Winter Weather Pet Care Tips

3 min read

May 05, 2023

With cold weather sweeping the nation, it can be important to remember the best ways to keep your pets safe. If at all possible, bring your pets indoors. The extreme cold can be dangerous for pets. Pet parents may need to take extra steps this winter to protect their furry friends, such as wiping pet's paws dry when they return home from the snow. All it requires is a safe and secure location in your house, garage or a barn with warm blankets and shelter from the wind.

Wipe Down Paws

Thoroughly wipe off your pet’s legs and stomach when they come in out of the sleet, snow or ice. They can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking their paws. These chemicals can also irritate their paws, causing excessive itching or irritation to the point of bleeding.

Speaking of antifreeze and other garage chemicals, these are hazardous to our pets and can cause death if ingested. Most of these chemicals do produce a sweet smell and do attract pets. If your pet has access to the garage, be sure all the chemicals are sealed tightly and out of reach of both dogs and cats. Also, check you cars for any leaks and if so, but sure to clean up.

Watch out for Cats

During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

Careful with Fire

In your home if you light a fire or plug in a space heater, remember this will bring out the curiosity in your pet. Be sure the pet stays a safe distance away from the flame or space heater and that their tails, whiskers and paws don’t get too close and cause injury. Also do not leave your pet unattended near these heat sources, especially space heaters that can be knocked over and become a potential fire hazard.

Perhaps the best tip of them all is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family over the course of this winter weather event. Dogs and cats are social animals and they want the love and attention of their pet parents. So while you snuggle up, invite your pet to join you.

Keep Emergency Numbers Handy

If your pet does become injured or sick as a result of this winter weather event, contact your veterinarian immediately. If your veterinarian doesn’t provide weekend or after hours services, have the number to a nearby 24-hour animal hospital or contact the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 (fees to apply for this service).

Consider Investing in Pet Insurance

Looking for more ways to keep your pets happy and healthy? Consider investing in a pet insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance.¹ Get your free quote today.

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Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.

¹ Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.

²Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC.