Cold weather doesn’t just affect people; it affects pets, too. When temperatures drop, your furry family members rely on you to keep them warm, safe, and healthy. To that end, we’ve collected a short list of cold weather tips for pets designed to ensure your fuzzy companions remain comfortable all winter long.
Why It’s Important to Keep Your Pets Out of the Cold
Even pets with thick fur can suffer in freezing conditions. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to keep your pets inside as much as possible this winter.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when your pet’s body temperature drops below normal, usually after exposure to cold, windy, or wet conditions. Symptoms of hypothermia include:
- Shivering
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
If untreated, hypothermia can become life-threatening. Always dry your pet immediately after they come inside, and never leave them outdoors for long periods.
Frostbite
Frostbite affects extremities like ears, paws, and tails. If your pet has frostbite, you may notice pale or bluish skin, swelling, or pain when you touch affected areas. When temperatures dip below freezing, frostbite can occur in just minutes. Limiting outdoor time and wiping off snow and ice after every walk helps prevent it.
Outdoor Safety Concerns
Cold weather creates several hidden dangers for pets, from ice-covered sidewalks to frozen ponds. Road salt and de-icing chemicals can also irritate paws and become toxic if licked. For safety, limit outdoor activities this time of year. If you have to let your pets out, make sure they’re carefully supervised.
Your Animal’s Limits
Every pet has different cold-weather tolerances. Short-haired breeds or older pets may be affected by cold weather more severely, while larger or northern breeds are better equipped for lower temperatures.
Watch for signs of discomfort in your pet, such as shivering or whining, to determine when it’s time to go inside and warm up. Understanding your pet’s limitations helps protect them during the coldest months.
Ways to Keep Your Pets Warm and Safe in Cold Weather
There are several things you can do to keep your pets snug, cozy, and healthy when it’s cold outside. Here are nine key tips to protect your pets during winter.
1. Schedule Preventive Vet Visits
Cold weather can worsen existing conditions like arthritis, lung issues, and poor circulation. Talk to your vet about your pet’s specific cold-weather risks and how to manage them safely.
A pre-winter checkup can ensure your pet’s medications are up to date, vaccinations are current, and diets are properly adjusted. Just a bit of preventative care keeps small health concerns from becoming larger problems later in the season.
2. Check Paws for Injury or Cracks
Walking in snow or slush can result in damaged paw pads due to salt and ice on the ground. Wipe down your pet’s feet and legs after every walk and check for cracks or irritation in their paws.
Booties or paw balm can protect these tender areas from chemical de-icers, road salt, and sharp ice. If your pet starts limping or licking their paws excessively, take it as a sign of discomfort and check for embedded debris or irritation. Consistent care can prevent infection and keep your pet walking comfortably.
3. Provide Warm Bedding
Your pet should always have a cozy, draft-free place to rest. Any outdoor shelters should be raised off the ground, insulated, and dry. Indoors, your pet’s bed should be placed away from exterior walls, as well as tile or concrete floors, which can get cold quickly. Weatherize your home to prevent any drafts or inconsistent temperatures.
Choose bedding made of materials that retain warmth, like fleece or memory foam. A comfortable sleeping space supports good joint health and helps pets regulate their body temperature during cold nights.
4. Dress for the Weather
Short-haired breeds or skinny pets may need a coat or sweater to stay warm. However, even long-coated breeds can struggle to remain comfortable when temperatures plummet.
Choose outerwear that fits snugly but doesn’t restrict movement, and avoid materials that dry slowly. When your pet comes inside, remove the jacket immediately to prevent chills and dry it out before next use.
5. Ensure Proper Hydration and Nutrition
Cold air can dehydrate your pets. Pets may also drink less if their water is icy or frozen. Consider using heated bowls for outdoor pets to prevent freezing and encourage them to stay hydrated.
Since animals burn more calories staying warm, talk to your veterinarian about increasing their food portions during winter. Proper hydration and nutrition help maintain energy levels and keep coats shiny and immune systems strong.
6. Avoid Leaving Pets in Cold Cars
Cars chill rapidly in winter and can quickly become refrigerators for pets, leading to hypothermia in just minutes. Even if you think you’ll only be gone for a short time, a parked car can quickly lose heat once the engine turns off. To keep pets warm and relaxed, leave them at home when you’re out running errands.
7. Watch Out for Hidden Winter Hazards
De-icing salts and other chemicals pose serious risks if ingested or left on paws. Antifreeze in particular has a sweet taste that attracts animals, but is extremely toxic even in small amounts.
Wipe paws after outdoor time and use pet-safe chemicals whenever possible. You can also use booties or washable rugs at entryways to reduce chemical exposure and keep your home cleaner through the season.
8. Keep Pets Indoors Whenever Possible
When temperatures drop, limit outdoor time as much as possible. For dogs that need daily walks, stick to shorter sessions and avoid icy sidewalks where salt or sharp ice could lead to injury. You can also set up fun indoor activities like tug-of-war to help your pet stay active while keeping warm inside.
9. Maintain a Comfortable Indoor Temperature
Both you and your pets benefit from consistent indoor temperatures. Your HVAC equipment, including furnaces, boilers, and thermostats, should be inspected regularly to ensure they’re operating safely and efficiently.
Pets can’t tell you when the house feels too cold, so keep your thermostat above 65°F for comfort. If you discover any issues with your heating system during an inspection, Agway EnergyGuard® provides repairs on eligible heating, cooling, and electrical systems*. This helps keep everyone in your home, furry or not, warm and protected all winter long.
Keep Your Pets Cozy This Winter With Agway
Your pets depend on you to keep them safe from the cold, and a comfy home is the best place to start. From warm bedding to safe indoor activities, every effort ensures your animals stay safe and healthy when temperatures drop.
If your heating or electrical systems need attention, remember to check your Agway EnergyGuard® program first to see if your repair is covered. You can also call Agway Energy Services® for vendor referrals if you need professional tune-ups or inspections. With reliable energy supply and repair protection from Agway, you and your pets can enjoy a worry-free winter together.
*Coverage depends on commodity purchased.
