Got pets? Here’s how to protect them during wintry weather

Published on January 09, 2024

With temperatures expected to drop in the coming days, Fort Worth Animal Care & Control offers this cold-weather checklist to help keep our furry family members safe:

1. Bring ALL pets inside when it's below 20 degrees.
2. For puppies, kittens and shorthaired pets, bring them inside when it's below 35 degrees. Use coats, sweaters or indoor training pads. If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them!
3. Groom longhaired pets to maintain warmth; avoid heavy matting, which hinders insulation.
4. Provide shelter for outside pets that’s elevated off the ground with three enclosed sides and ample bedding.
5. Choose a snug pet house for better heat retention; larger spaces lose heat quickly.
6. Ensure access to fresh water using heated bowls to prevent freezing, as dehydration can lead to kidney failure.
7. Wipe paws exposed to melted ice to prevent blistering and ingestion of harmful chemicals; keep an eye out for signs of discomfort.
8. Keep cats indoors during extreme cold and check for them hiding under car hoods.
9. Leash dogs in cold weather to prevent accidents like falling through ice; ensure they wear ID tags.
10. Pets should NEVER be left alone in vehicles. Leaving a pet in a vehicle is dangerous and in cold weather it increases the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning or hypothermia.
11. Older pets may suffer more from arthritis during these months. Outdoor exposure should be limited during extreme weather.
12. Monitor pets around heat sources to prevent burns.
13. Antifreeze is poisonous to pets so watch for spills. Dilute with water, sweep away and cover with soil to prevent licking. If you suspect your pet has consumed any antifreeze at all, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Find more protective tips on the American Veterinary Medical Association webpage.

To report animals in distress, call 817-392-1234, email the Call Center or report the incident through the MyFW app.