EN 
DE 
FR How do our four-legged friends stay healthy through winter?
-
By
Dr. med. vet. Sabina Büttner - Dec 11, 2018
Many dogs and cats love the snow. However, pet owners are often unsure how to protect their animals from cold and snow. We answer some frequently asked questions on this topic.
Do I need to put a coat on my dog in winter so he doesn't freeze?
Generally, dogs don't really need clothes. If they stay in constant motion during their walk, they won't freeze even in low temperatures. Nevertheless, it can sometimes be useful to protect your dog from cooling down with warming clothing: Especially dogs with little undercoat, old or sick animals, and dogs with short legs are sometimes not sufficiently protected from the cold in snow and ice. If the dog starts to shiver or alternately lift its legs, this is a sign that it is cold. A warming coat or sweater is then helpful.
Can cats stay outside in winter?
Outdoor cats develop a winter coat, which protects them quite well from the cold. Nevertheless, they should always be offered access to a warm, sheltered place. If it's bitterly cold outside, they will naturally seek out a cozy warm spot indoors.
How can I protect dog and cat paws from road salt?
Not only road salt, but also grit and small ice clumps can cause fine cracks in the paw pads and chafing between the toes. Therefore, before the walk, sensitive paws should be coated with a protective balm and rinsed with warm water after the walk. Particularly sensitive paws should be protected with shoes.
For cat paws, however, snow, grit, and road salt are not a problem. Because they are lighter than dogs, grit and ice clumps do not get pressed between their pads. And since they don't take long walks along roads and paths, they also come into less contact with salt.
Is eating snow harmful?
If dogs occasionally eat a few mouthfuls of snow, it is usually not a problem. However, if large quantities are consumed, this can lead to inflammation of the stomach lining. In such cases, the dog should be stopped beforehand. It is also important to prevent the ingestion of snow contaminated with road salt.
Cats don't eat snow – fortunately! We wouldn't be able to control our outdoor cats in this regard.
Useful information at a glance
Do I need to put a coat on my dog in winter to prevent them from freezing?
Generally, dogs do not need clothing as they keep warm through movement. However, a coat can be useful for dogs with little undercoat, old or sick animals, and dogs with short legs. Pay attention to whether your dog is shivering or lifting their paws – these are signs that they are cold and need a coat.
Can cats stay outside in winter?
Outdoor cats have a winter coat that protects them well from the cold. Nevertheless, you should always provide your cat with access to a warm, sheltered place. In very cold temperatures, they will naturally seek out a warm spot indoors.
How can I protect dog and cat paws from road salt?
Sensitive dog paws should be treated with a protective balm before walks and then rinsed with warm water. Particularly sensitive paws can be protected with shoes. Cat paws are less susceptible as they are lighter and come into less contact with road salt.
Is eating snow harmful?
Occasional snow eating is unproblematic for dogs. However, large quantities can cause gastritis. Prevent your dog from ingesting snow mixed with road salt. Cats generally do not eat snow, which makes control easier.
What should I do if my pet has health problems in winter?
Should your pet have health problems in winter, please contact your veterinarian immediately. For emergencies, you can also contact animal rescue or emergency phone numbers.
