Taking Care of Your Pets During the Winter: Here's What You Need to Know
Protect your furry friends from the harsh winter! Expert tips to keep your pets safe in extreme weather conditions Don't overlook windchill, frostbite, salted roads, danger signs, and community animals Safeguard your beloved pets with these essential precautions
At just 2 years old, Clara is always a sight to see as she puts on her four rubber booties to brave the intense cold of a Helsinki winter morning. She usually does a little hop and skip before finally settling down.
"Clara's funny boot walk involves lifting her legs super high, but once we get outside, she forgets all about them," said Vappu Vansén, Clara's owner.
Clara does a high-stepping boot walk out the door while wearing a down coat for additional protection from the freezing weather during Finnish winters.
Vappu Vansén, a copywriter for CNN's sister company HBO Max, explained via email that the Alaskan malamute, German shepherd, and pit bull rescue from Croatia relies on her boots to avoid limping in the cold. "Without them, she would try to lift all four legs in the air at once, so the boots were a life saver," Vansén said.
Protecting a pet's extremities from frostbite and the salt used to deice roads is a serious matter, according to Dr. Dana Varble, the chief veterinary officer for the North American Veterinary Community, a nonprofit organization that offers support and professional development for the global veterinary health care community. Even though the image of a pet wearing boots may bring a smile, it's important to take precautions.
Even big dogs like Clara can suffer from the cold if not acclimated over months of being outside, experts say.
Vappu Vansén
"When the temperature drops to the 20s and 10s (Fahrenheit) and reaches subzero conditions, frostbite can occur very rapidly," Varble explained. (This would be approximately minus 1.7 degrees Celsius to minus 12 Celsius.)
"Smaller animals are most susceptible to frostbite, with the tips of their ears and tails being especially vulnerable. Symptoms include pale skin and ears that may begin to bend or curl due to tissue damage. Online frostbite charts for humans can also be used as a guide for how long dogs and cats can safely stay outdoors in varying temperatures, according to Varble."
"Unlike sled dogs, most pets are not constantly exposed to cold temperatures, gradually adapting over weeks to months. This extended exposure not only alters their coat, but also impacts their fat and muscle layers as well as their metabolism," she explained. "Windchill is also a factor to consider, as wind can penetrate fur just like it can penetrate our winter gear."
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Holly Sizemore, chief mission officer for Best Friends Animal Society, emphasized the importance of providing the same protection for cats, especially in cold weather. She advised not leaving cats unattended outside for extended periods of time when temperatures drop.
It's important to ensure that your pets have a warm and supportive bed, especially if they suffer from arthritis, even inside the home. However, always read the safety instructions before using any bed or warming blanket. Some people may think that adding a blanket for extra coziness is a good idea, but this can actually create a fire hazard. It's crucial to be extremely cautious when it comes to anything involving heat.
Older pets need extra protectionboth inside and outdoors while taking walks in the snow and ice, experts say.
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Salted roads
Some cities do not use pet-safe products to salt the roads to combat ice, which is a concern, according to Varble. She noted that ingesting or licking their feet with salt on them can cause stomach upset and mouth irritation for pets. Therefore, it's a good idea to quickly wipe their paws when they come inside, as pets have a natural instinct to lick their feet.
Group of senior men of various backgrounds having a friendly meet on the street in their neighborhood. Bright fall scene on the road in the North American city.
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Ensuring there is an ice-free area is crucial, particularly for elderly pets with arthritis, according to experts.
"Just like humans, pets can easily slip on icy surfaces," Varble noted. "Therefore, it is important to consistently remove snow and ice, use pet-friendly salts, or invest in a heated mat to prevent ice buildup. If you need to take longer walks and encounter a lot of ice in your area, opt for walking on grass or dirt surfaces. While it may be more challenging for your pet to navigate through the snow, it is a better alternative than dealing with ice."
Avoid using metal bowls for water or food outside, as the ice crystals can cause tongues and paws to stick. Additionally, be mindful of windows and doors with poor drafts, as they can also become icy and pose a risk to pets. According to one expert, dogs who enjoy looking out of windows or doors can potentially suffer from frostbite due to the formation of ice crystals, leading to rare but serious skin injuries.
Signs of Danger
How can you tell if your pet is at risk in the cold weather? As stated by the American Veterinary Medical Association, be attentive if your pet is "whining, shivering, displaying anxiety, becoming lethargic, appearing weak, or seeking out warm areas to hide. If so, bring them indoors promptly as they may be experiencing symptoms of hypothermia."
On December 9, 2023, Keli Ramirez of Denver was photographed removing snow from her car at Grant Street in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
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Failure to act promptly may result in more severe behavior, according to Varble.
Varble explained, "When you encounter an animal or individual who has been exposed to the cold for an extended period and has ceased shivering, it is an indication of serious concern. This is when you may observe highly unusual behavior. Individuals may experience delirium and cease attempting to find warmth, instead opting to hunker down or attempting to start a fire."
Animals running outside, appearing confused, are actually experiencing a drop in brain temperature leading to illogical behavior. Another concern is spilled antifreeze, which is both highly toxic and appealing to animals, according to Sizemore.
Make sure to purchase antifreeze with a bittering agent to prevent accidental ingestion, as it can be tempting due to its sweet taste. Always be cautious and clean up any antifreeze spills promptly to protect community animals.
Also consider another group of animals that shouldnt be forgotten when it comes to winter safetystray dogs and cats.
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"Community cats, which are free-roaming cats cared for by people in the neighborhood, are common in many areas. While they are used to being outdoors, they still require additional protection," Sizemore explained. "Fortunately, there are plenty of inexpensive and convenient options available online that you can purchase or create yourself. I've come across some creative and enjoyable DIY cat patios and houses."
Sizemore also suggested checking your car for stray animals before starting it.
"The warmth of car engines can attract feral or community cats, leading them to crawl up in the engine," she warned. "It's a good practice to tap your hood before starting your car to ensure no cats are hidden inside.
"It's crucial to be mindful, as starting the car with a cat near the engine can result in injury or death for the animal."
