With freezing temperatures gripping the region, veterinarians said pet owners should think twice before heading out on long walks.
Even quick trips outdoors can pose risks for pets in extreme cold, according to Dr. Sophie Kindberg-Hanlon with the Friendship Hospital for Animals in D.C.
Many pet owners, Kindberg-Hanlon said, underestimate how fast the cold can affect pets. Small dogs, puppies and short‑haired breeds are especially vulnerable, and when everything outside is frozen, owners need to take extra care.
Protecting paws is a big part of that. Dog booties can help, but if a pet won’t tolerate them, Kindberg-Hanlon suggested applying a thin layer of paw balm before walks and wiping paws afterward to remove salt or chemicals.
“I think it’s fine if dogs are running around having fun, they’re going to feel warm, but once that fun has stopped, really, you know, being able to come back inside,” she said.
