Cold Weather Safety for Dogs and Cats

Authors: Sara Tomis and Mary Ellen Welch
sara.tomis@uconn.edu

Reviewers:

Publication EXT215 | July 2026

https://doi.org/10.61899/ucext.v3.215.2026

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Introduction

Companion pets, including dogs and cats, must be kept safe and warm when it is cold outside. Cold winter temperatures can create several risks for your pet’s health, including hypothermia (a dangerous decrease in body temperature) and frostbite (causing body tissues to freeze and become damaged).

In addition, food and water that has frozen outside can make it challenging for pets to receive the nutrients and hydration they need to stay additionally healthy and warm. Pets can also be struck by falling trees, limbs, and windswept objects during winter storms.

Keep in mind that senior pets, small animals, and those with medical conditions may be especially impacted by low temperatures.

Best Practices

There are several steps you can take to keep your pets safe and healthy during cold weather:

  • Do not leave dogs or cats outside during severe weather, including extreme cold, snow, sleet, thundersnow, ice and winds. Limit their time outside when the temperature drops below 32°F;
  • Do not permit pets to drink or consume any winter-related chemicals, including antifreeze and ice-melt products. Antifreeze is toxic to animals and can cause death;
  • Know the signs of hypothermia, including shivering, weakness, pale gums, and confusion. Wind and water can intensify cold temperatures, and make the risk for hypothermia higher. Severe hypothermia can cause death in pets. If you suspect hypothermia, contact your veterinary professional as soon as possible;
  • Know the signs of frostbite, including coldness, pain, and discoloration of the skin. The skin may look gray or blue before progressing to redness and blistering if the pet is brought into warmer temperatures. As the tissue becomes damaged and dies, the skin may become black. Affected skin can become infected. Younger and diabetic animals are at increased risk for frostbite;
  • During and after a winter storm, use a leash or harness to accompany your pets outside to do their business. Do not let them run loose! Pets may be unfamiliar with the lack of typical scents and become confused or run away. Avoid icy spots that could create risks of falling for you and your pet;
  • When you return inside, dry off wet pets with a clean towel. Check for and gently remove any compacted ice from your pet’s paws. If your pets have walked on any ice-melt products, you should also wipe off their paws to avoid irritation or ingestion by licking;
  • Designate a quiet area where you feed your pets on schedule. Ensure they have access to fresh water and a safe, comfortable place to relax such as a blanket, bed, cushion, or rug. Cats should have a private area for their litter box;
  • Strange weather sounds from outside can make some pets anxious. Keep your pet in your company, and check on them to reassure them. Anxiety vests may help calm them, and having favorite toys handy and play with your pet if they are up for it can help alleviate anxiety as well;
  • Cats outside may be attracted to the shelter offered by a parked car. Make plenty of noise before starting the vehicle to give them a chance to exit;
  • In advance of storms - In case you lose power and need to move to a heated place, have a seven-day pet emergency kit prepared, for each pet, packed with all the necessities for your dog or cat.

Emergency Kit for Cats

  • Care and feeding instructions;
  • Water and pet food for several days;
  • Bowls for water and food;
  • Can opener;
  • Medicine with your pet’s name on the container;
  • Copy of current vaccination records and rabies certificate;
  • Copy of adoption papers;
  • Collar with identification tags;
  • Carrier that cats can stand up tall inside and turn around, with their name on it;
  • Towels, cushion, and pet pads;
  • Litter and litter box;
  • Photos of you and your pet in case you get separated, which will help to identify that the animal belongs to you.

Emergency Kit for Dogs

  • Care and feeding instructions;
  • Water and pet food for seven days;
  • Bowls for water and food;
  • Can opener;
  • Medicine with your pet’s name on the container;
  • Copy of current vaccination records and rabies certificate;
  • Copy of adoption papers;
  • Collar with identification tags;
  • Crate that dogs can stand up tall inside and turn around with their name on it;
  • Harness, leash, towels, cushion, and pet pads;
  • Bags for dog waste;
  • Photos of you and your pet in case you get separated, which will help to identify that the animal belongs to you;
  • Anxiety vest that fits them.

Pet First Aid Kit

  • Your veterinarian's contact information;
  • Microchip ID number;
  • Toys.

Conclusion

Pets cannot advocate for themselves when they are cold. Take steps to minimize their exposure to freezing temperatures, and keep them dry. Watch pets for signs of hypothermia, including shivering and exhaustion, as well as signs of frostbite, including evidence of painful extremities (i.e., nose, ears, paws) and gray skin.

Contact a veterinary professional for concerns about your animal’s health.

Resources

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (n.d.). Cold weather safety tips. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cold-weather-safety-tips

American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Cold weather animal safety. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/cold-weather-animal-safety

Coates, J. (2026, January 23). Hypothermia in dogs. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/dog-hypothermia

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. (n.d.). Winter pet safety tips. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/winter-pet-safety-tips

Sulik, K. (2022, October 21). Frostbite in dogs. https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/common-emergencies/e_dg_frostbite

Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2025, January 6). When is it too cold for your pet? https://hospital.vetmed.wsu.edu/2025/01/06/when-is-it-too-cold-for-your-pet/

Yelinek, D. B. (n.d.). Disaster preparedness for the pet owner. Animal Health Foundation Redondo Shores Veterinary Center. https://www.animalhealthfoundation.org/downloads/Disaster-Preparedness-For-The-Pet-Owner.pdf

The information in this document is for educational purposes only. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of publication. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. UConn Extension does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available. The University of Connecticut, UConn Extension, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.