How to keep an animal in the cold Canadian winter?

Canadian winters can be extremely harsh, with temperatures dropping to -40°C and below, especially in the Prairie provinces and Atlantic region. In Calgary, for example, temperatures can reach -30°C with wind chill temperatures as low as -50°C during extreme cold spells. For pet owners, this creates unique challenges and requirements for keeping their pets safe and comfortable.

Understanding the physiological needs of animals in cold weather

Pets, like humans, have a limited ability to withstand extreme temperatures. Calgary Animal Services emphasizes that some breeds are more sensitive to cold than others. Short-haired dog breeds, small breeds, puppies, and older animals are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite.

The Banff Humane Society has a clear policy:

“When temperatures drop below freezing, pet owners should monitor their walks.”

Even if your dog has a thick coat, the nose, toes, tail, and ears remain exposed and can get frostbite. It is recommended to limit walks to a maximum of 15 minutes in cold weather.

Temperature limits and time restrictions

Canada Pooch sets specific temperature guidelines for animal safety:

  • Most dogs are comfortable at temperatures above 7°C (45°F).
  • Below this temperature, short-haired dogs may need additional clothing.
  • When the temperature drops below freezing, walks should be shortened.

In extremely cold temperatures, such as those experienced in Calgary in January 2024 (-30°C with wind chill -40°C to -50°C), Calgary Animal Services recommends limiting outdoor time to 10–15 minutes.

Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially in strong winds.

Signs of hypothermia and frostbite

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when an animal's body temperature drops below normal. The normal body temperature for a dog or cat is approximately 38–39°C (100.5–102.5°F). A temperature of 36°C or below is considered hypothermia.

Signs of hypothermia include:

  • Shivering (mild hypothermia)
  • Curling up or seeking warm places
  • Pale mucous membranes and skin
  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Shallow breathing
  • Dilated pupils
  • Weak heartbeat
  • Muscle stiffness

In severe cases, hypothermia can lead to sudden cardiovascular failure, coma, or death.

Frostbite

Frostbite most often affects the extremities of animals: ears, paws, tail, and nose.

Signs of frostbite include:

  • Pale, bluish, or gray skin on the affected areas
  • Cold and hard skin
  • Swelling or blistering
  • Pain or sensitivity to touch
  • In severe cases, blackening of the tissue

Gabrielle Carrière, chief veterinarian at SPCA Montreal, notes:

“The body constricts peripheral blood vessels to preserve heat in the central part of the body. When the dead part becomes hard and cold, it will likely fall off.”

First aid for hypothermia

If you suspect hypothermia, you must act quickly:

  • Wrap the animal in a blanket or towel — if the animal is wet from rain or snow, bathe it in warm water or gently wipe it with a dry towel.
  • Provide external warmth — use warm water bottles (heated to 36–37°C) to help warm the animal.
  • Monitor temperature — measure the animal's rectal temperature every 10 minutes until it reaches 37°C.
  • Rehydration — offer several spoonfuls of glucose solution (dissolve 4 teaspoons of sugar in 500 ml of warm water).

Winter clothing and paw protection

Clothing for animals

Calgary Animal Services recommends using sweaters or jackets for extra warmth, especially for short-haired or small breeds. Winter jackets, sweaters, and boots are not just cute accessories — they are essential for keeping animals warm in cold weather.

A well-fitting jacket can provide the necessary warmth during walks, especially if it has a waterproof layer to protect against snow and an insulated inner lining to retain heat.

For dogs that can't stand boots, paw balm can serve as a protective barrier between their paws and the cold ground.

Paw protection

Dogs' paws are especially vulnerable to snow, ice, and salt on the ground. Musher's Secret Paw Protection Wax is a popular product developed in Canada specifically for sled dogs. This versatile balm creates an invisible, breathable shield against harsh elements such as snow and salt.

The product is made from 100% food-safe, natural waxes and enriched with vitamin E and beeswax. It dries quickly, leaves no stains, and helps moisturize and soothe dry, cracked paws.

Calgary Canine notes that Musher's Secret is effective in preventing snowballs from forming between paw pads and provides a layer of protection against biting salt and ice chemicals on sidewalks.

The dangers of winter chemicals

Antifreeze

Antifreeze is one of the biggest winter threats to pets. The main ingredient in antifreeze, ethylene glycol, has a sweet taste that attracts animals but is extremely toxic.

Even in the smallest amounts, antifreeze can be fatal:

  • 1 teaspoon can kill a cat
  • A few tablespoons are enough to kill a medium-sized dog

The BC SPCA explains that the chemicals in antifreeze enter an animal's kidneys and act like tiny, microscopic razor blades that cut the kidney cells. This can cause permanent kidney damage or death from kidney failure.

Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning:

  • “Drunken” behavior
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stumbling and loss of coordination
  • Seizures or coma (in late stages)

Important: Prompt treatment is critical.

Salt and ice melters

Salt and chemical ice melters can be harmful to animals' paws. These substances can cause irritation or burns to the paws and, if ingested, poisoning.

Safe Paw offers an alternative to traditional chloride products. Unlike products containing magnesium chloride or calcium chloride, Safe Paw is completely non-toxic and environmentally friendly as it does not contain salt or chlorides.

Nutrition and hydration in winter

Increase calorie intake

Studies in France have shown that cats increase their food intake by 15% during cold weather. Cold weather increases animals' calorie requirements.

Similar results have been observed in dogs living in cold climates — consumption can increase by 10% to 90% to maintain body weight.

Family Friends Veterinary Hospital explains:

“Like humans, pets may need more calories during cold weather to maintain their body temperature. The energy expended to stay warm can lead to an increase in metabolic rate.”

Increase protein intake

Protein is critical for maintaining muscle mass and overall health. Consider adding more protein to your pet's diet during the winter.

Hydration

Cold weather can be deceptively drying, and animals may drink less water. Be sure to:

  • Always provide access to fresh water
  • Consider moist foods to maintain hydration levels

Indoor safety precautions

Heating and ventilation

Allwest Animal Hospital warns against the dangers of using space heaters—they can cause burns or be knocked over, increasing the risk of fire. Check your furnace before the cold weather arrives and install carbon monoxide detectors.

Ontario Vet Care Health Services advises:

  • Keep your pet's bed away from drafts
  • Place it in a warm area of the house
  • Older animals and those with arthritis may experience more pain and stiffness in winter

Humidity

As with humans, heating can cause dry skin. Regular brushing helps distribute natural oils, and a humidifier can help alleviate skin conditions.

Caring for outdoor and stray cats

Building shelters

BC SPCA provides detailed instructions on how to build winter shelters for community cats. Shelter requirements:

  • Good insulation
  • Minimum air space
  • Waterproof

Alley Cat Allies notes that shelters should retain the cats' body heat to keep the space warm.

Shelter materials

  • Straw is the best material, allowing cats to burrow and retain heat.
  • Filled pillowcases with foam or shredded newspaper also work.
  • It is important to keep materials dry and clean.

Do not use:

  • Blankets, towels, folded newspapers — these absorb heat and cool the cats.
  • Hay — may cause allergic reactions.

Emergency veterinary care

24-hour clinics in Calgary

  • Trinity Hills 24 Hour Pet Hospital — +1 (403) 233-2888
  • VCA Canada CARE Centre — +1 (403) 520-8387
  • Alpine 24/7 — 5707 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary, AB

Signs of an emergency

Stoney Trail Veterinary Clinic recommends seeking immediate care if your pet has:

  • Ingested something toxic (antifreeze, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
  • Obvious pain or distress
  • Convulsions or stumbling
  • Inability to urinate or defecate
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea
  • Loss of consciousness

Special considerations for different types of animals

Cats

The Ottawa Humane Society states:

“Cats should live indoors year-round and should never be allowed to roam outside in cold weather.”

Exotic animals

  • Birds — particularly sensitive to cold and drafts, cages should be placed away from windows.
  • Reptiles and amphibians — require special equipment to maintain temperature.

Preventive measures and preparation

Checking your car

Before starting the engine in winter, tap on the hood to scare away cats or small animals seeking warmth.

Pet licensing

Calgary Animal Services reminds you: A license is a legal requirement and guarantees that your pet will be returned if it gets lost.

  • The cost of a license for a cat is $21/year
  • For a dog — $44/year

Regular veterinary care

Cold weather can exacerbate arthritis and other illnesses. Dr. Jenefer Stillion recommends getting a health checkup before winter.

Canadian winters require special attention to your pets' needs, but with proper planning and preparation, your pets can survive even the harshest cold weather comfortably and safely. Key factors include understanding your pet's needs, providing adequate protection, and responding quickly to problems.