Paw Protection, Don’t Wash Your Dog, Check Before You Rev & More Cold Weather Pet Safety Tips

As temperatures dip dangerously low in our area, it’s not just us humans who need extra care – animals do too.

The ASPCA was kind enough to send us these tips for all you pet owners out there, and we wanted to pass along these words of wisdom to make sure our furry friends stay warm and healthy this winter.

• See a dog in the cold without proper shelter? Contact the city’s Animal Control & Welfare or an animal-friendly organization, such as Sean Casey Animal Rescue. Dogs left in extreme temperatures, especially without food and shelter, are at risk of hypothermia, death, and frostbite.

• Paw protection: daily walks in the cold can harm your pet’s paws. Put booties on them to minimize contact with painful salt crystals and chemical ice-melting agents, and apply a dollop of petroleum jelly to their paw pads before heading outside.

• Don’t closely shave your dog in the winter – longer coats mean more warmth. But do consider a coat or sweater for shorthaired breeds.

• Ditch the bath! Reduce bathing frequency during cold spells. drying can take too long and washing too often can deplete essential oils and increase dry, flaky skin. If your dog must be bathed, ask your vet for a moisturizing shampoo or rinse recommendations.

• Check before you rev: outdoor, stray and feral cats sometimes sleep under car hoods to stay warm – but your fan belt can injure or kill a cat when the motor starts. Bang loudly on your hood before starting your engine to make sure no cat is sleeping there.

For more cold-weather pet safety tips, visit the ASPCA’s website.