Keeping Your Pets Safe During Winter Storms: Snow, Ice, Wind, and Walking Your Dog
Keeping Your Pets Safe During Winter Storms bring heavy snow, ice, biting winds, and dangerously low temperatures, creating serious risks for pets. Dogs and cats (and other animals) can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite (especially on ears, tails, and paws), and injuries from hidden hazards.
The key rule from experts like the ASPCA, AKC, and AVMA:
If it's too cold for you to be outside comfortably, it's too cold for your pet. Bring pets indoors whenever possible, and prepare carefully for any necessary outdoor time.
General Pet Safety Tips During Winter Storms
• Bring pets indoors — Never leave dogs, cats, or other animals outside during blizzards or extreme cold. Outdoor pets need a warm, insulated, wind-proof shelter elevated off the ground with plenty of dry bedding, but experts strongly recommend keeping all pets inside.
• Stock up — Before a storm hits, gather extra pet food, medications, and supplies in case roads close or power goes out.
• Watch for hidden dangers — Antifreeze (lethal if licked), ice-melt chemicals, road salt, and spilled chemicals can poison pets. Clean up spills immediately and use pet-safe alternatives when possible. Avoid frozen ponds or lakes — thin ice can break.
• Monitor for health issues — Look for signs of distress: shivering, lethargy, limping, pale skin, or whining. Older pets, puppies, short-haired breeds, and those with health conditions are most vulnerable. Seek vet care immediately if you suspect hypothermia or frostbite.
• Indoor enrichment — Storms mean more time inside, so prepare toys, puzzle feeders, or short training sessions to keep pets mentally stimulated and prevent boredom.
How to Safely Walk Your Dog in Snow, Ice, and High Winds
Dogs still need potty breaks and exercise, but storms demand short, cautious outings. High winds can make conditions feel even colder (wind chill matters), reduce visibility, and knock down branches or power lines.
1. Keep walks short and purposeful
Limit to 5–15 minutes in very cold weather (below 20–32°F, depending on breed and conditions). Shorter is safer in wind, heavy snow, or ice. Watch your dog closely for discomfort (lifting paws, shivering, reluctance to move).
2. Always use a leash
Never go off-leash in snow or ice. Dogs can lose their scent trail, get disoriented in whiteouts, or wander onto hazards. More dogs go missing in winter than any other season — ensure your dog has up-to-date ID tags and microchip.
3. Protect paws
Snow balls form between toes, ice causes cracks, and salt/chemicals burn pads or poison if licked.
• Apply pet-safe paw balm or Vaseline before walks as a barrier.
• Use dog booties (if your dog tolerates them) for extra protection.
• After returning home, wipe paws, legs, and belly with a warm, damp cloth or baby wipes to remove salt, ice, and chemicals. Dry thoroughly.
4. Bundle up your dog (and yourself)
• Short-haired, small, or low-to-the-ground breeds (like Dachshunds or Greyhounds) often need a waterproof winter coat or jacket.
• Even thick-coated breeds can benefit in extreme wind or prolonged exposure.
• Dress yourself warmly too — numb hands make it hard to control the leash safely.
5. Choose routes wisely
Stick to plowed sidewalks or familiar paths. Avoid icy patches (where slips are common), deep unshoveled snow (>4 inches can be tough), downed power lines, fallen branches, or areas with poor visibility in wind. Use a front-clip harness if your dog pulls.
6. Extra storm precautions
In high winds or blizzards, visibility drops and sounds can scare pets. Keep them close, stay calm, and cut the walk short if conditions worsen. Never walk near frozen water bodies.
With these steps, you can help your dog stay safe, comfortable, and happy even when winter storms rage. Prioritize their well-being — a quick potty break in bad weather beats risking their health. Stay warm and safe out there! If you're dealing with a specific storm or your pet's breed/health needs, consult your vet for tailored advice.