Pet Weather
Pet Winter Weather Safety: Cold, Ice, Paws, Antifreeze, and Storm Outages
How to protect pets during winter storms, including cold exposure, paw ice, salt, antifreeze, power outages, and emergency kits.
Quick answer: Winter weather can harm pets through cold exposure, ice, road salt, antifreeze, and storm-related power outages.
Cold exposure
Bring pets indoors during dangerous cold, wind, and freezing precipitation.
Short-haired, young, older, and small pets can chill faster.
Paws and chemicals
Ice and salt can irritate paws. Wipe paws after walks and watch for limping.
Antifreeze is highly toxic and should be kept away from animals.
Outage planning
Keep food, medication, water, leashes, carriers, and vaccination records ready.
If you may need a shelter or hotel, know pet policies in advance.