Manchester, New Hampshire – As winter tightens its grip across New Hampshire, animal safety experts are urging pet owners to take added precautions as extreme cold remains a persistent concern into February. Even without a single defining storm, prolonged cold can quietly put pets at serious risk during daily routines.
According to the American Red Cross, pets should be brought indoors as much as possible during bitter cold stretches. Animals left outside can quickly suffer from hypothermia, frostbite, or disorientation, while cold weather can turn parked vehicles into dangerous environments that trap frigid air. These risks increase overnight and during early morning hours when temperatures are at their lowest.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals warns that frostbite in pets often affects ears, paws, tails, and noses first. In extreme cold, frostbite can begin developing in as little as 10 to 15 minutes, with damage sometimes not fully visible until days later. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, weakness, slowed movement, anxiety, or seeking warm places to burrow, all of which require immediate attention.
Winter hazards also include salt and ice-melting chemicals, which can irritate paws and become toxic if ingested. The ASPCA recommends wiping pets’ paws, legs, and bellies after walks, checking for cracks or redness, and using pet-friendly ice melt products when possible. Booties or vet-approved paw protectants can provide added protection during repeated outdoor trips.
Pet owners are encouraged to limit bathing during cold stretches, keep coats dry, provide extra calories to help animals maintain body heat, and ensure pets have warm, draft-free sleeping areas off the floor. Antifreeze spills should be cleaned immediately, as ingestion can be fatal.
With cold conditions 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 keep New Hampshire’s pets safe through the heart of winter.
