Cold Weather Care: How to Protect Your Pet This Winter

When the temperatures drop here in Colorado, many pet owners wonder how cold is too cold for dogs and cats to comfortably spend time outdoors. The truth is, conditions like frostbite, hypothermia, and joint stiffness can affect pets just like they affect people. Yes, this is true even for our furry-coated friends! 

Today, the team at Coal Creek Animal Hospital will discuss what you need to know about protecting pets in winter. 

How Cold is Too Cold for Dogs (And Cats)?

As a general guideline, most dogs and cats start to feel uncomfortable once temperatures drop below 45°F. This is especially true for elderly pets, dogs or cats with thin coats, and small dogs. 

At temperatures below 32°F—aka the freezing point—the risk increases for just about every dog (and human). While you can still enjoy time outside with your pets, it’s important to limit the time so your pet doesn’t get too cold.

For anything below 20°F, all pets are at risk of developing hypothermia or frostbite. They should only be outside long enough to go potty—especially if there’s no insulated shelter for them to retreat to outside.  

Remember that even dogs and cats that spend lots of time outdoors can succumb to freezing conditions. The bottom line is this: if you feel cold outside with just a light jacket on, your pet does too. 

Plan your days accordingly!

Winter Pet Care Tips

To keep your pet safe during the winter months, follow these guidelines: 

• Limit outdoor time. Keep your daily walks short in very cold weather, and if your pet starts to shiver, whine, or prance on the ground in an attempt to keep their paws from freezing, it’s time to go indoors. 
• Bundle up. Short or single-coat breeds may need extra insulation in the winter. Consider getting pet-specific sweaters or jackets to help bulk up against the cold. Dog booties can help if you plan to hike in the snow or walk along roads that frequently get salted to melt the ice. 
• Practice paw care. After walks, wipe your pet’s paws to get rid of any salt or other de-icing chemicals. Prolonged exposure to these substances can burn your pet or cause irritation. Pets may also lick their paws, thereby ingesting the potentially harmful substances. 
• Offer plenty of water. It may not be scorching outside, but pets still need plenty of water. Indoor heating can make the air dry and cause dehydration. For pets that spend time in a yard, make sure they always have access to water that isn’t frozen. 
• Keep antifreeze out of reach. As you prepare your vehicles for freezing temperatures, make sure you lock antifreeze away right after you use it—and clean up any spills immediately. Even small amounts of antifreeze can be fatal to pets. And many pets are attracted to the smell and taste because unfortunately, ethylene glycol has a sweet flavor. 
• Check the car. Outdoor cats—even if they’re not yours—might crawl under cars or into wheel wells in an attempt to get warm. Bang on the hood or check the wheels before you start up your vehicle to make sure there aren’t any hidden kitties inside.

With these tips, you can help your pet—and other peoples’ furry friends—stay safe during the winter months. 

If you need extra tips or care for your pet during the winter, reach out to the experienced team at Coal Creek Animal Hospital. We can help you manage your pet’s arthritis for a more comfortable winter, or treat any hypothermia or frostbite cases that arise despite your best efforts.

Call us at (720) 894-4005 to schedule a winter appointment today.