Cold Weather Safety for Dogs and Cats, AVMA and AAHA Tips

This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Ask your veterinarian about your own pet's cold tolerance.

Fur coats make it easy to assume dogs and cats handle winter better than people do. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) calls that a common belief that is untrue. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, and the AVMA says they should generally be kept inside during cold weather.

1. How cold is too cold depends on the pet

The AVMA says cold tolerance varies from pet to pet based on coat, body fat, activity level, and health. Its examples:

• Long-haired or thick-coated dogs, such as huskies and other breeds developed for cold climates, tend to be more cold-tolerant, but are still at risk. No pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather.
• Short-haired pets feel the cold faster.
• Short-legged pets may get cold faster because their bellies touch snow-covered ground.
• Very young and very old pets, and pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances such as Cushing's disease, may have a harder time regulating body temperature.

AAHA adds that small-breed dogs, senior pets, and short-coated pets are especially sensitive, and suggests that in extreme cold, short, frequent walks are better than long outings. For the smallest dogs, AAHA mentions carrying them outside briefly for bathroom breaks.

If you are not sure where your own pet's limits are, the AVMA suggests asking your veterinarian.

2. Recognizing hypothermia and frostbite

Hypothermia. The AVMA says to bring a pet inside quickly if it is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or stops moving, seems weak, or starts looking for warm places to burrow. AAHA describes hypothermia as a dangerous drop in body temperature that can affect organ function, lead to shock, and be life-threatening.

AAHA's first aid: bring the pet inside, wrap it in warm blankets, and use warm, not hot, water bottles wrapped in towels to raise its temperature gradually. Then contact your veterinarian.

Frostbite. AAHA says frostbite most often affects areas with less fur: the ears, tail, paws, and nose. The AVMA notes it is harder to detect and may not be fully recognized until a few days after the damage. AAHA's first aid: bring the pet inside, gently warm the area with warm (never hot) water, do not rub or massage it, and get veterinary care promptly.

3. Walks: paws, coats, and chemicals

Check paws often. The AVMA says to look for cracked or bleeding paw pads. A dog that suddenly limps on a walk may have an injury or ice balls between its toes; clipping the hair between the toes can reduce ice buildup.

Consider a coat. The AVMA suggests a sweater or coat for short-coated dogs or dogs bothered by cold, and recommends having several so the dog wears a dry one each time, since a wet sweater can make a dog colder. AAHA adds that the coat should cover the chest and back while letting the dog move freely, and that some dogs need gradual introduction. Booties can protect feet if they fit properly.

Wipe down after walks. De-icing products, antifreeze, and other chemicals can collect on a dog's feet, legs, and belly. The AVMA says to wipe or wash them when you come inside so your dog does not lick them off, and suggests using pet-safe de-icers at home.

Stay off the ice. Both groups warn against letting dogs onto frozen ponds and lakes. AAHA suggests keeping dogs leashed near them; the AVMA warns that an owner trying to rescue a dog through the ice can put both lives at risk.

4. Around the house and car

• Antifreeze: AAHA notes antifreeze has a sweet smell that attracts pets but is toxic. Keep containers tightly sealed and clean up spills immediately. The AVMA warns that even small amounts can be deadly.
• Cold cars: the AVMA says a car can chill quickly in cold weather, acting like a refrigerator. Do not leave pets unattended in vehicles, especially young, old, ill, or thin pets.
• Engines: outdoor and feral cats may sleep near warm car engines. The AVMA suggests checking under the car, banging on the hood, and honking before starting it.
• Space heaters: use with caution, since pets can be burned or knock them over.
• Furnace and CO: the AVMA suggests checking the furnace before cold weather and installing carbon monoxide detectors for the whole household.
• Birds: keep cages away from drafts.

5. Feeding and emergency prep

The AVMA advises keeping pets at a healthy weight in winter rather than adding "extra protection," since the health risks of excess weight outweigh any benefit. Outdoor pets may need more calories in winter; ask your veterinarian.

For storms and power outages, the AVMA says to include pets in your emergency kit, with enough food, water, and medicine, including heartworm and flea and tick preventives, for at least 5 days.

6. Key takeaways

• The AVMA says dogs and cats can get frostbite and hypothermia and should generally stay inside in cold weather.
• Short-haired, short-legged, small, very young, very old, and chronically ill pets are most vulnerable.
• Shivering, weakness, slowing down, or seeking warm spots means bring the pet in; warm gradually with warm, not hot, water and call the vet.
• Check paws, use dry coats for short-coated dogs, and wipe off de-icers and antifreeze after walks.
• Never leave pets in cold cars, clean up antifreeze immediately, and stock at least 5 days of pet supplies for winter storms.