How to Keep Pets Safe During Winter

Dangers Faced by Pets in Cold Weather

Jan 2, 2009

Pets face a number of dangers during the winter months. Taking a few simple actions can prevent injuries and fatalities.

In the cold months, pets are at risk for hypothermia and other problems, so precautions should be taken to ensure pet safety.

Hypothermia

Some animals feel the cold more than others. Long-haired dogs such as Huskies do better outdoors in wintertime than short-haired dogs, and larger animals only immerse their lower legs in the snow when walking, whereas smaller animals must drag their entire bodies through it.

Animals that suffer from medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or a hormonal imbalance are less able to regulate their body heat. Pets that are very old or young are also more vulnerable to cold. Putting a sweater on a shorthaired pet is helpful, but it will not always prevent chill because animals tend to lose heat through their ears, feet, and respiratory tract.

A pet that whines, becomes anxious, shivers, refuses to move, or engages in burrowing behaviour may be dangerously cold. If she shows signs of weakness, depression, and lethargy, she may be hypothermic, particularly if she no longer responds to stimuli. In the case of hypothermia, wrap the animal in a blanket and bring her to a veterinarian immediately.

If a dog must spend time outside during the winter months, he should be provided with a solid, warm shelter. Doghouses should be large enough for the dog to lie down comfortably but small enough to prevent heat dispersing. Their entrances should be covered with thick burlap or waterproof plastic, and their floors lined with cedar shavings or straw as blankets can become wet and freeze.

Animals should not have parts of their bodies shaved during the wintertime. They should be thoroughly dry when they go outside, and they should never be left in vehicles.

Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when ice crystals form in the body’s tissues, causing damage, and the extremities are particularly vulnerable. Frostbitten areas may appear gray, white, or red, and may peel. To reduce the risk of frostbite, remove snow from a pet’s paws and fur after spending time outdoors.

If frostbite is suspected, the frostbitten area should be soaked in warm water for 20 minutes. Don't rub the frostbitten tissue. As soon as the pet has warmed up, wrap her in blankets and bring her immediately to the nearest veterinarian.

Car Engines

Cats and other small animals often curl up in car engines for warmth. If the engine is started, the animal can be severely injured or killed. Drivers should bang on the hood or honk the horn before starting their vehicles in the winter to make sure that there are no animals inside.

Ice

Those who live near bodies of water that freeze should keep their dogs leashed at all times during walks. Unleashed dogs may run out onto the ice and fall through.

Heaters

Cats and dogs may snuggle up to a heater or fireplace, burning a paw or tail. They may also accidentally knock a heater over, creating a fire risk. Pets should be supervised around heating devices, and purchasing a heater that shuts off automatically when tipped over is recommended.

Salt

Salt and other substances used to remove snow may stick to a pet’s feet. When he licks the substance off, he may suffer digestive tract inflammation or worse. A pet’s paws and stomach should be washed with warm water and a damp cloth after outdoor excursions in treated snow to remove salt and other chemicals. There are also commercially available pet booties to protect paws during the cold season.

Dehydration

The water in an outdoor pet bowl may freeze, causing the animal to become dehydrated and drink from gutters or puddles, which may be polluted with chemicals such as household cleaners or antifreeze. Purchasing a heated water bowl can prevent this problem.

Arthritis

As with people, arthritis in pets is aggravated by the cold weather. A thick blanket wrapped around a hot water bottle or a heating pad can be helpful, though pets should not be left alone with electric heating pads and blankets, and such devices should be unplugged when not in use.

Dry, Irritated Skin

Animals may suffer from dry, itchy skin due to indoor heating during the winter months. Essential fatty acid supplements can help some pets, but in the case of extreme irritation that causes a pet to scratch and bite at her skin to the point of opening sores, consult a veterinarian.

Antifreeze Poisoning

Many pets die each year as a result of antifreeze poisoning because they are attracted to this chemical’s flavour. Antifreeze poisoning is usually fatal, unless medical treatment is received immediately. Using an antifreeze that contains propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol reduces both the toxicity and flavour appeal.

Tongue Injuries

If outdoor food and water bowls are made of metal, they may freeze during the winter. Pets’ tongues can stick to frozen metal, and an animal can injure himself as he tries to escape. Using ceramic or plastic bowls in cold temperatures is recommended.

Lost Pets

Pets are more likely to become lost in the winter as their search for warm places leads them into cellars, garages, and other spots where they might become trapped. Dogs also become lost because snow can make them lose track of scent trails. Pets should wear up-to-date ID tags and have tattoos and ideally microchips, and they should not be outdoors unsupervised.

Malnourishment

Animals need more food in the wintertime because they burn more calories generating heat. Extra food should be provided as needed.

The copyright of the article How to Keep Pets Safe During Winter in Pet Care is owned by Jennifer Copley. Permission to republish How to Keep Pets Safe During Winter in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.