Tips for Keeping Pets Safe in Cold Weather
Many dog parents know the importance of protecting their dog from hot weather, but don’t forget that cold weather can be just as dangerous. Extreme cold can be uncomfortable, and it can lead to severe health concerns if we’re not careful.
Why is it Important to Keep Pets Safe in Cold Weather?
If pets are exposed to cold weather for too long, they could suffer from frostbite, hypothermia, or other illnesses and injuries. It’s up to us as pet owners to ensure our furry friends are kept safe from frigid temperatures to reduce the risk of them facing health concerns.
What are the Risks of Cold Weather for Pets?
There are many health risks associated with cold temperatures, but the most common are hypothermia, frostbite, and paw pad injuries.
1. Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a condition where your pet’s body temperature drops below the normal level. A dog’s body temperature should normally be 37.7 to 39.2 Celsius. Hypothermia occurs if it drops below 37.7.
2. Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when extreme cold damages your pet’s skin and other tissues. It can be extremely painful and cause that area of the dog’s body to appear discoloured.
3. Paw Pad Injuries
Cold temperatures could hurt your dog’s paw pads, causing cracked, rough paws due to dryness. Shards of ice could scratch up your pet’s paws as well. If someone uses sidewalk salt that isn’t pet-safe, that could also burn your furry friend’s paw pads.
How to Protect Your Pets from Cold Weather
To reduce the risk of winter-related health concerns, you should take proper precautions to keep your pet safe, such as the following.
1. Keep Them Indoors
Even if your pet loves spending time outside, they should stay in your home more often than not in the winter. Leaving dogs unattended in the yard or letting cats wander outside puts them at a high risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
2. Limit Their Time Outside
While staying inside is safest for your pets, dogs still need exercise and bathroom breaks. If the weather isn’t too extreme, you can still take them for brief walks. Stick to multiple short walks throughout the day instead of one long one so they’re not exposed to the cold for long periods.
If the temperature dips well below freezing, you may have to only let them out for potty breaks. In that situation, find ways to exercise them indoors instead, such as a game of fetch or puzzle toys.
3. Dress Them Appropriately
Some dogs have thin coats, making them less protected from frigid temperatures. If your dog doesn’t have thick fur to keep themselves warm, you may want to get a dog coat for winter walks. It may look silly, but it will keep your pet comfortable and safer.
4. Protect Their Paws
Not only can frostbite harm your dog’s paws, but they could also injure them on sidewalk salt and sharp ice. To protect their paws, consider getting dog boots to cover their sensitive feet. Many dogs dislike walking with shoes on, so you may need to gradually introduce the boots in the comfort of your home first.
You can also try putting a protective paw balm on your dog’s feet before a walk for an extra layer of protection. If you walk your dog without boots on, make sure you wipe their paws with a damp cloth after a walk to remove any ice and chemicals that they could’ve picked up.
5. Watch for Unusual Symptoms
In the winter, it’s extremely important to keep an eye out for symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite. If your pet is acting out of the ordinary, it’s always a good idea to visit your vet just to be safe.
What Are the Signs Of Hypothermia In Pets?
Familiarizing yourself with signs of hypothermia in pets can help you act fast if your pet experiences them. Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Excessive shivering/trembling
- Muscle stiffness
- Lethargy
- Delayed reflexes
- Pale gums
- Dilate pupils
- Difficulties walking
- Cold to the touch
- Irregular breathing or heart rate
- Collapsing
What To Do If Your Pet Gets Hypothermia
If your dog experiences the above symptoms of hypothermia, get them somewhere warm right away. Wrap them in blankets, towels, clothes, or any other fabric you can find. If you’re at home, warm the blanket up in the dryer for them. Placing warm water bottles near them (but not directly on their skin) could also help.
While your dog is bundled in warm blankets, rush them to the nearest vet. Your vet will monitor your pet’s body temperature and determine a treatment plan based on the animal’s condition. Depending on the severity, your dog may need fluids and oxygen to survive.
What Are the Signs of Frostbite in Pets?
Hypothermia usually affects a pet’s entire body while frostbite usually starts in one area. Here are some symptoms of frostbite to look for:
- Discolouration in the affected area
- Cold to the touch
- Pain when touched
- Swelling, irritation, and blisters
- Excessive licking and chewing
- Red or black skin
What To Do if Your Pet Gets Frostbite
Like with hypothermia, the first step for a dog with frostbite is to move them somewhere warm. Do not touch the affected area and only apply warm towels and water bottles near the area if you can maintain a warm temperature. If you are still outside, the area could become more damaged if it re-freezes. Do not put hot items directly on your dog’s skin.
Take your pet to the vet while keeping them wrapped in a warm towel or blanket. Your vet will take a closer look at the frostbite and likely prescribe antibiotics and pain medication to help with the healing process. However, the exact treatment plan depends on the severity.
How to Care for Your Pet's Paws in Cold Weather
To protect your dog’s paws in the winter, avoid walking on dangerous surfaces whenever possible. This includes ice or areas that have unsafe sidewalk salt. If you can’t avoid those surfaces, teach your dog to walk with dog boots on to protect their paw pads.
Dog paws are more likely to get dry and crusty in the winter. If you notice that happening, apply paw balm regularly to moisturise the pads and help them feel more comfortable for your pup.
What are the Best Practices for Walking Your Pet in Cold Weather?
Most dogs love going for walks, but extreme temperatures can make these adventures tricky. Always keep an eye on the weather to determine if it’s safe to walk your dog. In the winter, walk them during the warmest part of the day if possible. If it’s well below freezing all day, you may want to consider indoor dog parks or dog-friendly stores as warmer ways to give your dog exercise.
If you do walk in the cold, keep walks short and monitor your dog’s behaviors closely. If needed, put a coat and boots on your furry friend for extra protection. Always walk your dog on a sturdy leash so you can easily direct them away from ice and chemicals as needed.
Cold temperatures can be upsetting for both humans and pets, but it’s important for pet parents to make the most of it. Find ways to keep your four-legged family member entertained while also keeping them safe from the frigid temperatures outside.