Denver, Colorado – As winter cold continues to linger across the Rocky Mountain region into February, animal welfare experts are urging pet owners to take extra precautions as prolonged cold conditions remain a serious threat for pets. From Colorado and Wyoming to Utah, Montana, and northern New Mexico, high elevations, strong winds, and long overnight freezes can quickly create dangerous conditions for animals.
According to the American Red Cross, pets should be brought indoors as much as possible during extended cold stretches. Animals left outside are vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite, especially overnight and during early morning hours when temperatures plunge. In the Rockies, wind and low humidity can accelerate heat loss, making even short periods outdoors risky. Cold weather can also make parked vehicles unsafe, as they can trap frigid air and put 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 mountain cold, frostbite can begin developing in as little as 5 to 10 minutes, particularly when wind chills drop well below zero. Damage may not be immediately visible and can worsen hours or days later. Signs of hypothermia include intense shivering, weakness, slowed movement, lethargy, or pets seeking warm places to burrow. Pets 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, driveways, and mountain roads can irritate paws and become toxic if ingested. Pet owners are encouraged to wipe paws, legs, and bellies after outings, 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 exposure.
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 pets across the Rocky Mountain region safe through the heart of winter.
