The recent winter storm brought the St. Louis area blustery winter conditions and put pets and people at risk. Protecting St. Louis pets from winter temperatures, snow, and ice is critical this time of year. As we brace for whatever comes next, check out last week’s post about how winter weather affects our pets. And, keep reading for our top 10 ways to protect St. Louis pets during winter storms.
Top 10 Ways to Protect St. Louis Pets During Winter Storms
To keep your pets safe during St. Louis winters:
1. Limit outdoor time in the winter
Keep cats indoors and limit dogs’ outdoor exposure, especially in extreme cold.
2. Provide proper winter shelter
If pets must be outside, community cats, for example, ensure they have a dry, draft-free shelter that’s just large enough to allow movement but small enough to retain body heat.
3. Use pet-safe ice melt
Avoid harmful chemicals by using pet-friendly ice melt products on your property. This is a great brand of pet-safe ice melt.
4. Wipe paws after walks
Clean your dog’s paws after outdoor excursions to remove salt and prevent them from ingesting harmful chemicals. An easy way to wash paws is to use a waterless dog shampoo and a washcloth.
5. Consider pet outerwear
Short-haired dog breeds, hairless breeds, and indoor cats may benefit from a sweater or coat during outdoor time, including booties to protect their delicate paws. For some, sweaters may even be needed indoors – just keep in mind that what’s safe for indoor use may not be ideal in wet conditions outside.
6. Maintain a warm, humid indoor environment
Warm, humid air may prevent respiratory issues and skin irritation this time of year. It’s easy to achieve a more humid indoor environment with a humidifier. But, remember to use distilled water to prevent mold and other toxins from spreading indoors.
For cats, consider a heating pad or mat to keep them cozy, especially if they are older and/or suffer from arthritis.
7. Keep cats in strollers or backpacks
While many pet parents are training cats to walk on harnesses and leashes, it’s best to keep cats elevated during winter weather. Keeping them in a stroller or backpack prevents slipping, exposure to ice melt, and more. Same goes for tiny dog breeds.
8. Never leave pets in cold cars
Vehicles can act like refrigerators in cold weather, putting pets at severe risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
9. Use no-pull harnesses and leashes
When it’s icy, you need all the help you can get to prevent slips and falls. Using no-pull harnesses during these times is a smart way to get your dog outdoors without risking your safety and well-being.
Also, keep your dog on a leash, and don’t take any risks during a winter storm!
10. Wear the right shoes
As professional dog walkers, we know that appropriate footwear is key to safe outdoor fun with our pets during inclement weather. We love snow boots with rubber soles and waterproof materials to keep feet dry and warm.
Supporting St. Louis Animal Welfare During Winter Storms
In addition to considering our own pets’ safety and wellbeing, it’s important to consider how winter weather impacts animal welfare in the St. Louis area. Here, you’ll learn about a local organization that spent last week saving pets that were left outdoors or strays with nowhere to go during the storm.
We want to shout out Gateway Pet Guardians and all our shelters and rescues that have worked tirelessly during these inclement weather days to save lives. We encourage you to support them by making a donation, fostering, or adopting from Gateway Pet Guardians and similar organizations to support their invaluable work and allow them to save more lives.
The Best Care for St. Louis Pets
At 4-Legged Kids, Inc. we take every precaution to ensure that the pets in our care are safe and sound no matter the temperature or weather conditions. As professionals, we are prepared to care for pets rain or shine. But, we don’t take the responsibility lightly. Extreme weather conditions can make things challenging, which is why our team is trained to follow the above tips and more!
At 4-Legged Kids, Inc., our award-winning dog walking and pet sitting services are tailored to meet your and your pets’ needs. Call 636-405-0400 or email ask@4leggedkids.com to register. Existing clients, please request services here.
We look forward to welcoming your pets into the 4-Legged Kids Inc. family in 2025. We wish you and yours a wonderful winter season, while not-so-secretly hoping that Mother Nature takes it easy on us!
Janie founded 4-Legged Kids, Inc in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1997 and provides education through her PetBizHIVE podcast and her PetBizMBA membership and courses. She is a Certified Professional Animal Care Operator, Fear Free certified and a Certified Professional Pet Sitter. Learn more about the Founder, Janie Budnick.