Winter Pet Safety: Keeping Dogs and Cats Safe and Comfortable in Cold Weather

Winter brings its own set of challenges for pet owners. From icy sidewalks and road salt to reduced outdoor activity and seasonal mood changes, cold weather affects your pet's daily comfort and safety in ways that are easy to overlook. Here's a practical guide to keeping your dogs and cats safe, comfortable, and well during the winter months.

Cold Tolerance: It's Not the Same for Every Dog

A Husky and a Chihuahua have very different cold tolerances. Factors that reduce cold tolerance include:

• Small body size (loses heat faster)
• Short or single-layer coat
• Very young or very old age
• Low body fat
• Underlying health conditions, especially heart or kidney disease

As a rule of thumb: if it's too cold for you to stand outside comfortably, it's probably too cold for a small, short-coated, or senior dog to be outside for extended periods. Large, thick-coated breeds tolerate cold much better — but even they have limits.

Paw Protection

Paw pads are vulnerable to cracking from cold and dryness, and to chemical burns from road salt and de-icing products. After every outdoor walk:

• Wipe paws thoroughly with a warm, damp cloth to remove salt and ice-melt chemicals
• Check between the toes for ice balls, which can form in double-coated dogs and cause pain
• Apply a pet-safe paw balm to prevent cracking in dry conditions

Dog boots are the most effective protection for frequent walkers in heavily salted areas — most dogs will accept them with gradual, positive introduction.

Antifreeze: A Serious Hazard

Ethylene glycol antifreeze is extremely toxic to dogs and cats and unfortunately has a sweet taste that makes it attractive to animals. Even small amounts can cause rapid and fatal kidney failure. Keep antifreeze stored securely, clean up any spills immediately, and seek emergency veterinary care immediately if you suspect ingestion.

Indoor Safety and Heating

• Keep pets away from space heaters and fireplaces — burns happen more often than owners expect
• Ensure heating vents aren't blowing directly onto a sleeping pet
• Cats often seek warmth under car hoods in cold weather — knock on the hood before starting your car

Maintaining Activity and Wellbeing Indoors

Reduced outdoor time in winter means less natural exercise and mental stimulation — which can affect mood and behavior in active dogs especially. Compensate with indoor enrichment: puzzle feeders, training sessions, indoor fetch, and scent games keep dogs mentally engaged when walks are shorter.

For dogs and cats that become more unsettled or stiff in cold weather — particularly senior animals — a daily wellness routine that includes joint and calming support can make a meaningful difference through the winter months. Our CBD Mobility Chews support joint comfort in active and aging dogs, and our CBD Calming Chews help dogs maintain calm during seasonal disruptions. All products are formulated by Dr. Tim Shu, DVM and triple-tested — view our lab results here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How cold is too cold for dogs?
Below 45°F warrants caution for small, senior, or short-coated dogs. Below 32°F is concerning for most dogs with extended exposure. Below 20°F is dangerous for nearly all dogs without proper protection. Always observe your individual dog — shivering, lifting paws, or reluctance to move are signs they're too cold.

Do dogs need more food in winter?
Outdoor dogs and dogs that exercise heavily in cold weather do burn more calories maintaining body temperature. Indoor dogs with reduced winter activity often need slightly fewer calories to avoid weight gain. Adjust based on your individual dog's activity level and body condition.

Why is my dog stiffer in winter?
Cold temperatures can increase joint stiffness in dogs with age-related changes. Keeping joints warm (dog coats for walks, warm sleeping surfaces), maintaining regular gentle movement, and using joint support supplements can all help. If stiffness is new or severe, see your veterinarian.