Winter Wellness Checklist: Keep Your Pet Safe All Season

Winter can be magical for pets: fresh snow to explore, cozy blankets by the fire, but it also brings hidden risks. Cold temperatures, ice, holiday foods, and shorter days all affect your pet’s health and behavior. With a few simple habits, you can keep your dog or cat comfortable, safe, and thriving all season long.​

Hydration, Nutrition, and Weight

Even in cold weather, pets can get dehydrated. Dry indoor air and frozen outdoor water bowls mean they need reliable access to fresh, unfrozen water at all times. Check bowls frequently, especially for outdoor pets, and clean them regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.​

Many pets are less active in winter, so watch their weight closely. Some dogs that spend more time outdoors may need extra calories, while mostly indoor pets often need smaller portions. Talk with your veterinary team about adjusting the type or amount of food, and use measured feedings instead of “free feeding” to avoid slow, unnoticed weight gain.​

Cold, Frostbite, and Hypothermia

If it feels too cold for you, it is often too cold for your pet. Limit outdoor time when temperatures drop, especially for small breeds, short-coated dogs, senior pets, and those with chronic illnesses. Shivering, lifting paws off the ground, whining, or trying to turn back toward home are all signs it is time to go inside.​

Frostbite most often affects ears, paws, and tail. Skin that looks pale, gray, or very cold to the touch can be a warning sign. Do not rub or apply direct heat; instead, gently warm your pet with blankets and contact a veterinarian. Hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature) can cause lethargy, confusion, and collapse, and always warrants immediate emergency care.​

Paw Protection and Ice Hazards

Sidewalk salt, de-icers, and sharp ice can cause painful paw injuries. Rinse or wipe your dog’s feet after each walk, paying attention to the spaces between the toes, then dry thoroughly. Many pets benefit from paw balm or protective booties to reduce cracking and chemical irritation.​

Avoid letting dogs run on frozen lakes, ponds, or rivers. Ice can be thinner than it looks, and falls through ice are life-threatening for both pets and people trying to rescue them. Slippery surfaces also increase the risk of sprains, strains, and fractures, especially in older dogs. Keeping walks shorter and on cleared, known paths lowers the chance of injury.​

Indoor Comfort and Enrichment

Winter usually means more time indoors, which can lead to boredom and stress if pets do not get enough enrichment. Rotate toys, introduce puzzle feeders or snuffle mats, and schedule short play or training sessions throughout the day to keep their mind and body active. This is especially important for high-energy breeds and young animals.​

Provide a warm, draft-free sleeping area away from cold floors and doors. Senior pets and those with arthritis often appreciate orthopedic beds and non-slip rugs on hard floors. If you use sweaters or jackets, make sure they fit well, do not rub the skin, and stay dry; a wet coat can make your pet colder, not warmer.​

Holiday Food and Toxin Safety

Holiday gatherings can be dangerous for pets that love to counter-surf or raid the trash. Chocolate, xylitol (in sugar-free gums and some baked goods), alcohol, onions, garlic, and very fatty foods can all cause serious or life-threatening illness. Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, tremors, agitation, or sudden weakness after eating something unusual are red flags for possible poisoning.​

Keep trash cans secured, ask guests not to feed table scraps, and store snacks and leftovers well out of reach. Human medications, antifreeze, and some ice-melting products are also toxic if ingested. If you suspect your pet has eaten something harmful, call a veterinarian or poison hotline and head to emergency care rather than waiting to “see if they get better.” Early treatment often leads to better outcomes.​

When Winter Symptoms Are an Emergency

Dogs can get hypothermia and frostbite just like humans. Puppies, senior dogs, and short-coated breeds are Some signs need immediate veterinary evaluation and should not be monitored at home. Seek urgent care right away if your pet has:

• Pale gums, collapse, or sudden severe weakness
• Difficulty breathing, choking, or blue-tinged gums or tongue
• Repeated vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or a swollen, painful abdomen
• Trauma from a vehicle, fall, or animal attack
• Inability to urinate or obvious pain when trying to urinate

Trust your instincts; if your pet looks seriously unwell or “just not right,” it is safer to have them checked as soon as possible.​

Where Round-the-Clock Help Fits In

Good winter planning combines prevention, smart home routines, and knowing where to go in a crisis. Regular checkups, safe walks, and toxin-proofed homes reduce risk, but emergencies can still happen. For pet owners in Alaska, Tier 1 Veterinary Medical Center in Palmer offers full-service emergency and ICU-level care 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with advanced imaging, in-house diagnostics, and overnight hospitalization for critically ill or injured pets. Our round-the-clock team is ready to stabilize emergencies, monitor complex cases, and support your pet through recovery whenever the unexpected happens. So keep our contact close by and never worry who to call in case of an emergency.