Originally published 2019-02-03. Article reviewed on October 4, 2026. Original publication: 2019-02-03.
Cold tolerance varies with health, age, coat, body condition, activity and the weather. A thick coat does not make every outing safe.
- Shorten exposure and plan a warm place to rest.
- Keep fresh drinking water available; snow is not a substitute.
- Use comfortable, properly fitted protective clothing where appropriate, and check it does not restrict movement.
- Inspect paws after outings and remove snow, ice or deicing residue.
- Keep antifreeze and other chemicals out of reach.
- Discuss diet changes and particular health risks with your veterinarian.
Seek veterinary help for suspected cold injury or poisoning. The former saliva-freezing claim, blanket extra-feeding advice and unverified product discount have been removed. Boots and paw wax do not guarantee protection.