Veterinarian Shelby Neely shares important winter pet care tips.
You may not like winter, but if you live in an area where it’s inevitable, one thing you must remember is the challenges it can bring to your pets. Freezing temperatures, dry indoor air, shorter days, and icy sidewalks can affect not just you but your pet as well. Fortunately, you can make adjustments to keep your dog or cat healthy, safe, and cozy all winter long.
Common winter health risks for pets
Hypothermia and frostbite
Hypothermia can affect any pet because they tend to lose body heat quickly in the cold. Be especially careful if you have a small dog, a senior pet, a short-haired breed, or an animal with a chronic illness.
Frostbite is certainly another thing to watch out for. You will most often see it on ears, tails, paws, and noses. That’s because these are the areas with less insulation and blood flow.
Dry skin and coat problems
Your pet’s skin can lose moisture due to cold outdoor conditions combined with dry indoor heating. You may see signs of flaking, itchiness, dandruff, or a dull coat. Ask your vet if pet skin supplements could help with skin issues in your dog or cat.
Paw injuries and chemical exposures
Your pet can get irritated paw pads or even chemical burns from ice-melt products such as salt and de-icers. They can also ingest these substances by licking their feet, and this can lead to G.I. upset or toxicity.
Reduced activity and weight gain
Due to the shorter days and the colder temperatures, your pet is likely to get shorter walks and less playtime. This can contribute to stiffness, arthritis, flare-ups, or unwanted weight gain. If you dog or cat has gained weight, a pet weight loss food could help.
Practical tips for indoor and outdoor care
Limit exposure to extreme cold
Even if your pet is a breed accustomed to cold or just enjoys being outdoors, they should not be left out for long periods in freezing weather. While it’s good to take those long walks in normal weather, short, frequent walks are safer when it’s very cold.
Dry and protect paws after exposure
After you take your dog for a walk, wipe the paws with a damp cloth to remove ice and salt. If your pet is particularly prone to cracked pads, after you clean them, apply a pet-safe balm, which is actually a good idea to do even before the walk. It can help protect skin. Booties are another idea if your dog will tolerate them.
Adjust grooming, not eliminate it
Some pet parents think they should skip grooming in winter to keep their pets warmer. In reality, regular brushing is something you should keep up with. It removes dead hair and distributes natural oils, which protect the skin. If you shave the coat, avoid shaving it too short, but don’t stop grooming altogether. Keep pet shampoo and other grooming supplies on hand.
Maintain indoor humidity
Consider a humidifier if your home air is very dry. You can place it in areas where your pet sleeps, which can help reduce dry skin and respiratory irritation, benefiting not only your pet but you as well.
Keep beds warm and draft-free
Move pet beds away from windows, doors, and cold floors. Your senior pets, or any pet that has arthritis, will benefit from orthopedic or insulated beds. Ask your vet if your pet would benefits from a dog joint supplement.
Winter advice for different types of pets
Dogs
As mentioned, some breeds like the cold. A Husky may relish snowy weather, while a Chihuahua may shiver within minutes. Pay attention to your dog’s behavior. If they are lifting their paws, refusing to walk, or shivering, it’s time to head indoors.
Cats
There’s very little you need to do to keep indoor cats safe, but be cautious around space heaters, fireplaces, and heating vents. Outdoor or indoor-outdoor cats should be provided with an insulated shelter and unfrozen water at all times.
Be particularly careful before you start your car in the wintertime. Cats may actually crawl into warm car engines, which can lead to severe consequences. Always tap the hood or check beneath your car before starting it.
Senior Pets and those with medical conditions
Arthritis, heart disease, and respiratory conditions can all worsen in the cold weather. To prevent this, minimize exposure to cold, maintain consistent routines, and watch closely for subtle changes in mobility or behavior.
Signs of winter-related health issues
It’s time to contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- Shivering or trembling
- Pale, cold, or discolored skin on the ears, paws, or tail
- Licking of paws or limping after walks
- Dry, flaky skin or persistent scratching
- Lethargy, stiffness, or reluctance to move
- Coughing or breathing changes in cold air
Final Thoughts
Even though winter can be cold, it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or dangerous for your pets. If you stay aware of seasonal risks, adjust daily routines, and respond quickly to early warning signs, you can keep your pets healthy all season long. It may take a little extra care during the colder months, but that will go a long way toward keeping your pet happy, active, and comfortable.
Dr. Shelby Neely is a Penn graduate who works for Banfield Pet Hospital. When she’s not treating pets, she also works as a freelance writer. Before joining Banfield, Dr. Neely owned a very successful feline-only practice. She was also the creator and author of the award-winning Ask The Cat Doctor website. Dr. Neely considers her three successful children and her veterinary career her most significant achievements. She lives in King of Prussia with her two adorable cats and loves to visit her four granddogs.
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