Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to fatal infectious diseases, including rabies. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes choose to sleep under the hoods of cars, where it is warmer. Then, when the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed in the fan belt. To prevent this, bang loudly on the hood of your car and wait a few seconds before starting the engine to give a cat a chance to escape. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm.
Dogs frequently lose their scent in snow and ice and can easily become lost.
They may panic in a snowstorm and run away. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season. Thoroughly wipe off and towel dry your dog's legs and stomach when she comes in out of the rain, snow, or ice. Check her sensitive paw pads, which may bleed from snow or ice encrusted in them. Also, salt, antifreeze, or other chemicals could hurt your dog if she ingests them while licking her paws.