How to Keep Your Pets Safe in the Cold

When biting cold hits, pet owners wonder how to keep their animals safe and comfortable. And veterinarians say that it is reasonable to be concerned.

“The risks of extreme cold are equal to the risks of extreme heat,” said Dr. Deborah Mandell, director of emergency service at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Pets can develop hypothermia and frostbite, she said. They can also slip on ice, or face cold-related paw injuries. Fortunately, a few simple precautions can help pet owners mitigate the risks.

Limit outdoor time as much as possible.

The vets we spoke to were reluctant to offer blanket statements about how long pets could safely be outdoors in the cold. But if the temperature is at or below freezing, no more than 10 to 15 minutes is a good benchmark, Dr. Mandell said. “For most, going outside to go to the bathroom, then back inside, similar to when it’s too hot, is a good rule,” she said.

For a simple gut check, it can help to ask: Am I uncomfortable right now? If so, your pet probably is, too, said Dr. Rebecca Ruch-Gallie, an associate professor at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Keep other weather conditions in mind, too: Lounging in the sun for a few minutes on a cold but otherwise dry, calm day is different than being outdoors on a day that is also snowy, wet or windy.