What Sent Pets to the Vet Last Winter? Cold-Weather Lessons for Pet Owners

December 22, 2025 (AUSTIN, Texas)—Winter is officially here. As colder temperatures and icy conditions settle in across the country, Thrive Pet Healthcare hospital teams see an increase in cold-related emergencies, including frostbite, hypothermia, toxic ingestions, and injuries from slips and falls. Many of these cases are preventable with small changes to daily routines and knowing when pets should stay inside.

Cold exposure quickly affects paws, ears, and tails. Pets with wet coats, low body fat, or chronic conditions are at higher risk. Pale or gray skin, painful paws, or sluggish movement after being outdoors are early warning signs.

“We once treated a young, outdoor cat that arrived non-responsive and dangerously cold, with a body temperature in the low 90s,” said Dr. Catherine Crouch, veterinarian at Coldwater Animal Hospital in North Ogden, Utah, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner hospital. “Our team was able to warm the cat back to a normal temperature slowly, but the cat passed several hours later, likely due to complications from hypothermia. Cases like this are a reminder that cold exposure can be life-threatening for outdoor cats. If a cat feels cold, sluggish, or isn’t responding normally, that’s an emergency, and they need veterinary care right away.”

“Last winter, we treated pets who were only outside briefly but still became dangerously cold because of wind, wet fur, or underlying health issues,” said Dr. Cristen Durbin, medical director at Thrive Pet Healthcare Wedgewood in Nashville, Tennessee. “Many owners are surprised by how quickly pets can lose body heat, especially smaller dogs and seniors. By the time they arrive at the clinic, the signs can be subtle, but the consequences can be serious.”

Antifreeze is a major winter danger. Ice-melt products can burn paws and cause stomach issues if pets lick them. Wipe paws after walks and store products safely.

Icy patios, decks and driveways can lead to injuries. Shorter outdoor trips and simple traction mats at home help protect senior pets.

Heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and kidney disease make cold weather harder to tolerate. Cold weather also triggers arthritis flares. These pets often need shorter outdoor time and closer monitoring.

“We often see geriatric animals that start to limp more prominently or become slower to rise from rest as the temperature gets colder,” said Dr. Jessica Romanet, medical director at Trinity Animal Hospital in Holly Springs, North Carolina, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner hospital. “This is often an important time to make sure they have an optimized treatment plan for their arthritis or degenerative joint disease. We often recommend adding temporary non-slip tracks, such as yoga mats or runners, in homes with hardwood flooring. We may also need to reintroduce or adjust joint supplements, medications, and pain management injections.”

A clear temperature plan helps pet owners protect their pets without guessing. Keep in mind that wind and wet fur make temperatures feel much colder.

A little preparation helps during outages, storms, or unexpected cold snaps.

To locate a Thrive Pet Healthcare location near you, including primary, specialty, urgent and emergency veterinary care services, visit www.ThrivePetCare.com.