12/15/2025
βοΈ Cold Weather Safety Tips For Pets! βοΈ
π Check the hood! Cats often sleep in the wheel wells of cars during the winter months to keep warm. Prevent injuries by banging loudly on your hood or honking the horn before starting your car to give any animals that may be inside time to flee.
πΎ Wipe their paws! During winter walks, your petβs paws can pick up all kinds of toxic chemicals β salt, antifreeze, or de-icers. Be sure to wipe off your petβs paws when you return from walks to prevent them from licking it off and becoming sick. Purchase pet-safe de-icers for your home for an extra level of safety.
πβπ¦Ί Keep them leashed! More pets become lost in the winter than any other season because snowfall can hide familiar scents that would normally help them find their way home. Prevent your pets from becoming lost by keeping pets leashed on walks and, just in case you are separated from your pets, make sure their collars have up-to-date contact information and they are microchipped.
π¦Ί Be seen! Due to Daylight Savings, many of us are relegated to walking our pets in the dark. Keep yourself and your pets safe by wearing reflective gear and keeping your pet close when walking on the street.
π§£ Know your petβs limits! Some pets are more susceptible to the cold than others. Short-coated, thin, elderly, or very young pets get cold more quickly β so adjust the amount of time they stay out or consider outfitting them with a sweater or coat to keep it warm if you plan to stay outside longer!
π Safe, reliable shelter for outdoor pets. Insulated, windproof, dry shelters with elevated bedding such as STRAW! (Note: Hay and blankets are NOT suitable warmth options!)
π§Ensure constant access to non-frozen water; outdoor pets may need more calories.
π§ͺ Antifreeze is a deadly poison! Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach!
βΌοΈ Major risks to animals in the winterβΌοΈ
π§ Frostbite affects the ears, paws, tail; may not be visible for days. Monitor and evaluate your pets who have winter outdoor exposure.
π§ Hypothermia signs include shivering, whining, anxiety, weakness, lethargy, burrowing.
β‘οΈ ACTION: Get the pet inside or to warm place immediately. Dry them, wrap fhem in a warm (not hot) blanket/towel. Contact your veterinarian!
βοΈ Remember, if it is too cold for you, it is probably too cold for your pet! βοΈ