As winter sets in with freezing temperatures, pet owners must take extra care to keep their pets safe and warm. Susan Nelson, a clinical professor and veterinarian at Kansas State University, offers several cold-weather care tips to ensure pets stay healthy.
Pets, especially those unaccustomed to the cold, and very young or senior animals, should be brought indoors when temperatures drop. For dogs with thick coats, keep them in cooler rooms or insulated garages to prevent overheating. Gradually acclimate pets to indoor temperatures through short visits.
For pets that stay outside, proper shelter is essential. Dog houses should be snug, with the entrance facing south or west to block wind. Clean straw or hay provides better insulation than blankets. Outdoor cats also need warm, sheltered spaces. Ensure outdoor water bowls don’t freeze, or use heated bowls.
Short-haired dogs benefit from sweaters made of natural fibers, but avoid those with small elements that could be ingested. After walks on salted surfaces, rinse pets’ paws to prevent irritation or toxic ingestion. Booties can also protect paws from ice and chemicals.
Nelson warns of hidden dangers, such as outdoor cats seeking warmth under car hoods, antifreeze toxicity, and frostbite on paws, ears, and noses. With proper care, pets can stay safe and comfortable in the winter.
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