Winter Cold Weather Safety for Pets

Cold temperatures, ice-melt chemicals, antifreeze, and winter storms can all put pets at risk. This page covers the biggest winter hazards, warning signs to watch for, and how to help keep dogs and cats safe.

Talk to a vet

When to call a vet in winter

Emergency

Go to the ER now

● Trouble breathing, collapse, severe weakness, or unresponsiveness after cold exposure
● Signs of severe hypothermia, such as marked lethargy, mental dullness, or inability to get warm
● Suspected antifreeze exposure or ingestion
● Seizures, tremors, or severe vomiting after exposure to ice melts or other winter chemicals
● Black, gray, pale, blistered, or very painful skin on ears, tail, or paws suggesting frostbite

Urgent

See a vet within 24 hours

● Persistent shivering, limping, paw pain, or repeated paw licking after walks in snow or on treated pavement
● Red, swollen, cracked, or bleeding paw pads
● Vomiting or diarrhea after licking paws, slush, or de-icing products
● A pet that got wet in freezing weather and now seems weak, uncomfortable, or reluctant to move
● Outdoor cats or dogs exposed to prolonged cold, wind, or snow even if signs seem mild at first

Monitor

Watch at home, call if it worsens

● Mild dry skin or mild paw irritation that improves after cleaning and drying
● Brief cold exposure without symptoms in an otherwise healthy pet
● Mild discomfort that resolves quickly once your pet is indoors, warm, and dry

32°F

Frostbite risk rises once temperatures drop below freezing, especially on paws, ears, and tails.

Fall to early spring

Antifreeze poisonings are seasonal and occur most often in colder months when coolant is added or systems are flushed.

400,000+

ASPCA Poison Control responds to more than 400,000 calls per year about animal poison exposures.

5 million

ASPCA Poison Control has assisted with more than 5 million animal exposure cases since the hotline began.

Top Dangers This Season

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Hypothermia

Pets can lose body heat quickly in cold, wind, rain, sleet, or snow, especially if they are very young, older, small, short-haired, thin, or already ill.

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Frostbite

Cold injury most often affects paws, ears, and tails. Wet fur and prolonged exposure increase risk.

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Antifreeze poisoning

Ethylene glycol in antifreeze is highly toxic to dogs and cats, and even small amounts can be life-threatening.

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Ice melt and road salt

De-icers can irritate paw pads and may cause stomach upset, mouth irritation, or more serious signs if enough is ingested.

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Car engine and wheel well injuries

Outdoor cats may crawl into warm engine compartments or wheel wells for shelter in cold weather.

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Winter storm exposure

Snow, wind chill, poor visibility, and getting lost outdoors can all make winter weather dangerous for pets.

How to Keep Your Pet Safe

Use these winter prevention steps to reduce the risk of cold injury and seasonal poisoning.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible during very cold or wet weather.
Limit outdoor time, especially for small, short-haired, senior, very young, or medically fragile pets.
Dry your pet thoroughly after coming inside, including feet and between the toes.
Rinse or wipe paws after walks to remove ice melt, salt, and other chemicals before your pet licks them off.
Consider a coat for pets that get cold easily and use paw protection if your pet tolerates it.
Store antifreeze securely and clean up spills right away.
Check wheel wells, bang on the hood, or honk before starting your car if outdoor cats may be nearby.
Provide warm, dry shelter and unfrozen water for pets that must be outside; for cats, the safest option is to keep them indoors.

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What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

If your pet may be suffering from cold exposure, frostbite, or winter chemical exposure, stay calm and contact a veterinarian promptly.

Move your pet to a warm, dry indoor area immediately.
If your pet is wet, gently towel dry them and wrap them in warm, dry blankets.
If you suspect frostbite, do not rub or massage the area and do not use direct heat like a heating pad or hair dryer.
If your pet may have licked ice melt or antifreeze, call your veterinarian right away.
Do not give human pain medicines or home remedies unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to do so.
If your pet is weak, disoriented, shivering continuously, vomiting, having tremors, or seems very cold, seek urgent veterinary care.

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Winter cold safety FAQs

Can dogs and cats get hypothermia and frostbite?

Yes. Dogs and cats can both develop hypothermia after enough cold exposure, and frostbite can affect areas like the paws, ears, and tail. Risk increases with freezing temperatures, wind, wet fur, and prolonged time outdoors.

Which pets are most at risk in winter?

Small pets, short-haired pets, puppies and kittens, senior pets, thin pets, and pets with medical problems are often less tolerant of cold. Wet pets and pets left outside for long periods are also at higher risk.

What are signs of frostbite in pets?

Possible signs include pale, gray, or bluish skin; swelling; pain; cold or brittle-feeling tissue; blisters; and later, blackened skin. Some signs may not appear until hours or days after exposure, so call your vet if you are concerned.

Is antifreeze really that dangerous to pets?

Yes. Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol is highly toxic, and even small amounts can be life-threatening. If you suspect exposure, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Should I wipe my pet's paws after winter walks?

Yes. Wiping or rinsing paws helps remove ice melt, road salt, and slush that can irritate the skin or be swallowed during grooming.

Sources

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.

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