Winter Storm Prep: Don’t Forget Your Pets
As you prepare your home for winter weather—stocking firewood, charging flashlights, fueling generators—it’s just as important to plan ahead for your pets. Cold temperatures, power outages, and severe storms can be stressful and even dangerous for animals if they’re not properly protected.
Here are essential ways to keep your pets safe, comfortable, and calm during winter storms:
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Keep Pets Warm, Secure, and Calm During Power Outages
If a winter storm rolls through, losing power is always a possibility. While you may have a plan to keep your family warm, don’t forget that pets feel the cold too—even with fur. Make sure their beds and resting areas are well-padded with blankets and positioned away from drafty windows or doors. If their usual sleeping spot is in a colder part of the house, consider temporarily moving it to a warmer location.
Potty breaks are still necessary, even during storms. Keep them short and always be alert for hazards like fallen branches or downed power lines. If you notice a downed line, keep your pet far away and notify your local power company immediately.
Storms can also be loud and unsettling. Thunder, wind, and unfamiliar noises may increase anxiety in pets. Keeping them close, speaking calmly, and maintaining familiar routines can go a long way in helping them feel safe and reassured.
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Dress for the Cold
Fur alone isn’t always enough to protect pets from freezing temperatures. Small breeds, short-haired pets, and those with short legs are especially vulnerable and may benefit from sweaters or jackets. Senior pets, puppies, kittens, and animals with medical conditions may also struggle to regulate body temperature and should have an extra layer when outdoors.
Winter conditions can be tough on paws as well. Ice, salt, and chemical de-icers can cause irritation or injury. Booties or paw balms can help protect sensitive paw pads, and wiping your pet’s feet and belly with a dry towel after walks is always a good idea.
Signs your pet may be too cold include:
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Shivering
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Moving slowly or stiffly
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Lifting paws off the ground
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Whining or seeking shelter
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Curling up tightly
If you’re bundling up, your pet probably should too.
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Be Careful With Winter Chemicals
Snow and ice often come with hidden dangers. Salt, ice melt, antifreeze, and other winter chemicals can be toxic if ingested. Clean up spills promptly, store products securely, and avoid areas heavily treated with chemicals during walks when possible.
After outdoor time, always wipe down your pet’s paws and fur to prevent them from licking harmful residues once back inside.
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Keep Pets Comfortable Indoors
Cold weather can worsen joint pain and stiffness, especially in pets with arthritis or mobility issues. Limit time outdoors during extreme cold and provide warm, soft resting areas off the floor and away from drafts. Extra blankets and sunny spots in the house can make a big difference.
If your pet hasn’t been diagnosed with joint issues but you notice limping, stiffness, difficulty jumping, excessive licking at joints, or behavior changes during colder months, it may be time for a veterinary visit.
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Watch Out for Outdoor Cats
During cold nights, stray and feral cats often seek warmth by climbing into car engine compartments or wheel wells. Before starting your car in winter, bang on the hood or honk the horn to give any hidden animals a chance to move to safety.
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Keep Pets Inside Whenever Possible
The safest place for pets during winter weather is indoors. Extended exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to hypothermia or frostbite. Remember that cars are just as dangerous in winter as they are in summer—parked vehicles cool rapidly and can trap cold air, putting pets at serious risk.
A good rule of thumb: if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet.
Need Help Preparing Your Pet for Winter?
Cold weather and winter storms can be unpredictable, but preparation makes all the difference. If you’d like guidance on winter safety, managing arthritis, anxiety, or putting together a pet emergency kit, we’re here to help.
Give us a call—we’re happy to make sure your pets stay safe, warm, and healthy all winter long. ❄️🐾
- The Doctor's & Staff at Flowery Branch Animal Hospital