Companion Animals

Welfare of Animals in Cold Environments

Cold weather creates significant welfare risks for outdoor pets, farm animals, and urban wildlife that are preventable with appropriate husbandry and management.

Key Facts

Hypothermia in dogs begins when core temperature drops below 99 degrees Fahrenheit
Short-coated breeds and puppies are at greatest risk in cold weather
Farm animals require additional calories and unfrozen water access in cold conditions
Feral cats are at significant hypothermia risk when temperatures drop below freezing
Rock salt and chemical ice melters used on roads cause paw pad chemical burns in dogs

Welfare Considerations

Cold weather welfare failures are often invisible until severe: outdoor dogs tethered without shelter, farm animals without windbreaks, feral cats unable to access dry shelter. Frozen water sources mean animals may go without hydration for extended periods — a significant welfare harm. Chemical burns from road salt accumulate on paw pads during winter walks. Planning ahead — shelter, extra food, paw protection — prevents most cold-weather welfare failures.

What You Can Do

Bring outdoor pets inside or provide insulated shelter when temperatures drop below freezing
Check water sources daily in freezing conditions to prevent animals drinking from ice
Apply paw wax to dogs before winter walks to protect against road salt
Contact animal welfare organizations if you see animals at risk in cold conditions