Pennsylvania winters can chill you to the bone, and the freezing weather can be hard on your pets, too. The risks extend far beyond keeping your pet warm, and you should take precautions any time the temperature dips to ensure your pet stays safe. Our team at Milford Animal Hospital has the hot tips you need to care for your pet in the cold. So, grab a  cup of cocoa, a warm fuzzy blanket, and your favorite furry friend, and keep reading for pet cold safety tips. 

#1: Limit your pet’s time outdoors

Like their owners, pets are susceptible to frostbite in frigid temperatures, especially below 32 degrees. Prolonged outdoor exposure can cause a pet’s blood vessels to constrict to redirect blood from their extremities to warm and protect their vital organs, including the brain, lungs, and heart. Your pet’s nose, tail, ears, and paws are most susceptible to tissue damage because of this protective reaction. All pets are at risk for developing frostbite, and these particular pets have an increased risk:

  • Senior pets
  • Small-breed dogs
  • Cats
  • Pets with short fur and hairless breeds
  • Puppies and kittens
  • Pets with chronic illnesses or heart disease

The effects of frostbite can be difficult to detect and may take days to appear, so ensure you check your pet’s foot pads and other extremities if they have been outside in the cold. The best way to protect your pet from frostbite is to keep them indoors when the temperature drops below freezing. Generally, if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.  

#2: Bundle up your pet for walks

You wouldn’t head out the door for a winter walk without putting on a jacket, and many pets benefit from an extra layer of insulation, too. Some people assume that a pet’s fur is enough to keep them warm and cozy outdoors, but few breeds can withstand extremely cold temperatures. If your pet has a low tolerance for cold, consider dressing them in a warm winter jacket before going outside. Many factors influence your four-legged friend’s cold tolerance, including:

  • Body size — Smaller pets tend to lose heat more quickly than larger pets.
  • Coat density — Double-coated dog breeds (e.g., Siberian husky, German shepherd) retain heat better than single-coated breeds (e.g., pit bull and Boston terriers), or dogs with little to no hair (e.g., Chinese crested, Xoloitzcuintli). Dogs who have curly coats have slightly more insulation.
  • Coat color — Light colors reflect heat, so pets with darker coats absorb more heat from sunlight, staying warmer.
  • Age — Puppies and senior dogs cannot regulate their body temperature as well as robust adult dogs. 
  • Health status — Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, kidney failure, Cushing’s disease, or hypothyroidism, can cause a pet to be more susceptible to cold temperatures.

#3: Protect your pet’s paw pads

Although your pet’s paws are designed to be rugged—with a rough and resistant outer layer and fatty tissue to prevent freezing during cold weather—they are still vulnerable to ice, snow,

 and deicing salt on sidewalks. Salt and other chemicals used to melt ice and snow can harm your pet’s feet and can be toxic if they lick the substance from their coat and paws. Use these tips to protect your pet’s paw pads from the elements:

  • Wipe their paws — Wipe your pet’s paws with a clean, dry towel after outings, ensuring you remove material from between their toes and paw pads. 
  • Protect their paws — Protect your pet’s paws with booties, ensuring that they fit well.
  • Apply paw balm — If your pet won’t tolerate boots, use paw balm for protection and to treat dry, cracked paws.
  • Use pet-friendly deicers — Some deicers don’t contain salt or chloride, making them safer for pets. 

#4: Protect your pet from antifreeze poisoning 

Ethylene glycol in antifreeze has a sweet taste and is deadly for pets in only small amounts. Keep antifreeze containers secured and on high shelves, and clean up spills immediately and thoroughly. Keep pets away from garages, sheds, and vehicles where leaks could occur. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze—no matter the amount—contact your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.

Enjoy the cold, with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your pet is protected from the chill. If your pet has a cold-weather emergency, contact our team at Milford Animal Hospital.