Last winter, my neighbor rushed her cat to the emergency vet at 2 AM. The cat had been fine at dinner, but by midnight she was lethargic and vomiting. The culprit? She'd licked antifreeze off her paws after a quick trip outside.
Winter in New England brings hidden dangers that catch even experienced pet owners off guard. Here are 10 things you need to know to keep your pets safe when temperatures drop.
Antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts pets, but it's one of the most toxic substances they can encounter. Just a teaspoon can kill a cat, and a few tablespoons can kill a dog. The worst part? Symptoms might not show up immediately, but by the time they do, kidney damage has already started.
Clean up any green or pink puddles in your driveway or garage immediately. Consider switching to propylene glycol antifreeze, which is less toxic than ethylene glycol. If you even suspect your pet licked antifreeze, don't wait to see if symptoms develop. Contact your vet right away. This is a true emergency where every minute matters.
Outdoor and feral cats seek warmth wherever they can find it, and a car engine that was recently running is irresistible on a freezing morning. They crawl up into the engine compartment or wheel wells to stay warm.
Before starting your car on cold days, bang loudly on the hood a few times and honk your horn. Give any hidden cats a chance to escape. This five-second habit has saved countless lives. It might feel silly, but it's worth it.
Ice melt, rock salt, and de-icing chemicals do more than just melt ice. They burn and crack paw pads, and when your pet licks their paws afterward, these chemicals cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach irritation.
After every walk, wipe all four paws with a warm, damp cloth. Pay special attention between the toes where salt crystals get stuck. While you're at it, check for ice balls that form between paw pads. These aren't just annoying; they're genuinely painful. Some pet owners swear by paw balm applied before walks or booties for extra protection.
Everyone knows not to leave pets in hot cars during summer. But winter cars are just as dangerous. Vehicles trap cold air like refrigerators, and temperatures inside can drop quickly.
Even a "quick errand" can turn deadly. Small dogs, short-haired breeds, puppies, and senior pets are especially vulnerable. If you're going somewhere your pet can't come inside with you, leave them safe and warm at home.
Just because your cat stays inside doesn't mean they're safe from winter hazards. Cats are heat-seeking missiles, and they'll get dangerously close to any warm surface without understanding the risks.
Space heaters are especially dangerous. Cats curl up right next to them or knock them over, potentially starting fires. I learned this the hard way when my cat singed her whiskers getting too close to a candle. Now I'm paranoid about heat sources. Check your dryer before starting it, keep cats away from lit fireplaces, and never leave candles burning unattended.
Dogs and cats show clear signs when they're too cold, but many owners miss them until it's too late. Watch for shivering, whining, lifting paws repeatedly, slowing down, or actively looking for warm places to hide.
If you see any of these signs, get your pet inside immediately. Dry them off thoroughly and wrap them in blankets. Hypothermia can set in fast, especially for small breeds, senior pets, and short-haired animals.
Frostbite is trickier to spot. Affected areas like ear tips, paw pads, and tails turn pale or gray, then red and swollen as they warm up. The real damage might not be visible for several days. If you suspect frostbite or hypothermia, your pet needs sick care right away. Don't wait to see if they improve on their own.
Here's something that surprises most pet owners: winter affects how much your pet should eat, but it depends entirely on whether they're indoor or outdoor animals.
Outdoor pets burn significantly more calories just trying to stay warm. They might need 20 to 30 percent more food during cold months. Indoor pets are the opposite. With shorter days and colder weather, they exercise less and sleep more. Continuing to feed them the same amount can lead to winter weight gain that's hard to lose come spring.
Dehydration isn't just a summer problem. Outdoor water bowls freeze solid within hours on cold days, leaving your pet without access to water.
Check outdoor bowls multiple times daily and refresh them with warm water. Here's a tip most people don't know: switch to plastic bowls in winter. Metal bowls can get cold enough to freeze to your pet's tongue, causing serious injury.
New England winters mean walking your dog in complete darkness, both morning and evening. Add snow, sleet, or freezing rain, and you become invisible to drivers.
This isn't about being cautious. It's about survival. Invest in reflective gear: collars, leashes, and light-up vests for your dog. Wear reflective clothing yourself. Carry a bright flashlight, not just to see where you're walking, but to make sure drivers see you from a distance. These simple tools can prevent tragedies.
Cold weather doesn't just make pets uncomfortable. It can worsen existing health conditions and create new ones. Arthritis becomes more painful in cold weather. Dry indoor heating causes itchy, flaky skin. Reduced activity leads to weight gain and muscle loss in senior pets.
If your pet seems stiffer than usual, is scratching more, or is slowing down on walks, don't assume it's "just the cold." Reaching out to a vet near you helps identify underlying issues that winter weather might be making worse.
Winter safety isn't about wrapping your pet in bubble wrap. It's about knowing the risks and taking simple steps to protect them. The dangerous part? Many winter hazards are invisible until it's too late.
If you’re in Greater Boston and notice anything unusual about your pet this winter- limping after walks, excessive scratching, reluctance to go outside, or simply seeming “off”- trust your instincts. Even small changes can be a sign that something isn’t right.
Our team at Tandem Vet's Somerville clinic is here to help you figure out what's going on and keep your pet comfortable all season long. Book an appointment before small concerns turn into bigger problems.
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