The thermometer hit ten below zero last January, and I watched my neighbor let his dog out for a bathroom break wearing nothing but a confused expression. The dog did his business in record time and bolted back to the door, which is how I learned that even dogs with thick fur know when it is too cold. A cold snap is not the time to guess about your pet’s limits.

Know the real cold rules

If it is too cold for you in a light jacket, it is too cold for extended walks. Dogs with thin coats, short legs, and small bodies lose heat fast. My vet’s rule: below freezing, keep walks short. Below twenty degrees, a few minutes is plenty for bathroom breaks, and a sweater or coat helps for breeds that need it. Cats that go outside should stay in during a cold snap, no exceptions.

The paws and pads check

Cold ground is rough on paws, and so is the salt and deicer on sidewalks. After every walk in the cold, I wipe my dog’s paws with a warm damp cloth to wash off salt and check for ice balls between the toes. Ice buildup between the pads can cut them. If your dog tolerates it, a little paw wax before the walk adds a barrier against both cold and salt.

Indoor cold snap problems nobody warns about

Inside, the cold changes things too. Space heaters are a real hazard for pets that like warm spots. I keep my dog away from the space heater because she would sleep against it if I let her, and that is how burns happen. Check under the car before starting it in the morning. Stray cats and small animals crawl up into the engine bay for warmth. A quick knock on the hood can save a life.

Watch for the warning signs

Shivering, lifting paws off the ground, whining, or slowing down on a walk all mean your pet is too cold. Get them inside and warm them slowly with a towel, not a hot water bottle, which can burn them. My dog now owns a coat she hates and wears anyway, and she gets extra blanket privileges during cold snaps, which she considers fair compensation.