Winter safety tips for pet owners after snow squalls hit the DMV area
Jan 03, 2025
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- Snow squalls hit the D.C. area and a whole lot more is forecasted to come in a couple of days.
Just like children enjoy the snow, dogs alike also enjoy the wintery mix.
Track the snow storm here with DC News Now's weather team
While dogs do enjoy playing in the snow, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) reminds pet owners of some animal winter safety tips as all animals react differently to the cold.
Providing shelter: Owned dogs or cats should be brought indoors when temperatures drop below 32 degrees unless they have access to a well-insulated structure that is elevated from the ground and blocks wind.
A heated water bowl should also be present so the water will not freeze over.
Walking your dog in the cold: Consider shorter walks if the temperature is too frigid.
Give your dogs additional warm clothing out on walks and check for signs of injuries to their paw from snow or ice.
For dogs that are high-energy, consider exercising them indoors or using enrichment and sniffing toys for mental stimulation to tire them out.
Check for these warning signs: The AWLA said animals may be getting too cold if they are trembling, experiencing sleepiness, slowed breathing, mobility issues, dry skin, numbness or illness.
Prepare a pet care kit: In case of a power outage, prepare a pet care kit with an extra collar and ID tag, copies of vet records, medications, food and water supply and more.
For feral cats: If you're worried about your stray neighborhood cats - AWLA said it's likely they already found a warm spot for the night.
Consider leaving them a weather-safe container with bedding and a hole for entry with water. Be sure to check that the water did not freeze over.
Salting the smart way: How to use winter salt in the DMV
For more safety tips, click here.