I know I recently shared cold weather pet tips, but it’s worth repeating whenever snow, ice, and frigid temperatures are in the forecast—and with the entire nation bracing for a winter blast this week, it’s important to have a checklist ready. Pets rely on us to keep them safe, especially during extreme weather. To make it easier this time, I’ve created a shorter list of must-know tips to ensure everyone reads and remembers! Let’s keep our furry friends safe and warm!
Keep Pets Indoors
Bring them inside: Cats and dogs should always be brought inside during cold weather. Even animals with thick coats, like Huskies or Great Pyrenees, are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia if left outside for too long.
Create a warm space: If outdoor pets cannot come inside for whatever reason, bring them into a pet-proofed garage, keep them in a room in the home, or provide an insulated shelter with straw (not hay or blankets, which can freeze when damp) to retain body heat. Make sure the shelter is elevated off the ground and has a flap or cover to block the wind.
Watch the Thermometer
Limit outdoor time: Take your dog outside for quick bathroom breaks, but limit their time outdoors. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.
Shorten walks: Walk your dog only long enough to stretch their legs and get some exercise. If the ground is icy, consider indoor playtime with toys or games.
Protect Paws
Use paw wax or booties: Ice, snow, and road salt can damage your pet’s paw pads. Apply paw wax or invest in booties to protect their feet.
Wipe paws after walks: Salt and antifreeze chemicals can irritate or even poison pets if licked off their paws. Use a damp towel to clean their paws thoroughly after each walk.
Feed for Warmth
Adjust food intake: Pets who spend time outdoors may need extra calories to maintain body heat, while indoor pets may need less to avoid winter weight gain. Check with your veterinarian to adjust their diet appropriately.
Provide fresh water: Ensure your pet always has access to fresh, unfrozen water. Use a heated bowl or regularly replace water to prevent freezing. Pets can suffer from dehydration in the winter.
Check Your Car, Garage, and Driveway
Bang the hood: Outdoor cats and other small animals sometimes crawl under car hoods to stay warm. Before starting your car, bang on the hood to allow any stowaways to escape.
Watch for antifreeze: Clean up antifreeze spills in the garage and driveway immediately. It’s toxic to pets and can attract them due to its sweet taste.
Dress Your Pets for the Weather
Invest in a coat: Short-haired dogs and smaller breeds lose body heat quickly. A well-fitted sweater or coat can help keep them warm during short walks.
Avoid damp clothing: Make sure your pet’s clothing is dry. Wet clothing can make them colder and lead to hypothermia.
Plan for Emergencies
Have a backup plan: Winter storms can lead to power outages. Make sure you have enough pet food, medications, and supplies to last several days. You may not be able to get to the store.
Know your resources: Identify nearby pet-friendly shelters in case of evacuation.
Don’t Forget Outdoor Animals
Wildlife and feral cats: Provide safe, warm shelters for outdoor animals. A simple Styrofoam cooler with a cutout door and a floor layered with straw, can make a big difference.
Birds: Refill bird feeders with high-fat seeds like sunflower seeds to help them survive the cold.
Fish: While goldfish are tolerant of cold weather, ensuring your pond doesn’t completely freeze over is essential. A pond heater can help maintain a small area of open water, providing a bit of warmth and allowing oxygen exchange for the fish. This simple step can help your fish stay safe and healthy during the winter chill.
Winter weather can be brutal, but your pets can stay safe, warm, and comfortable with a bit of preparation and care. Remember, they rely on us to protect them. If you wouldn’t sit outside in the cold, your pets shouldn’t either. So, bundle up, stay safe, and keep your furry friends close during this winter chill.
Originally appeared on CathyRosenthal.com | Handy Cold Weather Pet Tips Checklist
Cathy M. Rosenthal is a seasoned animal advocate, author, and syndicated pet columnist with over 35 years of experience in the animal welfare field. To learn more, visit CathyRosenthal.com, or connect directly through Spay Neuter Network by sending your pet questions to her at Cathy@spayneuternet.org.