Winter Weather Tips For Your Pets

Winter can be a beautiful sight with snow on the trees, but it also comes with some dangers for our pets. Cold temperatures combined with sleet, freezing rain, or snow can create hazards for your pets. With a little planning and a few simple habits, you can help keep your dog safe, comfortable, and healthy all winter long.

Watch the temperature, not the calendar.

Just because your dog has fur doesn’t mean they’re built for cold weather. Small dogs, seniors, puppies, and dogs with short coats can get cold very quickly. Something to keep in mind-if it’s uncomfortable for you to be outside, it’s probably uncomfortable for your dog too. Shorten walks on extremely cold days and pay attention to signs like shivering, lifting paws, or refusing to move.

Protect those paws.

Ice, snow, and freezing temperatures can be rough on paw pads. Salt and ice melt that isn’t dog friendly could burn your dog’s paw pads. Dog-safe booties can help, but it might take awhile for him to get used to them or he may never get used to booties. Instead, just make it a habit to wipe his paws after every walk. Check for cracks, redness, or ice balls between the toes, and consider using a pet-safe paw balm to keep pads moisturized.

If you dog doesn’t like to potty in winter weather, consider shoveling a path to a potty spot.  Or if you have time before the snow falls, choose a designated potty area and secure a tarp to the ground at that spot.  You may want to use a second tarp to make a path from the door to the first tarp.  When it’s time, lift the tarp(s) and lead him to the potty area. If you have a small dog, you can carry him to the potty location.

Be mindful of toxic winter products.

Antifreeze is especially dangerous and, unfortunately, appealing to pets because of its sweet taste. Even a small amount can be fatal. Clean up spills immediately and store all chemicals securely. When choosing ice melt for your sidewalks and driveway, look for pet-safe options to avoid poisoning or injuries to his paws.  Consider using kitty litter instead of ice melt to give your car traction in the snow.

Adjust outdoor time wisely.

Snowy yards can be fun, but prolonged exposure to cold weather isn’t safe. Always supervise outdoor time and make sure your dog has access to a warm, dry place to come inside.  Some dogs such as Huskies or Livestock Guardian Dogs thrive in the snow but they should also come in from time to time to get warm.

Keep collars and microchips up to date.

Winter storms can be disorienting, and dogs can easily slip out of collars when they’re excited or scared. Make sure their collars fit properly and ID tags are readable. A microchip with current contact information provides one more layer of protection if your dog gets lost.

Maintain exercise and mental stimulation.

What activities can you do in the cold for a high energy dog? When outdoor walks are limited, add indoor enrichment like puzzle toys, training games, or even short practice sessions. Mental exercise goes a long way toward preventing boredom and unwanted behaviors during long winter days.  In fact, 20 minutes of brain games equals one hour of physical activity.  So it’s a great way to drain some energy. Here's a link to another blog that will give you some brain game ideas.

Know when it’s an emergency.

Frostbite and hypothermia are real risks. Pale or bluish skin, lethargy, weakness, or intense shivering are signs your dog needs immediate warmth and veterinary attention.  Know where your closest emergency vet is located before you need them.

Winter safety is all about awareness and preparation. By making a few thoughtful adjustments, you can help your dog stay safe, happy, and healthy until spring arrives.

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Beverly Amsler is the owner of The Well-Trained Dog & Pet Care. She has been a professional dog trainer, dog walker, and pet sitter since 2014.  Beverly is a Certified Dog Trainer through the Victoria Stilwell Academy and a Certified Professional Pet Sitter through Pet Sitters International.  She is a member of the Texas Pet Sitters Association and the Association For Professional Dog Training.  Before starting her business, Beverly spent more than 30 years as a journalist for newspapers, magazines, and radio and television stations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Indiana, and Utah. Learn more about Beverly.