By midwinter you likely already take steps to keep your family and home safe, warm, and functioning as blizzards and ice storms pile up snow and freeze surfaces. But one important area that’s sometimes overlooked is how to protect your pets during severe winter weather.
As animal lovers, here are practical, easy-to-follow tips to help ensure your dogs and cats stay warm, healthy, and safe throughout the cold season.
If possible, keep pets indoors
Cold temperatures affect pets the same way they affect people. Left outside, dogs and cats can suffer hypothermia, frostbite, become injured, or get lost. Whenever feasible, keep pets inside year-round. If an animal must stay outdoors, provide a sturdy, well-insulated shelter that keeps out wind, snow, ice, and rain. Make sure fresh, unfrozen water is always available: while animals can survive longer without food, dehydration can become life-threatening in just a few hours.
Use a leash when outside
Ice, slush, and unfamiliar winter sounds can alarm pets and cause them to bolt. When walking, always use a secure leash and watch your animal closely. A frightened pet that runs off may lose its scent and become lost; statistically, more dogs are reported missing in winter than any other season, and cold weather makes being lost especially dangerous.
Watch for ice hazards
Icy surfaces increase the risk of slips and falls that can injure pets’ joints, paws, or bodies. Be cautious on walks, choose cleared paths when possible, and avoid areas with hidden frozen puddles or black ice. Shorter, more frequent walks may reduce exposure to treacherous conditions while still allowing needed exercise.
Clean and inspect paws after walks
After returning indoors, wipe your pet’s paws thoroughly, including between the toes. De-icing salts, antifreeze, and other chemicals can stick to fur and pads; pets often lick their paws and can ingest these toxic substances. Ice can also become lodged between toes and lead to irritation or infection if not removed. Drying paws and checking for cuts, cracks, or redness helps prevent problems.
Check under your hood before driving
In cold weather, stray or outdoor cats often seek warmth and shelter in engine compartments. Before starting a vehicle, tap the hood or honk briefly to give any hidden animal a chance to escape. This simple precaution can prevent devastating accidents—many pet owners have experienced the trauma of a cat hiding in a warm engine bay and being harmed when the car is started.
Keep identification and microchips up to date
Regardless of season, never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle. Ensure collars have current ID tags and that microchip information is kept up to date with your contact details. If you see signs of neglect or abuse, contact your local animal shelter or humane society—prompt reporting can save an animal’s life.
How do you help your pets enjoy and survive winter? Share your tips and photos of your furry friends in the snow in the comments below—we’d love to see them.
Photo courtesy of our friends Kari & Nate Hutson and their dog Satchel.