If it is too Cold for You, It is too Cold for Your Pet

Frigid air continues to blow across the United States, dropping temperatures in many areas into the single digits with wind chills below zero. Most people are aware of the potential safety hazards that come along with bitter cold temperatures and bundle up with a fur or down coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. But, what about your four-legged furry friends?  Did you know they can suffer frostbite and hypothermia just like you? 

Keep your pets safe during the frigid cold. 

Longer-haired and thick-coated dogs: Longer-haired and thick-coated dogs such as huskies are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods of time in below-freezing weather. Long-haired friends should be brought indoors when the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Shorter-haired dogs:  Pets with short hairs have less protection and should go inside when temperatures dip below 40 degrees.  If your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by the cold weather, consider a sweater or dog coat.

Arthritic and elderly pets:  Arthritic and elderly pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to slipping and falling.

Short-legged pets:  Short-legged pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground. 

Protect paws from salt:  Wipe the paws, feet, legs, and belly of your pets after they have been exposed to areas with ice melts, antifreeze, and other chemicals.  Ice melt can cause blisters and cause their pads to crack and bleed.  To reduce the chance of ice or salt accumulation, clip the hair between your dog’s toes. Ice melt also contains chemicals which are dangerous for pets to ingest. 

Provide Adequate Shelter: Bringing pets into the basement or garage is a better option than leaving them out in the cold.  If your pet must stay outside, be sure to provided adequate shelter.  An acceptable house needs four sides a floor and roof, and is elevated off the ground.  The best bedding is straw; blankets can get wet and freeze.  Make sure the shelter is against the wind.  It is also helpful to put a tarp or hay bales around the dog house and a flap for the opening to provide extra protection. 

Make sure your pet has access to fresh water.  Replenish bowls frequently to avoid dehydration.  Snow is no replacement for water.

When walking your dog, stay away from frozen ponds, lakes and other water. The ice may not be strong enough to support your dog’s weight.

Cats should be kept inside in extreme cold.  If your car is kept outdoors, or if cats have access to your garage, be sure to tap on the hood or honk the horn before starting the engine.  Cats will often hide under the hood for warmth.

Never leave your pet in a cold vehicle.  A car can act like a rolling refrigerator and is just as dangerous as leaving your pet in a hot car.

Safety of your pets while indoors is equally important.  Make sure your house is pet-proofed.

Keep an eye on your pets around wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, electric blankets and space heaters.  These items can not only start a fire, but cause severe burns.

Cold weather can bring the risk of severe winter weather, blizzards and power outages. When preparing your disaster/emergency kit, don’t forget to include your pet in your plans.

Be aware of potential signs of hypothermia.

Shivering and shaking along with frozen ice on your pets’ fur and foot pads. 
Your pet is slowing down or stops moving; seems weak. 
Your pet whines or seems anxious.

If you see any of these signs, get your pet inside immediately.  Frostbite is harder to detect, and may not be fully recognized until a few days after the damage is done. If you suspect your pet has hypothermia or frostbite, consult your veterinarian immediately.


Mark Bello is acknowledged as one of the legal finance industry’s most experienced professional in underwriting and placement of strategic lawsuit financial products for litigants and attorneys.