Winter Safety Tips for Your Pets

Winter weather is hard on all of us with dangerously low temperatures, snow and ice. The frosty weather can also be difficult for our pets and the American Red Cross has steps people can follow to help ensure their pet’s safety when chilly weather hits their area.

If possible, bring your pets inside during cold winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure they have access to non-frozen drinking water. If the animals are outside, make sure their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles.

You can also download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app to put veterinary advice for everyday pet emergencies in the palm of your hand. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. With videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know Pet First Aid.

The following tips on winter pet safety are provided by The Humane Society of the United States:

If pets cannot come indoors, make sure they are protected by a dry, draft-free enclosure large enough to allow them to sit and lie down, but small enough to hold in the pet’s body heat. Raise the floor a few inches off the ground and cover it with cedar shavings or straw. Turn the enclosure away from the wind and cover the doorway with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate a pet’s paws. Wipe their paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates their mouth.

Antifreeze is a deadly poison. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach. 

For more information on how to get ready for winter, click here for winter storm safety information.