Keeping Your Pet Healthy & Safe During Winter and Extreme Cold
Winter in upstate New York has a way of reminding us who’s boss. While we bundle up and grumble our way through it, our pets rely on us to keep them safe, comfortable, and healthy when temperatures drop. A little old-fashioned common sense—backed by good veterinary medicine—goes a long way this time of year.
Cold Weather Isn’t Just Uncomfortable—It Can Be Dangerous
Cold temperatures can put pets at risk for hypothermia and frostbite, especially puppies, kittens, seniors, and pets with short coats or chronic illnesses. If it’s too cold for you to stand outside comfortably, it’s probably too cold for your pet to linger as well.
Veterinary rule of thumb: Outdoor time should be brief and purposeful during extreme cold. Potty break? Yes. Extended hang-outs? Hard no.
Protect Paws from Ice, Salt & Chemicals
Ice-melting salts and deicers can burn paw pads and are toxic if licked off.
What we recommend:
Wipe paws after every walk
Use pet-safe ice melt at home
Consider booties for frequent walkers (yes, they’ll walk funny at first—perfectly normal)
Cracked or bleeding paw pads should be checked by your veterinarian.
Warm, Dry, and Draft-Free Living Spaces
Pets should live indoors during winter weather. Garages, porches, and barns get dangerously cold fast.
Make sure your pet has:
A warm sleeping area off the floor
Extra bedding
Protection from drafts
Outdoor animals need insulated housing, fresh (unfrozen) water, and frequent checks—but even then, indoors is always safer.
Cold Cars Are Still Dangerous
Just like summer heat, cold cars can be hazardous. Temperatures inside a parked car can drop rapidly, putting pets at risk of hypothermia.
If you’re cold sitting there with the engine off, your pet definitely is.
Hydration Still Matters
Cold weather can blunt thirst, but dehydration is still a risk—especially with dry indoor air.
Provide fresh water at all times
Check bowls often to ensure they aren’t frozen
Encourage drinking if your pet seems less interested
Do Pets Need Winter Coats?
Some do! Small dogs, short-haired breeds, and seniors often benefit from a properly fitted coat during walks. Thick-coated breeds may not need one—but they still need time limits outdoors.
If you’re unsure, ask us. We’re happy to give a straight answer (no fashion policing involved).
Keep Up with Preventive Care
It’s tempting to slow down on veterinary care in winter, but parasites don’t take the season off.
Fleas and ticks can survive indoors year-round
Heartworm prevention should continue unless directed otherwise
Winter wellness visits help catch issues early—before spring chaos hits
Hidden Winter Hazards
Be mindful of:
Antifreeze (extremely toxic, even in small amounts)
Space heaters and heating cords
Candles and fireplaces
Snow-covered hazards in yards
A quick scan of your home can prevent a very bad day.
When in Doubt, Call Us
If your pet seems lethargic, painful, reluctant to go outside, or just “not themselves” during cold weather, trust your instincts and give us a call. Winter problems are much easier to treat early.
Winter may be stubborn, but with a little preparation and vigilance, your pet can stay safe, healthy, and comfortable until spring finally decides to show up—fashionably late, as usual.
Stay warm,
Dr. Tim & the team at Country Care Veterinary Center