--- title: Winter weather safety tips for pet owners description: Check out some of our best tips for keeping your pet safe this winter season image: https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Highfive-1.jpg --- [![Nationwide Logo](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Image%201@2x.png)](https://companionpetmagazine.com/) ![The Companion Magazine Logo](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/commpasslogo.jpg) - [The Companion Magazine](https://companionpetmagazine.com) - [Previous Issues](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/previous) - Topics - [Member stories](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/member-stories) - [Research data](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/research-data) - [Pet care](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/pet-care) - [Extra treats](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/extra-treats) - [Promotions](https://companionpetmagazine.com/promotions) - [Member Perks](https://companionpetmagazine.com/member-perks) [Winter 2025](https://companionpetmagazine.com/topic/winter-2025) # Winter weather safety tips for pet owners Watch out for these wintertime pet hazards ![Picture of By Nationwide](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/NWLogos_Vert_NW_3C.svg) [By Nationwide](https://companionpetmagazine.com/author/about-us) - - - 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®](https://www.petinsurance.com/usevethelpline/), powered by FirstVet. ## Walk carefully 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. ## Avoid antifreeze 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. ## Examine extremities 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. ## Stay warm 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: - Save walks for mid-day when temperatures are warmer - Dress smaller or thin-coated breeds in a sweater or jacket - Move pet beds away from drafts, cold tile or uncarpeted floor 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! ## Connect with a vet professional from anywhere 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](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nationwide-vethelpline/id1515301514) or [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nationwide.vethelpline)—it’s included with every Nationwide pet insurance policy!   | [![Google Play Store](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gplay1.png?width=200&height=59&name=Gplay1.png)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nationwide.vethelpline) | [![Apple App Store](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AppStore1.png?width=200&height=59&name=AppStore1.png)](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nationwide-vethelpline/id1515301514) | | --- | --- |   Updated February 2025. ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Cat%20Health%20Month%20Article%20-%20Cat%20Vet.jpg) ### VetHelpline Nationwide® pet insurance members have 24/7 telehealth access to connect with veterinary professionals for pet health advice. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play—it’s included with every Nationwide pet insurance policy! [Get advice](https://www.petinsurance.com/usevethelpline/) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet 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 pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/winter-2022/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet 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. 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Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/winter-2022/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet 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 pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/winter-2022/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet 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. 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Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/winter-2022/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet 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 pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/winter-2022/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet 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. 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Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/winter-2022/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet 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 pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/winter-2022/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet 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 pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/winter-2022/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet 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 pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/winter-2022/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet 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 pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/winter-2022/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet 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 pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/winter-2022/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet 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 pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/winter-2022/my.petinsurance.com) [Winter 2022](https://companionpetmagazine.com/topic/winter-2022) [Pet care](https://companionpetmagazine.com/topic/pet-care) ## Check out some of our other posts! ### [2025 pet gift guide: Best picks for the holidays](https://companionpetmagazine.com/2025-pet-gift-guide) Celebrate the season with gifts that combine health, sustainability, and fun for your ... ### [Making a paw-sitive impact at Nationwide Children’s Hospital](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2025/making-a-paw-sitive-impact-at-nationwide-childrens-hospital) Dogs are our steadfast companions through thick and thin. They’re also good for our ... ### [Letter from the Pet-itor: New Year’s edition](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2025/letter-from-the-pet-itor) Can you hear the first notes of Auld Lang Syne ringing in your head already? 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