AVMA PET SAFETY INFORMATION TIPS

COLD WEATHER HAZARDS

Take steps to ensure your pets health during cold weather.

BE PREPARED:

• Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s risks in cold weather

• Have an emergency kit that includes your pet’s needs in case of severe weather or prolonged power outage

• If your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by cold, consider a sweater or dog coat

• Consider booties for your dog’s feet; make sure they fit!

• Ensure outdoor pets have insulated shelter and unfrozen drinking water. In extreme cold, even outdoor pets should stay inside

KNOW YOUR PET’S LIMITS:

• Know your pet’s tolerance for the cold; adjust accordingly

• Shorten walks in very cold weather

• Contact your veterinarian if your pet is shivering or extremely lethargic after being out in the cold

AVOID INJURY/POISONING:

• Check under your car, bang the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine

• Use pet-safe de-icing products

• Clean up any antifreeze spills quickly

• Stay away from frozen ponds, lakes and streams

• Only take your pet in the car when absolutely necessary. Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle

• Check your dog’s paws frequently for signs of irritation or injury

• Wipe down or wash your pet’s feet, legs and belly to remove packed snow, ice, salt and de-icing chemicals after walks

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WARM WEATHER HAZARDS

Keep your pets safe during hot weather.

Ask your veterinarian how to recognize signs of heat stress, and seek emergency veterinary care

if you observe any of these signs:

• Anxiousness

• Excessive panting

• Restlessness

• Excessive drooling

• Unsteadiness

• Abnormal gum and tongue color

• Collapse

BE PREPARED:

• Talk to your veterinarian about warm weather risks for pets (and travel safety if you plan to travel with a pet)

• Make sure your pets have unlimited access to fresh water, and access to shade when outside

• Keep your pet free of parasites that are more common during warm weather, such as fleas, ticks and heartworm

KEEP PETS AT HOME:

• Provide different temperature zones within your house for your pet’s comfort

• Never leave a pet in the car, even in the shade or with windows cracked. Cars can overheat quickly to deadly

temperatures, even when the weather isn’t severe

KEEP THEM COMFORTABLE:

• If it’s hot outside for you, it’s even hotter for your pet

• Take walks, hikes or runs during the cooler hours of the day

• Avoid hot surfaces, such as asphalt, that can burn your pet’s paws

• Ask your veterinarian if your pet would benefit from a warm-weather haircut or sunscreen

IF YOU WALK, HIKE OR RUN WITH YOUR PET:

• Consult your veterinarian prior to starting an exercise program for your pet. Overweight pets and short-nosed

dog breeds have higher risk of problems with warm weather exercise

• Don’t walk, run or hike with a dog during the hottest parts of the day or on particularly warm days

• Take frequent breaks, and take enough water for yourself and your dog

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Questions or Concerns? Ask us; we are always happy to help!

AVMA.org/PetHealth

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