Cold, Wet and Safe: Winter Tips to Protect Your Pets Outdoors

Winter in the Fraser Valley usually means cold rain, slushy sidewalks, and the occasional icy snap—and our pets feel every bit of it. Whether you’re walking through Chilliwack or Sardis, driving out toward Abbotsford, or living closer to Hope, a bit of planning can make a big difference for your pet’s comfort and safety.

At Vedder Mountain Veterinary Clinic, we see many cold-weather concerns each year, from sore paws and stiff joints to true emergencies. The tips below are designed to help you navigate winter confidently and to know when it’s time to give us a call.

1. How Cold Is Too Cold? Know the Warning Signs

Not every pet has the same “winter tolerance.” A young Husky and a senior Chihuahua will handle cold very differently, but a good general rule is this: if you are uncomfortably cold, your pet probably is too. Veterinary groups like the AVMA remind owners that cold weather can worsen conditions such as arthritis and that pets should be monitored carefully during cold snaps.

Watch for these signs your pet is getting too cold:

• Shivering or trembling
• Lifting or holding up paws while walking
• Hunched posture or tail tucked tightly in
• Sudden slowing down or refusing to walk
• Pale, cold ears or paw pads

If you see any of these, head indoors and warm your pet gradually with blankets and body heat. Avoid very hot baths or direct heat on chilled skin.

If your pet seems weak, confused, or extremely lethargic after being out in the cold, contact a veterinarian right away. Our team at Vedder Mountain Veterinary Clinic can help you decide if your pet needs urgent care and provide Emergency & Urgent Care during regular hours.

2. Protect Paws from Rain, Ice and Road Salt

In Chilliwack and the rest of the Fraser Valley, winter often means wet sidewalks, gritty shoulder lanes, and, at times, road salt or de-icing products. All of that can be tough on paws. The BC SPCA notes that salt and sand can get trapped between paw pads and toes, leading to soreness or dermatitis, and can also upset the stomach when pets lick their feet.

Simple ways to protect paws:

• Use dog booties when you can. They create a barrier against cold, grit, and salt. Let your dog practice wearing them indoors with treats so they feel less strange.
• Apply paw balm or wax before walks to help protect pads, especially if your dog refuses booties. Reapply after very wet or slushy outings.
• Rinse and dry paws after each walk. Use lukewarm water to remove salt and chemicals, then pat dry gently.
• Keep fur trimmed between toes (or ask a groomer to do it) to reduce ice balls and mud clumps.

If you notice redness, cracking, or constant licking of the feet, book a wellness exam so we can check for infection or skin irritation and recommend treatment.

3. Keep Winter Walks Warm, Dry and Visible

Short winter days around Chilliwack, Sardis, Abbotsford, and Hope often mean walking in the rain or dim light. That doesn’t have to be unsafe if you plan ahead. Cold-weather resources from Canadian organizations emphasize shorter walks in extreme cold and the importance of drying pets thoroughly when you return indoors. For example, you can find winter preparation ideas in this article from BC Pet Registry.

Tips for safer, more comfortable winter walks:

• Choose shorter, more frequent outings on especially cold or windy days, rather than one long walk.
• Use a coat for pets that need it. Short-haired, small, senior, or thin pets often benefit from a well-fitting, waterproof jacket that doesn’t rub, restrict movement, or stay soaked against the skin.
• Boost visibility. Reflective collars, harnesses, and clip-on lights help drivers see you on dark, rainy evenings.
• Dry your pet afterward. Focus on paws, belly, and chest where cold water soaks in fastest.

If your dog seems stiff or sore after walks—especially as the temperature drops—mention it at your next visit. Our Senior Pet Care and Pet Laser Therapy services often help pets with arthritis or old injuries stay more comfortable through the winter.

4. Hidden Winter Toxins: Antifreeze, De-icers and More

Cold weather doesn’t just bring low temperatures; it also increases exposure to certain toxins found in garages, driveways, and parking lots.

Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)

Most automotive antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which tastes sweet but is highly toxic to pets. The BC SPCA and VCA Canada both warn that even small amounts can cause severe kidney damage or death if not treated quickly.

Reduce the risk by:

• Cleaning up spills right away
• Storing antifreeze and other automotive fluids in sealed, pet-proof areas
• Considering antifreeze products made with propylene glycol instead (still not safe to drink, but less toxic than ethylene glycol)

De-icers and salt

De-icing products and road salt can:

• Irritate paw pads and skin
• Cause drooling, mouth irritation, or stomach upset if licked off

Whenever possible, use pet-safe de-icers on your property and rinse paws after walks on treated sidewalks or driveways. Winter care guides from humane organizations stress using pet-friendly products when you can and limiting exposure to harsh chemicals; you can see more cold-weather tips in this article from Humane World.

When to call a vet immediately

Contact Vedder Mountain Veterinary Clinic or an emergency hospital right away if your pet:

• May have walked through, licked, or drunk antifreeze
• Is drooling excessively or vomiting
• Seems wobbly, disoriented, or unusually lethargic after being around vehicles, garages, or driveways

Prompt treatment is essential in antifreeze poisoning cases; the sooner therapy begins, the better the chance of a good outcome.

5. Extra Care for Seniors and Pets with Health Issues

Cold, damp Fraser Valley weather can be especially tough on:

• Senior dogs and cats
• Pets with arthritis or previous injuries
• Pets with heart, kidney, or hormonal disease

The AVMA notes that cold weather can worsen some medical conditions, including arthritis, making regular checkups especially important for older animals in winter.

How you can help at home:

• Provide soft, supportive bedding away from drafts and damp areas.
• Use non-slip mats on floors to help unstable pets move more confidently.
• Maintain a healthy weight—extra weight puts extra strain on joints.
• Encourage gentle, low-impact exercise, such as short, frequent walks and easy indoor games.

If you’re seeing signs like reluctance to jump, trouble with stairs, or stiffness after naps, it may be time for a senior wellness visit. We can screen for underlying health problems, adjust pain-management plans, and discuss whether laser therapy or joint supplements could help your pet stay more comfortable.

6. Indoor Enrichment for Rainy and Stormy Days

Some winter days in Chilliwack are simply too cold, too wet, or too icy to spend much time outside. On those days, keeping pets indoors is often the safest choice—but they still need activity and mental stimulation. The BC SPCA offers helpful ideas for indoor exercise that keep dogs moving and thinking during the colder months.

Easy indoor ideas for dogs and cats:

• Short, fun play sessions: fetch down a hallway, gentle tug, or chase-the-toy games.
• Food puzzles and slow feeders: encourage your pet to “work” for kibble or treats to engage their brain.
• Training refreshers: practice recall, “stay,” “leave it,” or teach a silly new trick like spin or shake.
• DIY obstacle courses: use cushions, boxes, or safe household items to create a mini agility course.

Indoor enrichment is something we discuss often during wellness and preventative care visits, because it supports both physical and mental health—especially in dark, rainy months.

You know your pet better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to reach out. Our veterinarians care for pets from Chilliwack, Sardis, Abbotsford, Hope, and surrounding Fraser Valley communities, and we’re here to help you navigate winter safely.

Contact us if:

• Your pet seems unusually tired, stiff, or sore after being in the cold
• You notice limping, cracked pads, or constant paw licking
• You see signs that worry you: pale or discoloured skin on ears or paws, severe shivering, collapse, or confusion
• You suspect your dog or cat has been exposed to antifreeze, road salt, or another toxin
• You’d like to schedule a winter wellness check to review weight, joints, skin, and overall health

We can use our in-clinic diagnostics to investigate concerns quickly and create a winter care plan tailored to your pet.

If you’re worried about your pet today or want to book a seasonal checkup, you can request an appointment online through our Request an Appointment page.

We’re committed to helping your furry family members stay warm, comfortable, and healthy—no matter what winter brings to Chilliwack and the surrounding Fraser Valley.