Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can be challenging, and the conditions can pose serious threats to not only your health, but also your pet’s. Our Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital team knows a thing or two about combating winter weather, and we offer cold safety tips to help protect your pet in chilly conditions.

#1: Keep your pet inside during cold weather

Your pet may wear a fur coat, but they are still susceptible to conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite. Some pets, such as huskies and Great Pyrenees, are more cold tolerant because they have thick coats, but this doesn’t mean they should be left outside for extended periods in extreme weather. If the weather is too cold for you to stay outside, you should keep your pet inside. Pets who are most sensitive to cold weather include:

  • Senior pets — Senior pets have difficulty regulating their body temperature and tend to be more cold sensitive.
  • Young pets — Puppies and kittens are small and can rapidly lose body heat, making them susceptible to cold weather.
  • Small pets — Small pets are close to the cold ground and more likely to lose body heat.
  • Short-coated pets — Pets who don’t have a thick, insulating coat are more cold sensitive.

#2: Know the signs when your pet is too cold

Every pet’s cold tolerance differs based on their body fat storage, activity level, health status, and hair coat. You should be aware of your pet’s sensitivity level so you can take them inside when necessary, and be able to detect hypothermia and frostbite signs that include:

  • Hypothermia — Your pet’s normal body temperature is 38.3 to 39.2 degrees. When their temperature drops below 37.2 degrees, they experience mild hypothermia. Severe hypothermia occurs when their temperature goes below 27.7 degrees. Initial signs include increased heart rate, followed by a slow heart rate, delayed reflexes, sluggishness, paleness, dilated pupils, and unconsciousness. 
  • Frostbite — Frostbite is tissue damage caused by extreme cold, and your pet is at risk when temperatures fall below zero. Signs include swelling and pain in the affected area, discolored (e.g., blue or grey) skin in the affected area, stiffness, and skin blisters or ulcerations. 

#3: Protect your pet’s paws

Your pet’s paws are at risk from salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice. After an outing, wipe your pet’s paws with a damp towel to remove irritating chemicals that can harm your pet, especially if they lick their paws. Ensure you check between their toes and remove all particles, and consider applying petroleum jelly to their feet or protecting their paws with booties. Also, use pet-friendly ice melt products around your home to decrease their exposure risk.

#4: Keep your pet away from frozen bodies of water

Frozen ponds, lakes, and streams may not support your pet’s weight, and they can drown or experience extreme hypothermia if they fall through the ice. In addition, many owners instinctively attempt to save their pet, creating a dangerous, potentially deadly situation. Stay away from frozen water bodies so your pet isn’t tempted to test the ice.

#5: Protect your pet from poison

Ethylene glycol, which is commonly found in automotive antifreeze products, has a sweet taste that attracts many pets. Pets who ingest this chemical can experience severe health complications. Poisoning typically proceeds in three stages:

  • About 30 minutes after ingestion, signs include lethargy, vomiting, incoordination, excessive urination and thirst, hypothermia, and seizures.
  • About 12 to 24 hours after ingestion, signs can dramatically improve and provide a false sense of security.
  • About 36 to 72 hours after ingestion, severe kidney damage, with signs that include lethargy, vomiting, inappetence, seizures, coma, and death, occurs.

Clean up antifreeze spills quickly and keep products stored safely to protect your pet. If you know or suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, take them to an emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible to initiate treatment.

#6: Prepare an emergency kit for your pet

Severe winter weather can lead to power outages and large amounts of snow that prevent you from leaving your home. Prepare an emergency kit for your pet, so they have the necessary supplies should you be trapped at home. Stock enough food and water for at least five days, and ensure you have a healthy supply of their medications. Also, don’t forget the pet treats!

#7: Use space heaters with caution around your pet

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters result in about 18,320 fires each year. Pets can easily knock over a space heater, and some pets tend to chew electrical cords, which can also be problematic. Ensure you never leave your pet unattended when you use a space heater.

You can enjoy the winter weather with your pet if you follow these cold safety tips and protect them from the inclement conditions. If your pet experiences health complications associated with the cold, contact our Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital team, so we can ensure they receive the care they need.