There are many benefits to having pets, and if you have one or more in your home, you know that nothing compares to the joy they show you when you return home. Their love and loyalty are undeniable. 

Having a pet at home decreases stress and improves general health. Interacting with animals has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and lower blood pressure, among many benefits. Essentially, your pet helps keep you safe and healthy. The question is, what are you doing to give your pet the same benefits?

Many people want their pets to experience freedom, so they leave them outside while they are at work, or allow them to come and go as they please.

Pets, much like people, have a limit on their temperature tolerance, which varies and depends on factors such as body fat and activity level. Many pet owners believe that because domestic pets have fur, they’ll be spared from the cruel consequences of cold weather. The reality is that many pets suffer greatly during the winter months, some even dying. 

Yes, fur can help protect animals from cold weather or sunburn, but did you know that extreme weather can worsen some medical conditions?

If your pet is elderly or has health issues, leaving them outside is unsafe during extreme heat or cold. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or Cushing’s disease (a hormonal imbalance) may struggle to regulate their body temperature, making them more susceptible to problems from temperature extremes.

The American Veterinary Medical Association states, “Long-haired or thick-coated dogs tend to be more cold-tolerant but are still at risk in cold weather. Short-haired pets [including cats] feel the cold faster because they have less protection, and short-legged pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground.” 

Checking your pets for signs of cold-weather injuries is a great habit to practice. Cracked or bleeding paws are a sure sign your pet has been affected by cold weather. Wiping their paws after they’ve been outside or after a walk is also smart. Their paws can pick up chemicals from toxic ice-melting products. 

The general rule is to avoid leaving pets outside during below-freezing temperatures or if a big storm is expected. Always provide pets with access to warmth, including insulating pet houses.

Another thing you can do to offer your loving four-legged friend a warm option is to install doggy doors to heated studios or garages. This way they’ll have the best of both worlds: the freedom to roam and a safe place to return to without waiting until you get home.

According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, 33 dogs have died in the 2024-2025 winter season thus far, and nearly 500 pets have had to be rescued. During the 2024 summer season, 111 pets died from heat exposure.

When pets are left out in very hot temperatures, the risk of suffering from dehydration or heatstroke increases greatly. Many factors, such as being overweight or having breathing problems, can contribute to heat-related suffering. 

To keep your pets safe during summer, always leave several bowls filled with fresh cold water in the areas where they spend the most time. Watch the humidity and limit exercise on extremely humid days. Don’t rely on a fan to keep them cool, because fans don’t provide relief from heat to animals as they do for people.

Providing ample shade and water to protect your pet from heat and sun can be the difference between a healthy and an unhealthy pet. To keep water cold, add ice to it once or twice a day. Spoiling your pets with cold treats is another effective way to help them regulate their body temperature during heat waves. 

Some pet parents suggest leaving your pets indoors in a suitable enclosure. However, if you must leave them outside while you’re away, ask a neighbor to check in when they can and report back to you. Watching over each other’s pets can be a new neighborhood tradition. 

In short, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. Pets can also suffer from stroke due to overexposure to heat, so they should be kept inside during extreme hot or cold temperatures. 

To learn more about how to keep your pets and livestock safe from cold weather, visit https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/cold-weather-animal-safety. For more information on keeping your pets safe during hot days, visit https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/keep-pets-safe-heat.