Cold, Snow and Ice: How to Prepare Your Pet for Winter

For us, the arrival of winter means pulling coats, boots and tuques out of the back of the closet. For our pets, the colder season also calls for a few adjustments. While their fur provides some protection, cold temperatures, snow, ice, wind and de-icing products can put their comfort and safety to the test.

So, should you cut every walk short as soon as the temperature drops below zero? Does your pet really need a coat? And what should you do when those little paws come home covered in salt?

Here’s how to prepare your furry companion for winter and enjoy the season safely!

Cold affects every pet differently

Not all pets tolerate the cold in the same way. Their size, age, weight, health and, especially, their type of coat can affect their ability to retain body heat.

A northern breed with a thick undercoat won’t have the same needs as a small dog with short fur. Puppies, kittens, older pets and pets with health conditions may also be more sensitive to cold temperatures.

There is therefore no universal temperature at which every pet should stay indoors. The most important thing is to consider your pet and the weather conditions. Cold, wind, humidity and the amount of time spent outdoors can all make a difference.

How can you tell if your pet is cold?

Your pet can’t tell you they’re cold, but they can show you.

Shivering, a hunched posture, repeatedly lifting their paws, slowing down or showing an unusual desire to go home can all be signs that it’s time to head back inside.

Prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to hypothermia, which is an abnormally low body temperature. In more serious cases, your pet may become very weak or disoriented or have difficulty moving.

The ears, tail and paw pads are also vulnerable to frostbite.

If your pet shows significant signs of distress after being exposed to the cold, bring them indoors and contact an animal health-care professional promptly.

Paws: winter’s biggest victims

For our pets, winter isn’t just about the cold. Salt, de-icing products, ice and snow can also cause paw pad problems.

Salt and certain products used on roads and sidewalks can irritate or dry out paw pads. They can also be harmful if your pet ingests them by licking their paws.

After every walk, make a habit of rinsing or wiping your pet’s paws. Take the opportunity to check for small cuts, redness or balls of ice stuck between the paw pads.

For some dogs, boots can provide extra protection against the cold, ice and de-icing products. However, they aren’t necessary for every dog. If your dog wears boots, choose a comfortable pair that fits well enough for them to walk normally.

Coat: necessary or just cute?

Small dog coats aren’t just for making your pet even more adorable. For some pets, they can genuinely help keep them comfortable in cold weather.

Small dogs, dogs with short fur or dogs whose coats provide little insulation may be more sensitive to low temperatures. A coat can therefore be useful during winter outings.

However, it should be appropriate for your pet: comfortable, warm enough, but not too tight. It shouldn’t stay wet either. Wet fur provides less protection against the cold, so be sure to dry your companion thoroughly after a walk in wet snow or rain.

A little cold doesn’t mean you have to give up walks altogether. Physical activity remains important for your pet’s well-being.

When conditions are favourable, keep going outside, but adjust the length and intensity of your walks. During extreme cold or when the wind is strong, it’s better to go for several shorter walks than one long one.

Be careful on icy surfaces as well. They can be slippery for pets, just as they are for us. Frozen bodies of water are particularly dangerous: a surface that appears solid can give way under your pet’s weight.

And when the weather really doesn’t allow for an outdoor outing? It’s the perfect time to keep your companion stimulated indoors. Search games, interactive toys, training and mental stimulation activities can help them burn off energy in other ways.

Watch out for hazards hiding in the garage

Winter also brings certain products that can be dangerous for pets.

Antifreeze is particularly concerning. Even a small amount can be extremely toxic. Keep containers out of reach and clean up any spills immediately.

The same applies to other winter products: store them somewhere pets can’t access them, and watch for residues that may end up on outdoor surfaces.

What if your cat goes outside?

For a cat that lives primarily indoors, the best way to protect them from the cold is, of course, to provide a warm and comfortable environment.

If your cat has access to the outdoors, be especially vigilant during periods of extreme cold. Make sure they can easily get back inside, and avoid leaving them outdoors for long periods when conditions are harsh.

Another winter hazard is less obvious: cars. Looking for a warm place, some cats may take shelter under the hood of a vehicle or near the engine.

Before starting your car, take a few seconds to tap on the hood or make some noise. This simple precaution may give a hidden animal a chance to get away.

A few preparations before the first big snowfall

There’s no need to wait for the first storm to be in the forecast before preparing your pet.

Before the cold weather arrives, make sure you have:

• a suitable coat, if your pet needs one; 
• boots, if needed, to protect their paws;
• a towel to dry their fur and paws after outings;
• a pet-safe product to moisturize their paw pads, if recommended for your pet; 
• games or interactive toys for days when outdoor activities are shorter.

This is also a good time to make sure your pet is comfortable wearing their coat or boots. It’s better to introduce these accessories gradually than to put them on for the first time right before a -20°C walk!

Key takeaways

Cold, ice, salt and de-icing products can pose different risks to pets.

To help them get through the winter safely:

• adjust the length of outdoor activities according to the weather and your pet’s tolerance;
• watch for signs of discomfort or cold;
• protect and clean their paws after walks;
• use a coat or boots when appropriate;
• keep antifreeze and other winter products out of reach;
• don’t let your pet venture onto frozen bodies of water;
• before starting your car, check that no cat is hiding near the engine.

If your pet shows signs of hypothermia, frostbite or illness after being exposed to the cold, contact an animal health-care professional promptly.