Cold Weather Safety for Pets: How to Protect Your Dog or Cat During Winter

Cold temperatures, wind, rain, and sudden weather changes can pose serious risks to pets, even in the Lowcountry. While winters in Mount Pleasant are generally mild, cold snaps, freezing rain, and damp conditions can still impact your pet’s health and safety.

At Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital, we want pet parents to feel confident keeping their dogs and cats safe, warm, and healthy all winter long. Understanding cold-weather risks and taking simple precautions can help prevent illness, injury, and discomfort during the colder months.

Cold Weather Safety for Pets: Why Winter Precautions Matter

Many pet owners assume cold weather only affects pets in northern climates, but dogs and cats here in South Carolina can still be vulnerable to winter-related health issues.

Cold weather can increase the risk of:

  • Hypothermia and frostbite
  • Arthritis flare-ups and joint pain
  • Respiratory illness
  • Dry, cracked paws and skin
  • Exposure to toxic antifreeze

Puppies, kittens, senior pets, small breeds, short-haired pets, and those with chronic conditions are especially sensitive to cold temperatures. Taking preventive steps helps ensure your pet stays comfortable and healthy throughout the season.

Cold weather can worsen arthritis symptoms. Get ahead of your pet’s discomfort and learn more about arthritis in this short video:

Cold Weather Safety for Pets: Outdoor Protection Tips

Even if your pet enjoys being outdoors, winter weather can make outdoor time unsafe if precautions aren’t taken.

Tips for protecting pets outside include:

  • Limit outdoor time during cold, windy, or wet weather
  • Use sweaters or jackets for short-haired or small dogs
  • Wipe paws after walks to remove ice, salt, and chemicals
  • Check paws regularly for cracks, redness, or irritation
  • Never leave pets unattended outdoors in cold weather

Cats should be kept indoors whenever possible during winter, as outdoor cats face increased risks from freezing temperatures, cars, and wildlife seeking shelter.

Cold Weather Safety for Pets: Indoor Winter Hazards to Watch For

Staying indoors doesn’t eliminate winter risks. Cold-weather months often introduce new household hazards for pets.

Be mindful of:

  • Space heaters and fireplaces can cause burns. Avoid using heating pads, as they can cause burns.
  • Electrical cords from heating devices
  • Antifreeze spills, which are highly toxic even in small amounts
  • Increased dryness from indoor heating, leading to skin irritation

Provide warm, draft-free sleeping areas and keep your pet’s bedding clean and dry to help regulate body temperature.

Cold Weather Safety for Pets: Health & Wellness Considerations

Winter weather can affect your pet’s overall health, especially pets with pre-existing conditions.

Important winter wellness tips:

  • Maintain regular exercise to prevent weight gain
  • Monitor senior pets for stiffness or difficulty moving
  • Ensure pets stay hydrated despite cooler temperatures
  • Keep up with parasite prevention, fleas and ticks can survive year-round

If your pet shows signs of lethargy, shivering, coughing, limping, or changes in appetite, schedule a veterinary visit promptly.

Cold Weather Safety for Pets: Your Trusted Winter Care Partner

At Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital, we’re committed to keeping your pets safe and healthy in every season. From wellness exams and arthritis management to nutritional counseling and preventive care, our team is here to support your pet through winter and beyond.

If you have questions about cold weather safety for pets or notice changes in your dog or cat during colder months, call us at (843) 884-4921 or request an appointment online.

Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital is proud to be part of Animal Hospitals of the Lowcountry, a family-owned network of practices, including:

  • Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital: South Mount Pleasant, SC (Coleman Blvd & Old Village)
  • Shuler Veterinary Clinic: Central Mount Pleasant, SC (Town Center)
  • Safe Harbor Animal Hospital: North Mount Pleasant, SC (Hwy 41)

Together, we’re dedicated to protecting Lowcountry pets year-round, keeping them warm, safe, and thriving no matter the weather.