When a cold bites, pet owners wonder how to keep their animals safe and comfortable. And vets say there’s reason to worry.
“The dangers of extreme cold are equal to the dangers of extreme heat,” says Dr. Deborah Mandell, director of emergency services at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Pets can develop hypothermia and frostbite, he said. They can also slip on ice, or face cold-related foot injuries. Fortunately, some simple precautions can help pet owners minimize the risks.
Limit time outdoors as much as possible.
The vets we spoke with were reluctant to offer blanket statements about how long pets can safely be outside in the cold. But if the temperature is at or below freezing, no more than 10 to 15 minutes is a good benchmark, Dr. Mandell. “For most, going outside to go to the bathroom, then coming back inside, like when it’s too hot, is a good rule of thumb,” he says.
For a simple gut check, it helps to ask: Am I uncomfortable right now? If so, chances are your pet is, says Dr. Rebecca Ruch-Gallie, an associate professor at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Also keep other weather conditions in mind: Taking a break in the sun for a few minutes on a cold but otherwise dry, calm day is different than being out on a snowy, wet or windy day.
Know your pet’s cold tolerance.
An animal’s ability to comfortably withstand the cold is related to factors such as age, general health and physical makeup. “Look at a greyhound, for example, that has no subcutaneous fat and has very little hair,” says Dr. Ruch-Gallie. “Those people don’t tolerate the cold like some of the breeds with double coats.”
The American Veterinary Medical Association also notes that short-legged pets can get cold faster than long-legged ones, because their bodies are more likely to come into contact with the cold ground.
Very young and very old animals can have difficulty with body temperature regulation, as can those with underlying health conditions. For example, an older pet with arthritis or inflammation may be particularly uncomfortable in the cold, says Dr. Ruch-Gallie, although some are soothing.
Know the signs that your pet has a cold.
“If they’re shaking, if they don’t want to walk, if they’re lifting their legs like they’re uncomfortable, those are all signs to look out for,” Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, senior director of medical programs and projects at Bond Vet in New York City. He urged dog owners in particular to check paws for ice or snow balls lodged between their toes while outside, and for cracking or bleeding when you go inside. house
The good news? In general, mammals will let you know when they’re uncomfortable in the cold, says Dr. Ruch-Gallie – though not always. “Where we’re struggling is that dog that likes to go out and play in the snow,” he said, and “all of a sudden, they realize they can’t feel their feet anymore.”
Indoor pets are generally OK during cold weather, experts say, even if you keep your home on the cooler side. (Of course, animals with very specific temperature and humidity needs, such as reptiles, must carefully monitor their environment.)
You may notice your pet seeking warmth, but that’s not a red flag. “Even with my own two cats, I see them snuggling more than they do in the warmer months,” says Dr. Fadl. Just make sure your animal has a bed, blanket or even a “hiding hole,” she says, and be aware of the danger posed by space heaters. Animals can tip over them, he said, or burn themselves.
Practice avoidance.
If your pet can tolerate it, a sweater or jacket can be a good option on freezing or freezing days, experts say. Also booties, especially if your pet walks on surfaces covered with salt dust or ice, which can damage feet and be dangerous if they melt. If your pet doesn’t tolerate booties, balms can help protect paw pads from cracking, too, says Dr. Fadl. Whatever happens, be sure to wipe your pet’s paws when you get home, vets say.
If your four-legged friend has a lot of fur between the toes, trimming it can help prevent ice balls from forming — but don’t over-groom in colder weather. month.
“Their coats are designed to try to keep the temperature under control,” said Dr. Ruch-Gallie. “You have the potential to really disrupt that.”
