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With winter comes colder temperatures and other hazards for pets. See our tips on how to protect your pet from the cold, darkness, and other seasonal dangers.
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Stay warm
All pets need extra care in particularly cold weather, but older pets and those with thin coats are especially vulnerable.
Signs your pet is too cold:
- Shaking or shivering
- Reluctance to walk
- Hunched posture
- Lifting paws off the ground
Keep them warm:
- Jackets, sweaters, and booties
- Bring outdoor pets inside
- Shorten walks for vulnerable pets
- Don’t leave pets in cars
Keep winter hazards out of paws’ reach
- Heaters that can be knocked over
- Rodent poisons
- Anti-freeze
- Holiday décor
- Toxic houseplants
- Holiday foods
- Wipe paws before coming inside to remove salt and chemicals
- Ice melt chemicals and salt
Be seen
With fewer hours of daylight, make sure pets can be seen in the dark with reflective collars/harnesses or flashing lights.
Watch out for warmth-seeking animals
Check under your car, and bang on the hood or honk the horn to awaken any animals that may have sought shelter there.
