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January 5, 2025 – Cold weather can pose serious threats to your pets’ health. Here are some tips to keep your pets safe during cold weather.
Know your pet’s tolerance for cold weather. You may need to shorten the length of your dog’s walks in very cold weather in order to protect them from health risks. Arthritic and elderly pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice, making them more prone to slips and falls. Shovel a path for your pets to be able to get to a surface with no snow or ice if possible.
Cats and dogs are also susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. Some breeds like huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates are more tolerant of cold weather, but pets should not be left outside for long periods of time.
Check your dog’s paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked or bleeding paw pads. During a walk, a sudden lameness may be due to an injury or may be due to ice accumulation between his/her toes. You may be able to reduce the chance of iceball accumulation by clipping the hair between your dog’s toes.
If your car is parked in the elements, make sure to check underneath of your car and make noise such as honking your horn before starting it to make sure that animals like feral cats are not warming themselves.
Keep an eye on your pets’ weight throughout the winter. You may think that a little extra weight can protect your pet from the cold, but there are health risks associated with that extra weight.
If you have questions about your pets’ health during cold weather, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
