9 Cold Weather Hazards to Keep an Eye on this Winter
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NYC Second Chance Rescue's Weekender Foster Program
Have you thought about fostering a dog but just don't have the time during the week? Have some free weekends that you want to fill with helping a dog socialize and get out of the rescue center? This program is the answer to your prayers!
What Does a “Weekender” Do?
Spend your weekends fostering one of the dogs at our Rescue Center.
Pick them up on Friday, drop them off on Sunday, and repeat!
Dog Experience Preferred. No Cats.
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9 Cold Weather Hazards to Keep an Eye on this Winter
As the weather starts to cool down, we must ensure our furry friends are safe and comfortable. Winter brings its own set of challenges and hazards for pets, from icy sidewalks to toxic substances. Whether you’re caring for your own pets or fostering animals, here are some key things to watch out for to keep your dogs and cats safe as the temperatures drop.1. Frostbite and Hypothermia
Just like humans, pets can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia in extreme cold. Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze, most commonly affecting the ears, paws, and tail. Hypothermia sets in when a pet's body temperature drops to dangerous levels, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
How to Protect Your Pet:
- Limit your pet’s time outdoors, especially on very cold days. Short, frequent walks are better than one long walk.
- Consider dressing your dog in a sweater or coat for added warmth, especially for short-haired or smaller breeds.
2. De-Icing Salts and Chemicals
De-icing salts used on sidewalks and driveways to melt ice can be irritating and even toxic to pets. These salts can cause paw irritation and, if ingested, may lead to vomiting or more serious health issues. Other chemicals used for de-icing, such as antifreeze, are highly toxic and potentially fatal if consumed.
How to Protect Your Pet:
- Consider dressing your dog in a sweater or coat for added warmth, especially for short-haired or smaller breeds.
- Ensure that your cat stays indoors during cold months, as outdoor cats are especially vulnerable to frostbite and hypothermia.
2. De-Icing Salts and Chemicals
De-icing salts used on sidewalks and driveways to melt ice can be irritating and even toxic to pets. These salts can cause paw irritation and, if ingested, may lead to vomiting or more serious health issues. Other chemicals used for de-icing, such as antifreeze, are highly toxic and potentially fatal if consumed.
How to Protect Your Pet:
- Wipe your dog’s paws with a damp cloth after walks to remove any salt or chemicals.
- Use pet-safe ice melts on your property and encourage neighbors to do the same.
3. Antifreeze Poisoning
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is extremely toxic to pets but has a sweet taste that can attract dogs and cats. Just a small amount can cause severe kidney damage or even death. Even antifreeze spills or leaks on driveways can be dangerous for pets that walk through it and later lick their paws.
How to Protect Your Pet:
- Use pet-safe ice melts on your property and encourage neighbors to do the same.
- Keep an eye on where your pets step and discourage them from licking their paws or fur after being outside.
3. Antifreeze Poisoning
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is extremely toxic to pets but has a sweet taste that can attract dogs and cats. Just a small amount can cause severe kidney damage or even death. Even antifreeze spills or leaks on driveways can be dangerous for pets that walk through it and later lick their paws.
How to Protect Your Pet:
- Always clean up any antifreeze spills immediately and keep containers tightly sealed and stored out of reach.
- Consider using pet-safe antifreeze, which contains propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.
6. Cold Cars
Many people are aware of the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars, but cold cars can be just as dangerous. The temperature inside a parked car can drop rapidly in cold weather, leading to hypothermia.
How to Protect Your Pet:
- Never leave your pet unattended in a car during cold weather, even for a short period. If you need to bring your pet along on errands, be mindful of how long they’ll be exposed to the cold.
7. Shelter for Outdoor Animals
If you care for outdoor pets or community cats, it’s essential to provide them with adequate shelter from the cold. Stray cats and dogs often seek warmth in dangerous places, like under car hoods, where they can be injured when the engine is started.
How to Protect Your Pet:
- Consider using pet-safe antifreeze, which contains propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.
- If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact a veterinarian immediately—this is a medical emergency.
4. Paw Protection
The cold ground, ice, and snow can be tough on your dog’s paws. Cracked paw pads, cuts from sharp ice, and irritation from ice-melting salts are common issues that pets face in the winter. Snow can also pack between the toes, causing discomfort and even frostbite.
4. Paw Protection
The cold ground, ice, and snow can be tough on your dog’s paws. Cracked paw pads, cuts from sharp ice, and irritation from ice-melting salts are common issues that pets face in the winter. Snow can also pack between the toes, causing discomfort and even frostbite.
How to Protect Your Pet:
- Use pet booties to protect your dog’s paws during walks, especially in icy or snowy conditions.
- Apply paw balm or petroleum jelly to your dog’s paws before walks to create a barrier against the elements.
- Trim the hair between your dog’s toes to prevent ice from accumulating and causing pain.
5. indoor Hazards
While we often focus on outdoor dangers in winter, the indoors can also pose threats. As we try to keep warm, things like space heaters, fireplaces, and holiday decorations can create risks for curious pets.
- Apply paw balm or petroleum jelly to your dog’s paws before walks to create a barrier against the elements.
- Trim the hair between your dog’s toes to prevent ice from accumulating and causing pain.
5. indoor Hazards
While we often focus on outdoor dangers in winter, the indoors can also pose threats. As we try to keep warm, things like space heaters, fireplaces, and holiday decorations can create risks for curious pets.
How to Protect Your Pet:
- Keep space heaters and open fireplaces secured or out of reach to prevent burns or fires.
- Ensure that electric blankets or heating pads have protective covers and are turned off when not in use to avoid overheating or burns.
- Be mindful of holiday decorations like candles, lights, and ornaments, which can be hazardous if knocked over or ingested by a pet.
- Keep space heaters and open fireplaces secured or out of reach to prevent burns or fires.
- Ensure that electric blankets or heating pads have protective covers and are turned off when not in use to avoid overheating or burns.
- Be mindful of holiday decorations like candles, lights, and ornaments, which can be hazardous if knocked over or ingested by a pet.
Many people are aware of the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars, but cold cars can be just as dangerous. The temperature inside a parked car can drop rapidly in cold weather, leading to hypothermia.
- Never leave your pet unattended in a car during cold weather, even for a short period. If you need to bring your pet along on errands, be mindful of how long they’ll be exposed to the cold.
7. Shelter for Outdoor Animals
If you care for outdoor pets or community cats, it’s essential to provide them with adequate shelter from the cold. Stray cats and dogs often seek warmth in dangerous places, like under car hoods, where they can be injured when the engine is started.
How to Protect Your Pet:
- Create a weather-proof shelter for outdoor animals. Use insulating materials like straw (not blankets) to keep the shelter warm and dry.
- Before starting your car, bang on the hood to give any hiding animals a chance to escape.
8. Food and Water Needs
Pets burn more energy to stay warm in the winter, which means they may need more food. However, if your pet isn’t as active during the colder months, you’ll want to avoid overfeeding them. Additionally, outdoor water sources may freeze, making it difficult for pets to stay hydrated.
How to Protect Your Pet:
8. Food and Water Needs
Pets burn more energy to stay warm in the winter, which means they may need more food. However, if your pet isn’t as active during the colder months, you’ll want to avoid overfeeding them. Additionally, outdoor water sources may freeze, making it difficult for pets to stay hydrated.
How to Protect Your Pet:
- Monitor your pet’s weight and adjust their food intake according to their activity level.
- Ensure outdoor water bowls don’t freeze—use heated water bowls or bring pets inside regularly for fresh water.
9. Winter Coats: Necessary or Not?
Not all pets need a winter coat, but some dogs, especially short-haired breeds, small dogs, and older dogs, can benefit from extra insulation when the weather gets cold. Cats generally don’t need coats but should be kept indoors during cold months.
How to Protect Your Pet:
- If you have a dog with a thin coat or a small breed, consider using a dog jacket or sweater for outdoor activities.
9. Winter Coats: Necessary or Not?
Not all pets need a winter coat, but some dogs, especially short-haired breeds, small dogs, and older dogs, can benefit from extra insulation when the weather gets cold. Cats generally don’t need coats but should be kept indoors during cold months.
How to Protect Your Pet:
- If you have a dog with a thin coat or a small breed, consider using a dog jacket or sweater for outdoor activities.
- Avoid overdressing your pet—watch for signs that they may be too warm, such as excessive panting or trying to remove the clothing.
Conclusion
Winter can be a beautiful and cozy time of year, but it also presents unique challenges for keeping pets safe. By being aware of the potential hazards and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that your dogs and cats remain comfortable and healthy all season long.
Conclusion
Winter can be a beautiful and cozy time of year, but it also presents unique challenges for keeping pets safe. By being aware of the potential hazards and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that your dogs and cats remain comfortable and healthy all season long.
If you’re fostering or caring for a new pet, these tips are especially important as you help them adjust to a new environment in the colder months. Whether indoors or outdoors, your attention to these details will keep your pets safe and happy all winter long!
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It's been a while since I have been able to talk to you all. So I told Dad that today is the day that I give you all an update about Nico. It's been a few months now that Nico moved in. At first, I was not happy. I wasn't happy at all and not for the reason you think, because he was a new dog in the house. I wasn't happy because he stole my spotlight. I used to get all the attention, love, cuddles, and special time but now, he is getting it. I mean I'm not saying that my dads totally ignore me or neglect me... we all know that will never happen. But the newness has worn off from Nico and things are returning back to normal. What can I say? It pays to be the only girl in the house of 7 guys (hoomans and pooches). "I am a Princess and will be treated according" I barked at Dad this morning because I wanted a treat and he wasn't moving fast enough. The hoomans think that we need the training... sometimes they need it the most. Making me wait for a treat. I did what I was supposed to do to get the treat, so I should be compensated accordingly. If this continues to happen, I might need to talk to Aunt Anna (she's a good Pawyer - ya know an attorney that represents dogs in treat disputes) and see what she has to say about this. Anyway, while I started out not particularly liking Nico, he really has grown on me. I love first thing in the morning when I am still in bed, he will come bouncing down the steps (no Dobby didn't push him - at least I don't think did he) and having him either run up to me in bed and snuggle into my bed with me or watching him bounce up onto the Hoomans bed and lick their faces until they wake up (that part tickles me the most - see how you like being woken up so early). But we play now and get into tug-o-wars with the toys. Yes, I know I could just overpower him and take it but I don't. Where's the fun in that? He has to think he has a chance, right? Well, anyway... thanks for listening to me rant.
P.S. Aunt Anna... you think we have a case? Call my bone and let me know! xo 🐾
MEET PIPPA
Meet our petite brindle beauty, Pippa. Pippa is the queen of giving smooches and chasing tennis balls. She’s the perfect balance of fun and relaxation. Whether she’s playing fetch or going on long walks, she’s always up for adventure. But she’s just as happy to curl up next to you for a cozy Netflix marathon. Her ideal day? A bit of outdoor playtime followed by some quality cuddle time—Pippa’s happiest when she’s with her people.
Pippa is looking for a calm, stable home where she can feel safe and loved. She thrives in suburban or rural environments where she can relax, soak up attention, and be the center of your world. Her ideal family is one that can spend lots of time with her, as she prefers not to be left alone for long periods.
If you're looking for a loyal, affectionate companion, Pippa might be the perfect fit for you.
All dogs will be altered, microchipped, and receive age-appropriate vaccines prior to adoption. Please note that the listed location for this dog may not be accurate due to technical limitations of this database and we have transportation options available within 6 hours of NYC (so don't let location hold you back)!
Interested in fostering or adopting? Need more info on this dog? The first step in the process is filling out an application on our website.
Adoption application: www.nycsecondchancerescue.org/general-application/
Foster application: https://www.nycsecondchancerescue.org/dog-foster-application/
Adoption process & fees: www.nycsecondchancerescue.org/process/
For a full list of our available dogs and current adoption promotions, visit:https://nycsecondchancerescue.org/adoptable-dogs
Not what you were looking for? You can adopt a different pet by using our search feature and adjusting the radius. Thank you for helping our animal shelters and rescue groups with pet adoption.
| Name | Pippa |
|---|---|
| Adoption Fee | $175.00- Dog over 8 |
| Age | 8 years, 2 months |
| Gender | Female |
| Size | Medium |
| Shots up to date | Yes |
| OK with kids | Not Sure |
| Housetrained | Yes |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Spayed / Neutered | Yes |
| OK with dogs | No |
| OK with cats | No |
If you have questions about Pippa please contact
NYC Second Chance Rescue
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Transporting dogs is our passion but passions come at a cost. With the price of everything increasing, (gas, tolls, supplies, etc) we could use some help! If you can, we would graciously accept some donation assistance. Venmo @dalind31
THANK YOU!!
Thinking it's time to expand your family? Want to explore rescuing a dog of your own?
Check out Second Chance Rescues available pups --> CLICK HERE <--
Thinking maybe fostering is more your speed? --> CLICK HERE <--
Maybe you can't adopt or foster but can help in another way?
To donate to Second Chance Rescue... --> CLICK HERE <-- Every bit helps!
Remember to, #adoptdontshop #becausetheymatter.
There is no love like the love from a rescue! ❤️🐶❤️
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