Portland, Oregon – As winter cold continues to linger across Oregon into February, animal welfare experts are reminding pet owners that prolonged cold, damp air, and overnight freezes can pose serious risks for pets statewide. While Oregon winters are often defined by rain and cloud cover, extended cold periods can be just as dangerous for animals, particularly when moisture increases the risk of rapid heat loss.
According to the American Red Cross, pets should be brought indoors as much as possible during extended cold stretches. Animals left outside can quickly develop hypothermia or frostbite, especially during nighttime and early morning hours. Cold, wet conditions common across western Oregon can accelerate heat loss, making even brief outdoor exposure hazardous. Parked vehicles can also become unsafe, trapping frigid air and putting pets at risk if left unattended.
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, frostbite can begin developing in as little as 10 minutes, and damage may not be immediately visible. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, weakness, slowed movement, lethargy, or pets seeking warm places to burrow. Any animal 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 used on sidewalks, bridges, and driveways can irritate paws and become toxic when ingested. Pet owners are encouraged to wipe paws, legs, and bellies after walks, check for cracks or redness, and use pet-safe 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 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 help keep Oregon’s pets safe through the remainder of winter.
