Outdoor pets can withstand fairly cold temperatures if they have shelter from wind and rain and have bedding to insulate them from the cold ground. Avoid electrical heating devices that could electrocute your pet if they got wet or were chewed. Outdoor pets need extra food in cold weather to generate body heat, and they need access to water that is not frozen. Keep your pet's feet clean and dry. Ice or salt will cause severe irritation when caught between your pet's toes.
Frostbite is a winter hazard to pets as well as people.
Frostbitten areas are fragile and should be wrapped snugly for protection from abrasion and from sudden temperature change. Severe frostbite requires emergency treatment. It is a busy time of year, with guests coming and going, decorations going up and down. Dr. Krawiec advises keeping novel small items out of reach of your pet. Dogs and cats, especially puppies and kittens, will eat anything.