Cold Season Safety Tips For Dogs: Keep Your Pup Safe This Winter

By Norma Jeanne Laurette

Introduction

​As temperatures drop, many guardians bundle their dogs up in cozy coats and boots however, with cold weather comes serious risks other than discomfort. Hypothermia, frostbite and chemical exposure are just some of the threats dogs face during the winter months. Understanding potential dangers and taking preventive measures can help keep our dogs safe, warm and healthy throughout the winter season.

This Ice

​Unfortunately, I was part of the search party that eventually recovered a dog that had disappeared after falling through thin ice a month earlier. He and his family were student  in my classes and the loss was heartbreaking. It’s an experience no guardian should ever have to endure.

Thin ice poses a serious danger to dogs, especially during winter walks near frozen ponds, lakes or rivers. Their curiosity and high energy can cause them to chase birds, squirrels or tossed toys onto surfaces that may look solid but can’t support their weight. When the ice gives way, dogs fall into freezing water where hypothermia can develop within minutes, quickly draining them of their strength and making it difficult for even strong swimmers to find the opening they fell through. Panic often ensures, causing the dog to claw at the ice while exhausting themselves. Their coats become heavy and waterlogged, making escape even more difficult.

Attempts by guardians to rescue their dogs can be extremely dangerous as well, since they also risk falling through the ice. These incidents happen every single year, which is why dogs should always remain on leash near frozen bodies of water and why toys should never be thrown onto the ice no matter how solid it may appear. It’s just not worth the risk! After rescuing a dog that has fallen through the ice, it’s important to start hypothermia treatment right away as it could make the difference between life and death.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when a dog’s body temperature falls below the normal range of 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.3 to 39.2 degrees Celsius. Hypothermia can develop due to prolonged exposure to cold air, wind, wet conditions or extended periods of time in cold water. Small breeds, shorthaired dogs, puppies and seniors are especially vulnerable because they lose heat more quickly. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, lethargy, stiffness, weak pulse and in severe cases, collapse. Without quick intervention, hypothermia can progress to organ failure and death R1.

Treatment for Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary care while gently re-warming the dog. Move the dog to a warm, dry environment, remove any wet coats, boots or collars and thoroughly dry the dog’s coat. Wrap the dog in blankets or towels that have been warmed (not hot) in the dryer. Place wrapped warm water bottles (not hot) against the groin, armpits and abdomen R5 R6. Never use electric heating pads or unwrapped heat sources directly against the skin. You can also use your own body heat by holding the dog against you inside your jacket or a blanket. Do not place the dog directly in front of a space heater, fireplace or high-heat source – instead use circulated warm air in the room or car. A constantly moving hair dryer on the low/warm setting held at least 12 inches away from the dog can also help R5 R7.
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Never submerge the dog in warm or hot water and never rub or massage limbs vigorously as this can cause re-warming shock or drive cold blood to the heart R6 R8. Never give anything by mouth if the dog is unconscious or severely lethargic to avoid the risk of aspiration. Re-warm gradually and if possible, monitor rectal temperature every 10 to 15 minutes while transporting to the vet (R8). Even dogs that appear to be improving require immediate veterinary evaluation due to the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, reperfusion injury and coagulopathies R6 R8.

Frost Bite

Frostbite is another serious concern and can affect exposed areas such as ears, tail, paws, nose and scrotum – areas where blood flow naturally decreases in cold weather. Ice crystals can form within the tissues causing damage at the cellular level that may not be immediately visible. Signs often appear hours later and include pale or greyish skin that becomes red, swollen and painful when thawed. Severe cases can lead to tissue death or even amputation R2. Dogs with short coats or low body fat that experience prolonged exposure to snow, ice or freezing rain are at greater risk.

Treatment for Suspected Frostbite

Treatment For Suspected Frost BiteSuspected frostbite in dogs must be handled very differently than human frostbite in that you must never rub or massage the area or apply direct heat. Instead, immediately move the dog to a warm (not hot) environment to prevent further exposure to the cold. Do not rub or massage the affected areas, as ice crystals in the tissue will cause severe damage R9 R10. Gently dry the areas if wet, but otherwise leave them alone until you reach a veterinarian. Do not apply heat directly to the suspected frostbitten parts of the body as warming the frost bitten areas without supporting the core temperature can trigger re-warming shock and massive tissue sloughing R11. Offer small amounts of room-temperature water or electrolyte solution if the dog is alert and able to swallow normally. Transport to a veterinary clinic as quickly as possible for necessary care. Only give pain relief if veterinary recommended as many pain meds are toxic for dogs. In severe cases, surgical debridement or amputation may be required weeks later R9 R12.

Never Do The Following At Home
​

• Never rub or massage frostbitten tissue
• Never apply cold or direct heat (hair dryers, heating pads, fireplaces, etc.)
• Never use alcohol or peroxide on the skin
• Never break blisters if they form

Be aware that even mild frostbite can result in loss of ear tips or tail tips days to weeks later R10.

Antifreeze

Aside from temperature-related issues, winter also comes with harmful chemical hazards. Antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol has a sweet smell and taste that can attract dogs. Even small amounts ingested are highly toxic and can cause rapid kidney failure.

Treatment For Antifreeze Poisoning​

Suspected antifreeze poisoning is a life-threatening emergency, as survival depends on treatment within the first few hours after ingestion. If you even suspect your dog has licked or swallowed antifreeze (such as from fluorescent green puddles, drunk behavior, vomiting, etc.), do not wait to see if the symptoms get worse. Immediately contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control centre and get to an emergency clinic as quickly as possible R13 R14. ASPCA: 888-426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661

Do not induce vomiting at home unless a poison-control veterinarian instructs you to do so, and only within the first 30 to 60 minutes. You must have 3% hydrogen peroxide and use the exact dose they recommend. After about one hour, inducing vomiting is ineffective and increases the risk of aspiration R15.

Offer small amounts of water or milk only if your dog is fully alert and able to swallow normally. Never force fluids into the dog, especially if it’s seizing or unconscious. Transport your dog safely (in a crate or secured in the vehicle) and keep it warm and quiet on the way to the veterinarian.

At the veterinary hospital, treatment within the critical 8 to 12 hour window will include IV fluids, an antidote or ethanol infusion, blood work to monitor kidneys, and in severe cases hemodialysis R13 R16. After 12 to 24 hours, irreversible kidney failure is likely even with treatment. Many pet-safe antifreezes contain propylene glycol, which is far less toxic, but never assume it’s safe and always treat any antifreeze exposure as though its not until proven otherwise R17.

Ice Salt

Rock salt and commercial ice melting salts can irritate or burn paw pads leading to dryness, cracking or chemical burns. Dogs can also ingest these substances when licking their paws, increasing the risk of illness R3. Symptoms include excessive drooling, vomiting, blood in the vomit, diarrhea, mouth and/or throat burns or ulcers.

Treatment For Ice Salt Injuries

Suspected ice salt injury or ingestion requires immediate first aid followed by veterinary evaluation only in moderate to severe cases.

Paw Pad Irritation, Cracking or Chemical BurnsRemove the dog from the salted surface, gently rinse the paws for 5 to 10 minutes in lukewarm (not hot) water to remove all salt crystals, then gently pat dry and apply a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly. Do not use human lotions or hydrogen peroxide R18 R19. Prevent licking by using an Elizabethan cone collar and/or sock bootie to cover the affected paw.

Suspected Ingestion

If you notice symptoms such as excessive drooling, vomiting, extreme thirst, wobbly gait, tremors or seizures, offer small amounts of water frequently to encourage slow dilution, but do not force large amounts of water at one time or allow free access to water, as rapid drinking can cause fatal brain swelling. Contact your veterinarian or poison control center immediately and head to a vet clinic if any neurological signs appear R20 R21. Bloodwork to check sodium and electrolyte levels and IV fluid therapy are often required as rapid correction of hypernatremia is dangerous and must be done slowly under veterinary supervision R22.

Frozen Surfaces

​Sharp ice, frozen surfaces and hard compact snow can contribute to cuts, abrasions and split paw pads.

Treatment For Frozen Surface Paw Injuries

Frozen surface paw injuries such as ice cuts, snow or ice build up between the toes, or abrasions from rough frozen ground require prompt but gentle first aid. Immediately remove the dog from the frozen surface and prevent it from continuing to walk on ice or crusted snow. Check between the toes and remove packed ice or snow gently with lukewarm water. Never pull or pry at the frozen clumps as this can tear the skin. Rinse all four paws in lukewarm (not hot) water for 5 to10 minutes to clean the grit, road salt and melt any remaining ice, then carefully pat them dry R23 R24.

Do not apply direct heat, rub vigorously or use hair dryers close to the skin. Instead apply a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly and cover the paw with a loose, clean non-stick pad and light sock bootie. Prevent licking by using an Elizabethan cone collar to cover the affected paw. Only give pain relief if veterinary recommended as many pain meds are toxic for dogs. For deep cracks, limping, pale blue or black pads, swelling or if bleeding won’t stop, contact your vet as these could indicate frostbite or lacerations requiring antibiotics, pain control or surgery R25 R26.

Cold Cars

​Never leave a dog unattended in a vehicle during the winter as cars can quickly become dangerously cold, functioning like refrigerators R4. If hypothermia is suspected, follow the treatment plan on page 2.

Safety Precautions

​To prevent these dangers, limit your dog’s outdoor time during extreme cold and keep them on leash around any bodies of water. Use dog coats when suitable as well as pet-safe boots or paw balms to protect sensitive pads. For dogs that need to stay outdoors such as working herders, provide insulated or preferably heated shelter. Thoroughly dry your dog after coming in from the snow, slush or freezing rain, paying special attention to the paws, tail and belly. Check your yard and driveway regularly for antifreeze leaks, be aware of the environment while walking your dog and always be sure to choose pet-safe de-icers whenever possible. Monitor your dog closely for any signs of discomfort or injury and take immediate action if any symptoms occur.

Summary

​By staying vigilant and proactive, guardians can help ensure that winter remains a safe and enjoyable season for everyone involved, including their dogs.

References

R1: American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Cold weather animal safety. AVMA. Brief guidance on recognising and preventing weather-related
R2: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (n.d.). Cold weather safety tips. ASPCA. Overview of frostbite and hypothermia prevention for companion animals.
R3: Pet Poison Helpline. (n.d.). Antifreeze poisoning in dogs. Pet Poison Helpline. Information on ethylene glycol toxicity and emergency treatment.
R4: Humane Society of the United States. (n.d.). Keep pets safe in the cold. HSUS. General winter safety recommendations for dog owners.
R5: Plunkett SJ. Emergency Procedures for the Small Animal Veterinarian, 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2014: 346–348.
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R7: American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. “First Aid for Hypothermia in Dogs.” Accessed Dec 2025. https://www.acvecc.org
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Brant SM (eds). Small Animal Toxicology Essentials. Wiley-Blackwell; 2022: 298–301.
R21: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. “Ice Melts and Rock Salt Toxicity in Pets.” Updated 2025. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
R22: Tello LH, Rozanski EA. “Management of hypernatremia in dogs and cats” in Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2021;51(3):595–604.
R22: Tello LH, Rozanski EA. “Management of hypernatremia in dogs and cats” in Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2021;51(3):595–604.
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R25: Tobias KM, Johnston SA. “Frostbite and cold-induced injury of the distal extremities” in Veterinary Surgery: Small Animal, 2nd ed. Elsevier; 2018: 2145–2147.
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Photo By Norma Jeanne Laurette