Short days and long, cold nights make winter the season of snuggling with your four-legged companions. But in some cases, cold weather brings about hazards that can be very dangerous for your pets.
What can pet owners do to keep their pets safe? Here's what you need to know, as shared by the experts at Nationwide VetHelpline®, powered by FirstVet.
Dogs can slip and hurt themselves on icy surfaces just like humans, so check the ground and any stairs for slippery spots before heading out for a walk or into the backyard. Keep them leashed around any ponds, creeks or waterways to avoid falling through or being cut by ice. If you're going for a jog or letting them play off-leash, make sure your dog has warmed up their muscles before releasing them to avoid sprains and strains due to misplaced steps.
Older dogs, especially those with joint pain, can struggle more in the cold and damper weather. It may be best to monitor them closely on walks and use a leash when it is most slippery outside to prevent them from taking painful slides.
Also, be mindful to wash your pet’s paws after a walk to remove road salt, which can cause stinging and cracked paws. Be sure to dry your dog thoroughly afterwards.
Windshield deicing agents and automotive radiator coolant (antifreeze) are the most common sources of ethylene glycol. This odorless, colorless liquid is highly toxic to pets, and ingesting a small amount of this toxin can have life threatening consequences for a dog or cat.
When out on walking your dog, keep an eye out for bright green puddles in driveways, sidewalks and parking lots. At home, keep close watch for leaks coming from your own vehicle, and keep toxic chemicals stored properly in garages, basements and sheds where cats may shelter from the cold. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Frostbite occurs when your pet’s body gets cold and blood from the extremities is pulled to the center of the body to retain warmth. When this occurs, the temperature in those extremities causes permanent damage the tissue. Frostbite may not be immediately noticeable, and tissue damage typically appears several days later. It’s most common on the tips of ears, toes, noses and tails.
Take preventive measures and check your pet’s extremities daily. Dogs can easily get compacted dirt and debris—or compacted ice and snow—between their toes or lumps of snow in their fur, all which can be easily removed by rinsing with lukewarm water. If you suspect frostbite, don’t try to remove the ice crystals—take your pet to your veterinarian immediately.
Hypothermia occurs when your pet’s body temperature falls below normal. Pets who spend a sustained amount of time outdoors, especially those in poor health, are most affected. Even just sitting still in a cold car for a long time can cause a dog's body temperature to drop quickly.
Hypothermia can be very dangerous for pets, just like humans. Keep them safe by keeping them warm:
Signs of hypothermia include: Shivering, cold extremities, lethargy, weakness and unresponsiveness.
If you notice these symptoms, wrap your pet in blankets to slowly heat them up, possibly with a hot water bottle or electric blanket (always wrap your heat source in fabric to prevent burning the skin). Never plunge your pet into hot water when they’re experiencing hypothermia. In the most severe cases, your veterinarian can monitor her heart rate and blood pressure and give warm fluids through an IV.
Remember, if it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your pet!
Have a question about your pet's health? Nationwide VetHelpline® licensed veterinary professionals are available to talk 24/7 about specific health concerns or general advice. Download the VetHelpline app from the App Store or Google Play—it’s included with every Nationwide pet insurance policy!
Updated February 2025.
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new pet
