As winter blankets the Midwest in a frosty embrace, making your pet’s comfort and safety a priority is critical. Cold temperatures and winter precipitation bring unique challenges to our pets, but thoughtful preparation and observation can ensure they stay warm, cozy, and content until spring arrives. 

Protect your pet from winter health and safety hazards and prevent boredom-related misbehavior with these tips from the All Breed Pet Care team.

Outdoor adventures: How to brave the elements with your pet

When venturing outside, protect shorthaired and senior pets from the biting cold by investing in warm outerwear or jackets. Consider booties to shield your pet’s sensitive paws from sharp ice and harsh chemicals like salt and ice melt on slippery sidewalks and roads. Limit your pet’s outdoor time and monitor them for discomfort such as limping, shivering, and reluctance to move. Hypothermia and frostbite can occur quickly, so never leave your pet unsupervised outside. Always wipe your pet’s paws and belly after outdoor excursions to remove accumulated ice, snow, salt, or chemical treatments. If your pet will allow it, use warm towels or a hair dryer on the lowest setting to dry their wet hair.

Winter staycation: Optimize your pet’s indoor paradise 

While it’s true that indoors is the best place for your pet during cold weather, you’ll still need to take a few extra steps and precautions to maximize their comfort. This includes:

  • Providing a soft, supportive, and insulated bed away from any drafts or exterior-facing doors
  • Adding blankets to your pet’s favorite areas so they can burrow 
  • Placing absorbent rugs near doorways to prevent human or pet companions from tracking in ice, snow, and salt
  • Encouraging your pet to stay hydrated by soaking their dry food in warm water or providing a pet drinking fountain
  • Brushing your pet’s coat and maintaining regular grooming appointments to ensure they stay comfortable and free from painful mats

Comfort food: Adjust your pet’s diet to prevent winter weight gain

Like people, most pets experience reduced physical activity during the winter months. Failing to adjust your pet’s food intake to accommodate their decreased caloric requirements can result in undesirable weight gain. Fortunately, you can avoid this by reducing your pet’s meal portions or cutting back on high-calorie treats until you can resume their normal exercise routine.

If your pet is consistently active during the winter or spends a lot of time outdoors, they may be burning additional calories to keep their body warm. Talk to your veterinarian and closely monitor your pet’s body condition to ensure you are feeding them enough to satisfy their caloric needs.

Indoor Olympics: Satisfy your pet’s exercise needs with fun games and novelties

Pets who are used to regular activity and adventure can experience increased stress and boredom during the winter. Keep your pet mentally and physically satisfied with activities that challenge their mind and body.

Puzzle toys, interactive games, and treat-dispensing toys can provide much-needed entertainment and help pent-up pets burn off excess energy. If outdoor play is limited or unavailable because of extreme temperatures, indoor games such as fetch, hide-and-seek, scent work, and trick training can be great alternatives and a fun way to bond with your pet.

Winter’s wrath: Protect your pet from these cold weather risks

Old Man Winter is not particularly kind to our pets and poses many unique health and safety hazards, such as:

  • Hypothermia — Low body temperatures can quickly lead to serious health complications, including circulatory compromise, organ dysfunction, and death. Prevent hypothermia by always supervising your pet outdoors and limiting activity during extremely cold temperatures. Early warning signs include shivering, limping, a reluctance to move, skin or gum discoloration, and slow breathing and heartbeat. Hypothermic pets should be immediately relocated to a warm area. Unresponsive pets require immediate veterinary attention.
  • Frostbite — Frostbite occurs when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, as the body redirects blood away from the extremities and toward the core to protect the internal organs. Frostbite commonly occurs on the ears, paws, and tail. Early signs include discoloration, sensitivity, and swelling.
  • Antifreeze poisoning — Antifreeze and windshield deicer contain ethylene glycol, which is lethal to dogs and cats. Keep these items stored out of your pet’s reach, immediately clean up leaks or spills, and supervise your pet outdoors to ensure they do not drink from puddles on driveways or streets.
  • Paw irritation — Salt and ice can irritate your pet’s paws and cause painful inflammation and infection. Always wipe your pet’s feet when they return from outside and check their paw pads daily for redness, cracks, sensitivity, or odor.
  • Slip and fall injuries — Winter slips and falls can lead to serious orthopedic injuries, including sprains, strains, dislocations, and cruciate ligament tears (CCL). Protect your pet by keeping them on a leash and treating slick areas with pet-safe ice melt.
  • Chronic pain flares — Cold air and damp conditions can aggravate arthritis in pets. Talk to your pet’s All Breed Pet Care veterinarian if they are experiencing increased pain or stiffness or decreased mobility (e.g., moving slowly or avoiding normal activities).

When winter rolls in and temperatures plummet, a proactive approach to your pet’s well-being can enhance their health, satisfaction, and comfort. Combining outdoor pet safety measures and indoor improvements is the best way to ensure your pet enjoys winter’s wonders while avoiding its bitter chill.

For additional winter-related advice or to schedule your pet’s winter wellness appointment, contact the All Breed Pet Care team.