Winter weather can be tough on people, but it can be dangerous for pets, too. Cold temperatures, road salt and antifreeze all pose risks, especially for puppies, senior pets and short-haired breeds.
“When it comes to snow and the things that you might encounter outdoors, that obviously includes snow, ice and salt that we use all the time,” said Dr. Aleksandra Ascione of Milford Animal Hospital, an AAHA-accredited veterinary practice serving the Northern Poconos. “So their paws are constantly at risk for injuries, and just from being exposed to all those things they can crack and cause issues.”
Ascione said one of the simplest ways to protect dogs in winter is also one many pets dislike.
“There are very simple things that you can try doing, like putting booties on your dog’s paws,” she said. “They might hate it, but it will keep them protected.” She also recommends paw balms and creams to keep pads moisturized and prevent cracking, as well as wiping paws after pets come inside.
Cold weather can be especially hard on puppies, senior animals and short-haired breeds. While many people assume fur is enough, Ascione said that is not always the case.
“Not necessarily, because when it comes to the tiny little ones, the young ones and the older ones, the way that they regulate their body temperatures might not be as efficient,” she said. “We don’t want to overexpose them to low temperatures.”
She added that sweaters or jackets can help, but moderation is key. “A little bit of playtime in the snow is absolutely lovely, but we want to make sure they are not actually shaking from how cold it is outside,” Ascione said.
How long is too long outdoors depends on the individual animal.
“Absolutely, it changes based on age, breed, and also every pet is different,” she said. “Personally, my own dog will get the zoomies for about five minutes and then she starts to shake. So the moment that I see that we’re starting to get cold, we go back inside immediately.”
Road salt and chemicals present another winter hazard, particularly antifreeze.
“Antifreeze is a big one,” Ascione said. “That is something that is very dangerous to pets. Antifreeze has a sweet taste to it, so it can make it that much more attractive to pets — they don’t know better.” If a pet is exposed, she stressed urgency. “In case your pet ever is exposed to antifreeze, don’t wait,” Ascione said. “Just make sure that you get your pet to an emergency place ASAP.”
Knowing when to seek veterinary care can be challenging, but Ascione said pet owners should trust their instincts.
“You know your pet the best,” she said. “If you start picking up on anything that is just not quite right, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Even indoor pets may need adjustments during winter, particularly when activity levels drop.
“Diet can be a big thing,” Ascione said. “If they don’t really go outside as much as they would in the warm season, we might want to make sure that they are not gaining weight too much.”
As the holiday season approaches, Ascione offered one more reminder for pet owners.
“Things we don’t really see as a threat during Christmas time can actually become a threat to pets,” she said, citing ornaments, sweets, tinsel, ribbons and Christmas lights. “If your pet is curious enough, they can turn anything into a potential threat.”