As the temperature drops, we tend to layer up, turn up the heater, and hibernate indoors. But for our pets, winter can bring a range of hidden hazards… some of which may not be obvious until it’s too late.
Whether your pet lives indoors or outdoors, it’s important to make a few safety adjustments during the colder months.
Here are the most common winter dangers for pets, and how you can protect your furry family members from harm.
Cold and damp sleeping conditions
Just like humans, pets can struggle with the cold, especially overnight. If your pet sleeps outdoors or in a garage, they may be at risk of hypothermia or other cold-related health issues if they don’t have proper shelter.
How to keep your pet safe:
Ensure their bed is raised off the ground and away from cold surfaces or draughts.
Check their bedding daily to ensure it’s dry. Wet bedding can chill pets quickly and may even be life-threatening.
Provide extra blankets or a snug winter dog bed designed to retain warmth.
Make sure they’re getting enough food. Pets burn more energy trying to stay warm in winter.
If possible, bring your pets indoors during especially cold nights or storms. Even a cosy laundry or enclosed veranda is better than being fully exposed to the elements.
Watch for feline stowaways
In winter, cats often seek warmth by hiding in car engine bays, under wheel arches, or behind tyres. It might seem harmless, but it can be fatal if the engine is started while they’re still inside.
How to prevent this:
Tap the car bonnet or honk the horn before starting the engine to startle and safely eject any hidden cats.
Keep your garage securely closed so neighbourhood cats can’t sneak in.
Even if you don’t own a cat, it’s worth doing considering cats are natural free-roamers.
Be aware of Antifreeze
While not as common here as in colder countries, antifreeze (commonly found in radiator and windscreen washer fluids) is still a dangerous toxin for pets. Be sure to store antifreeze products out of reach and tightly sealed.
What you should know:
Antifreeze smells and tastes sweet, which can attract pets.
Even a few licks – whether from a puddle on the driveway or a spill in the garage – can be life-threatening.
Regularly check your car for leaks—especially if parked in areas accessible to pets.
If you suspect your pet has come into contact with antifreeze, contact your vet immediately. DO NOT wait for symptoms to appear.
Visibility risks in low light
Winter brings shorter days, and that means more walks in the early morning or after dark. But pets can be hard to spot in low light, increasing the risk of accidents with cars, bikes, and pedestrians.
How to improve visibility:
Use a reflective collar, leash or harness.
Attach clip-on LED lights to their collar.
For off-lead dogs, consider a reflective dog vest for better visibility from all angles.
That goes for you, too! Not the leash or harness, of course… but be sure to wear reflective clothing or clip-on lights if you’re walking near roads or bike paths.
Know the signs of hypothermia
While hypothermia in pets is rare in most parts of Australia, it can still happen. Smaller, short-haired, or senior pets exposed to cold temperatures for too long are most susceptible, so it’s important to monitor them.
Symptoms of hypothermia include:
Violent shivering, followed by stillness
Weak pulse or slow breathing
Muscle stiffness and lethargy
Loss of appetite
Body temperature below 37°C
If you suspect your pet has hypothermia:
Move them into a warm, dry space immediately.
Wrap them in towels or blankets, and use warm (not hot) water bottles placed around their body.
Do not place them in hot water or in front of a heater—warming them too quickly can be dangerous.
Contact your vet immediately for advice and next steps.
Heading away this Winter?
If you’re planning a holiday this winter, make sure your pet is kept warm, safe, and loved while you’re away. With a trusted Mad Paws Pet Sitter, your furry bestie can enjoy cosy nights and lots of attention from the comfort of a loving home environment.
From Melbourne to Mackay, Mad Paws has caring, reliable Pet Sitters ready to keep your pet safe in winter.
Browse the Pet Sitters in your area, and book a free, no-obligation Meet & Greet!
