How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Severe Winter Weather
Everything you need to know ahead of this weekend’s storm.
This weekend, a massive storm is set to spread across the United States, bringing sleet, ice, and snow from Maine to Texas. According to the New York Timesopens in new tab, the storm will reach more than 160 million people — and some places may receive over a foot of snow. For those of us with dogs, protecting our pets from the bitter temperatures and substantial snowfall is a top priority. As idyllic as a day playing in the snow with your pup might sound (and who doesn’t love a dog in a chic coat?), harsh weather can be dangerous for humans and animals alike.
“It is very important to keep your pet safe and healthy during the winter season, especially during storms,” Dr. Aaron Vine, a veterinarian at Central Veterinary Associatesopens in new tab, tells Kinship. “The extreme cold may have an adverse effect on your pet’s health, so pet parents must take the necessary precautions for their pets when bringing them outside. It is especially important during extreme weather circumstances to ensure that your pet is microchipped, which makes it easier to locate them. In the event they become ill as a result of being exposed to the elements, please bring them to a veterinarian immediately.”
Below, nine winter safety tips from Dr. Vine.
1. Always dry off your wet dog
When your dog comes in from the snow, sleet, or ice, be sure to thoroughly wipe down their paws and stomach. They may have antifreeze, rock salt, or other potentially dangerous chemicals on their paws which can cause severe stomach problems if ingested. Antifreeze should especially be watched for, as it can lead to kidney failure. In addition, paw pads may get cut from hard snow or encrusted ice, so it’s important to check them over and treat them accordingly.
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2. Keep bedding warm
Make sure your dog has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafty areas. A cozy pet bed with a warm blanket or pillow is the next best thing to letting your pup sleep in bed with you.
3. Hold off on haircuts
Unless there are extreme circumstances, you should never shave down your dog during the winter. Their long, thick coats are vital for protection from the cold. If you have a short-haired breed, consider getting them a coat or a sweater with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly.
4. Shorten bathroom breaks
If you have a puppy or senior pet who is sensitive to the cold, it may be difficult to take them outside. Shorten bathroom breaks to quick trips rather than long walks, or use pee pads on particularly nippy nights so your pet doesn’t hold it and risk getting a UTI. If your pet gets cabin fever from the limited exercise, you can turn to indoor interactive games to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. And when they do make it outdoors, always ensure they’re wearing a warm sweater or jacket.
5. Bring outdoor pets in
If domesticated animals are left outdoors during winter months, they run the risk of health conditions caused by extreme temperatures. Cats are especially susceptible because they have free reign of the outdoors and can become lost during a storm. Just like in the summer months, you should never leave your pet alone in a car in cold weather; they could freeze and develop serious cold-related health conditions.
6. Keep your pet on a short leash
Never let your dog off leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm, as they can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than any other season, so make sure that your dog always wears their identification tags. In addition, all pets should be outfitted with a microchipping device.
7. Check your engine
While you’re getting into your car in the morning, bang loudly on the hood before starting it. Wild animals and outdoor cats like to sleep under cars, within the engine compartment or in the wheelbase, as the engines keep the vehicle warm long after the car is parked. However, once the car is started or in motion, the animal can be injured or killed by the tires or fan belt.
8. Beware of ice melt (salt)
Salt and ice melt (most common in urban areas) can cause chemical burns on animals’ paws, so always ensure your dog is wearing booties or apply a paw wax to act as a barrier.
9. Clean up spills
If you spill any antifreeze or winter-weather windshield fluid, be sure to clean it up immediately. Pets, especially cats, are enticed by the sweet-tasting liquid, but it is extremely toxic. Ingesting antifreeze leads to potentially life-threatening illness in all animals, domesticated or otherwise. If possible, use products that contain propylene glycol, rather than ethylene glycol.
