Winter safety tips for pet owners

The weather outside is frightful. While this year brought a late start to Denver’s snowfall, Colorado is still experiencing frigid temperatures that can be dangerous to your pet. As the temperature continues to drop, these winter safety tips will help keep your pet healthy and warm throughout the season long.

Keep it cozy

And keep pets away from heat sources such as space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves. There is a risk that your pet will get too comfortably close to the heat and stay there for too long, exposing them to burns and other heat-related ailments. The residual heat from a fireplace or other heat source can even make the protective grate hot to the touch. Like us, many pets will want to be toasty as the snow falls and the temperatures drop, so it is important to keep an eye on your companion.

Keep your pet warm by ensuring they have a comfortable place to sleep away from any drafty areas of the home. Senior pets, kittens, and cats may appreciate a heating pad on the lowest setting. Remember to monitor when your pet is using a heating source.

While dry, itchy, or flaky skin isn’t exclusive to winter, home heating systems combined with the air outside can exacerbate pre-existing skin issues. If your pet is uncomfortable or scratching, talk to your veterinarian about ways to add moisture to their skin through topical moisturizers or changing their diet.

Don’t forget to brush your pet. Regular grooming can help stimulate their oil-producing glands, prevent matted fur, and help you bond with your pet.

Cats and snow

Some cats enjoy the cold weather. Similar to our dog friends, it is important to keep an eye on our felines when it gets cold outside, especially cats with access to outdoor spaces through cat doors or catio spaces.

Limit their use and access, or provide an outdoor cold-weather cat shelter (here’s a tutorial!) to keep them indoors for the winter. These temporary shelters are also a great way to help outdoor and feral cats in your area during the winter.

Many community cats will seek shelter in warm spaces, including car engines and wheel wells. Bang loudly on your car’s hood or honk the horn before starting the engine.

Dogs and snow

It’s sweater weather – even for your pup! In addition to making a style statement or having a twinning moment with your dog, warm sweaters, doggy coats, and other winter accessories can help keep your companion comfortable on walks.

After your walk, rinse or wipe your pet’s paws, legs, and stomach area so they don’t ingest salt, snowmelt, or other dangerous chemicals. It is also good to trim the hair between their paw pads to prevent ice buildup. Or invest in booties to complete your pup’s outfit and protect their paws from the cold.

Avoid leaving dogs unsupervised outside. Even in owned backyards, winter hazards can pile up (quite literally!). A packed snowdrift can provide a boost for dogs to escape the confines of your yard. While more equipped to handle the cold, long-haired, larger pups, and those with double coats are still susceptible to hypothermia and other illnesses when they are exposed to the cold.

Make a pet emergency plan

What do you do in case of a pipe burst or power outage? Preparing a plan can ease your anxiety about the storms ahead, which will help you keep your pet comfortable during an emergency.

Determine where you are going, communicate that to friends and family, and pack a go bag for you and your pet with all important documents in case you need to leave your residence.

Additional reminders and winter safety tips

Did you know a car could act as a refrigerator, holding the cold and causing an animal to become hypothermic? Leaving a car running isn’t a solution because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Be safe and never leave your pet in a car (and follow that advice throughout the seasons, too).

Check your garage and driveway for antifreeze and other chemicals. Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that attracts animals. Wipe up any spills right away. Better yet, use a pet-safe antifreeze, which is made with propylene glycol. If ingested in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family. Similarly, there are pet-safe snowmelt options to keep your sidewalks clear and the pets in your neighborhood ef.

Give your pets plenty of clean, fresh water. Dogs can’t burn calories without water, and if they can’t burn calories, they can’t regulate their body temperature and keep warm. For outdoor watering spots, use a tip-resistant, ceramic or hard plastic bowl rather than a metal one. When the temperature is low, a pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to the metal, and the last thing you want is an “A Christmas Story” flagpole moment.

We’re here to help

It’s important to recognize that chilly temperatures pose health and safety risks to our furry companions. As the snow begins to fall and temperatures continue to drop, we hope these winter safety tips help protect your pet all season long.

From illness to urgent care, our Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur can help your pet through the toughest parts of winter. Need a same-day urgent care appointment? Please give us a call at 303.722.5800 to schedule your appointment in advance.

The Humane Colorado Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur is donor-subsidized to provide low-cost veterinary care to our community. Learn more.