Whether you love winter’s brisk air, fluffy snow, and glistening ice, or you would prefer to hibernate until May, you need to take precautions to protect your pet from common winter hazards. Follow our Providence Vet team’s tips to keep your pet warm and safe from nose to tail. 

Understand your pet’s cold tolerance

To protect your pet, you must first understand their cold tolerance. Each pet has a different cold tolerance level, which is influenced by the following factors:

  • Size — Small pets who have a high surface-area-to-weight ratio lose heat more quickly than large pets.
  • Age — Puppies, kittens, and senior pets have difficulty regulating their body temperature and tend to be more cold sensitive.
  • Breed and coat type — Some breeds have thick, insulating coats that are well-suited for cold weather, while others have short or thin coats that provide less protection. Breeds originating from colder climates, such as Siberian huskies, Samoyeds, and Alaskan malamutes, tend to have better cold tolerance.
  • Health status — If your pet has a chronic health condition, such as diabetes, kidney failure, Cushing’s disease, or hypothyroidism, they may be more cold-averse than healthy pets.

Assess the conditions before letting your pet outside

In addition to temperature, various environmental factors can affect your pet’s wellbeing. Before letting your pet outside in cold weather, assess the following conditions:

  • Temperature — Temperatures lower than 32 degrees are considered potentially unsafe for most pets. Pets who are especially sensitive to the cold can experience discomfort when the temperature is lower than 45 degrees.  
  • Windchill — Windy conditions can significantly increase the chill factor, making the air feel colder than the actual temperature. This can lead to heat loss in pets, making them feel cold more quickly.
  • Humidity — High humidity can make low temperatures feel colder, while low humidity can dry a pet’s skin and coat, leading to discomfort. Both conditions can impact a pet’s cold perception.
  • Moisture — Rain, snow, or ground moisture can lower your pet’s body temperature quickly. Wet fur loses its insulating ability, making pets feel much colder.
  • Cloud cover — Cloudy or overcast days can feel colder than sunny days regardless of the temperature. 
  • Ground temperature — If the ground is cold or snow-covered, your pet’s body temperature can decrease quickly. This is especially true for pets with short legs whose bodies are close to the ground. 

Protect your pet’s paws

Your pet’s paws are at risk from salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice. After an outing, wipe your pet’s paws with a damp towel to remove irritating chemicals that can be harmful, especially if your dog licks their paws. Ensure you check between their toes and remove all debris. Consider applying petroleum jelly to your dog’s feet or protecting their paws by outfitting them in booties. Also, use pet-friendly ice melt products to decrease your pet’s toxin exposure risk.

Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite in pets 

Watch for discomfort and early hypothermia and frostbite signs when you’re outside walking or playing with your pet. Learn to recognize these health issues’ signs:

  • Hypothermia — Your pet’s normal body temperature is 101 to 102 degrees. When their temperature drops to less than 99 degrees, they experience mild hypothermia. Severe hypothermia occurs when their temperature is less than 82 degrees. Hypothermia can be a life-threatening condition. Bring your pet indoors immediately and contact our team if your pet exhibits any of these signs: 
    • Shivering
    • Lethargy
    • Stiff muscles
    • Pale or grey gums
    • Stumbling or incoordination
    • Fixed and dilated pupils
    • Low heart and breathing rates
    • Collapse
  • Frostbite — Frostbite is a painful medical condition that causes blood vessels to constrict, redirecting the extremities’ blood so it can warm and protect the vital organs, including the brain, lungs, and heart. Your pet’s tail, nose, ears, and paws are most susceptible to frostbite. Although rarely life-threatening, frostbite is often a precursor to hypothermia, which can be deadly. If your furry pal has frostbite signs, contact our Providence Vet team to determine if your pet requires treatment. Frostbite signs include:
    • Brittle or shriveled skin that stays cold to the touch
    • Skin that is initially pale or bluish-white, eventually becoming red and puffy
    • Red or grey-tinged skin on the ears, tail, or nose
    • Ears, tail, paws, or nose painful to the touch
    • Ice crystals in or around the nose

Protect your pet from antifreeze

Antifreeze commonly contains ethylene glycol, which can severely damage your pet’s kidneys if they ingest the chemical. The sweet-tasting substance attracts pets, so ensure all antifreeze spills are cleaned up quickly and that these products are stored out of your pet’s reach. 

Don’t let cold weather stop you and your pet from enjoying winter. By taking a few precautions, you can both enjoy the season safely. For more winter safety tips or to schedule your pet’s annual wellness visit, contact our Providence Vet team.