide outdoor shelters such as pet igloos and DIY insulated cat houses to protect them from the elements. Line the shelter with straw to help keep animals warm and dry, and ensure the shelter opening is protected from wind and precipitation.

Antifreeze poisoning and pets

Ethylene glycol—a compound in most antifreeze preparations—is extremely toxic to pets. Only a small amount of this sweet-tasting fluid is necessary to cause acute (i.e., sudden) kidney failure. Sadly, the condition is fatal without immediate and aggressive treatment. Store antifreeze and other products that commonly contain ethylene glycol (e.g., motor oil, windshield deicer, hydraulic brake fluid) out of your pet’s reach and clean up spills immediately.

Winter paw protection for pets

Although paw pads are generally tough by design, with a thick keratin outer layer and an insulating fat layer, they may be no match for winter weather hazards. Dry air and rough ice can cause paw pads to crack and bleed, while salt and ice melt can irritate the webbing between the toes. Uncomfortable or injured pets may limp or lick and chew the affected area.

The best treatment for paw-related injuries is prevention. Avoid walking or exercising your dog on pathways and roads that have been treated with rock salt or ice melt and use pet-friendly ice melt around your home. Wash and dry your pet’s feet after outdoor activities to remove any unseen irritants. Quickly check your pet’s paws daily  to look for redness, sensitivity, and odor, as well as any visible cracking, peeling, or bleeding.

If your pet has dry or sensitive paws, apply a moisturizing and protective balm such as petroleum jelly or Musher’s Secret. Waterproof boots are great for dogs who will tolerate them, to protect paws and provide extra traction. 

Hypothermia in pets

Hypothermia (i.e., low body temperature) occurs when a pet cannot maintain their normal body temperature. During the winter, hypothermia most commonly occurs in pets who are left outdoors or in parked vehicles. Untreated hypothermia can lead to serious health issues and death. Fortunately, prevention is simple. 

Because it’s safer to err on the side of caution, always assume that if you’re cold, your pet is cold, too. This will help you make the safest decisions, such as keeping your pet indoors, dressing them in a coat, or taking a shorter walk.

Early hypothermia signs to watch for include:  

  • Shaking or shivering
  • Reluctance to play or continue on a walk 
  • Holding up a paw or limping
  • Cold extremities (e.g., feet, tail, ears)

Although mild hypothermia can be managed at home, severely affected pets (i.e., those who are unconscious, experiencing pale gums, have a low heart rate, and breathing slowly) will require veterinary-supervised slow and careful rewarming to prevent life-threatening shock and organ damage.

Don’t let bitter weather leave you and your pet feeling frosty—a few extra preparations and a little vigilance will help you turn winter’s howl into a whimper. For more winter safety tips, contact Caldwell Animal Hospital.