Denver, Colorado – As winter cold continues across Colorado into February, animal welfare experts are urging pet owners to stay alert as prolonged cold conditions pose serious risks for pets statewide. From the Front Range to the Eastern Plains and mountain communities, repeated exposure to freezing temperatures, wind, and snow can quickly become dangerous for animals, even during short trips outside.
According to the American Red Cross, pets should be kept indoors as much as possible during extended cold stretches. Animals left outdoors can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite, and disorientation in a short period of time. Cold conditions can also make parked vehicles unsafe, as they trap frigid air and can place pets at risk if left unattended, even briefly.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals warns that frostbite in pets most often affects ears, paws, tails, and noses first. In extreme cold, especially when wind chills are involved, frostbite can begin developing in as little as 5 to 10 minutes. Damage is not always immediately visible and may worsen hours or days later. Signs of hypothermia include intense shivering, weakness, slowed movement, lethargy, or pets seeking warm places to burrow. Animals showing these symptoms should be brought indoors immediately and evaluated by a veterinarian.
Winter hazards extend beyond temperature alone. The ASPCA notes that salt and ice-melting chemicals commonly used on sidewalks, roads, and driveways can irritate paws and become toxic if ingested. Pet owners are encouraged to wipe paws, legs, and bellies after walks, check for cracks or redness, and use pet-friendly ice melt products whenever possible. Booties or vet-approved paw protectants can provide added protection during repeated outings.
Experts also recommend limiting bathing during cold spells to prevent dry skin, keeping coats dry, and providing slightly increased calories to help pets maintain body heat. Pets should have warm, draft-free sleeping areas off the floor, and antifreeze spills should be cleaned immediately, as ingestion can be fatal.
With extreme cold expected to linger into mid-February, the Red Cross advises families to include pets in winter emergency plans and keep several days’ worth of food, water, and medications on hand to help keep Colorado’s pets safe through the heart of winter.
