Calgary’s fall weather can change quickly. One day your dog may be enjoying a long walk in mild temperatures, and the next you may be dealing with freezing temperatures, snow and icy sidewalks.
For pet owners, October is a good time to start preparing for the colder months ahead.
Winter can create several new challenges for dogs and cats, including cold exposure, irritated paw pads, road salt, ice, antifreeze and changes in exercise levels. A little preparation now can help prevent avoidable problems later.
In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most important fall and winter pet safety tips for Calgary pet owners, including what to watch for during walks, how to protect your pet’s paws, and when you should contact a veterinarian.
Why Fall Is the Right Time to Prepare Your Pet for Winter
Calgary’s weather can change dramatically throughout the fall. As temperatures fall, your pet may spend less time outdoors, encounter icy surfaces and come into contact with products used to melt snow and ice.
Preparing before winter arrives gives you time to:
- Check your pet’s overall health
- Review parasite prevention
- Prepare for colder walks
- Protect paws from snow and salt
- Make your home and garage safer
- Plan indoor exercise
- Identify potential winter hazards
Pets with arthritis, chronic health conditions, short coats, or other medical concerns may need additional consideration during colder weather.
If your pet is due for a routine examination, fall can also be a convenient time to schedule a wellness visit.
Learn more about checkups and exams at Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital.
1. Protect Your Dog’s Paws From Snow, Ice and Salt
Your dog’s paws are exposed to almost everything on the ground during winter walks.
Cold surfaces, ice, snow and de-icing products can irritate paw pads and the skin between the toes. Snow and ice can also become trapped between the toes and cause discomfort.
After walks, check your dog’s paws for:
- Cracks or redness
- Bleeding
- Excessive licking
- Swelling
- Snow or ice stuck between the toes
- Reluctance to walk
Wipe and dry your dog’s paws after walks to remove snow, ice and potentially irritating substances.
Veterinary guidance from the American Animal Hospital Association also recommends cleaning your dog’s paws after winter walks and checking between the toes and paw pads for salt, ice and debris.
Some dogs may also benefit from boots or a veterinarian-approved paw protectant, particularly if they frequently walk on salted sidewalks.
2. Be Careful With Road Salt and Ice Melt
Road salt and other de-icing products can become a problem in winter.
A dog may walk through treated areas and then lick its paws at home. Some products can irritate the paw pads, while ingesting significant amounts may cause illness.
To reduce the risk:
- Avoid heavily treated areas when possible.
- Wipe your dog’s paws after every winter walk.
- Check between the toes for trapped salt or ice.
- Keep bags of ice melt securely stored away from pets.
- Consider pet-safe products around your home.
If your pet develops significant paw irritation or becomes unwell after possible ingestion of a de-icing product, contact your veterinarian.
3. Keep Antifreeze Away From Dogs and Cats
Antifreeze is one of the most serious winter hazards for pets.
Ethylene glycol, found in many antifreeze products, is highly toxic to dogs and cats and can cause severe illness, including kidney damage.
Be particularly careful around:
- Garages
- Driveways
- Vehicles
- Stored automotive fluids
- Areas where a vehicle may have leaked
Always keep antifreeze containers securely closed and stored somewhere pets cannot access them. Clean up spills immediately.
If you think your dog or cat may have swallowed antifreeze, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Contact a veterinarian immediately.
Other signs of a possible poisoning can include vomiting, weakness, unusual behaviour, seizures or collapse.
Read our guide to emergency warning signs for Calgary pets.
4. Don’t Forget About Ticks in the Fall
Many Calgary pet owners associate ticks with summer, but tick activity can continue during the fall.
According to the Government of Alberta, ticks are most active during spring, summer and fall and can be active when temperatures are above 4°C.
Alberta’s latest passive tick surveillance data includes information through the end of 2025. The province continues to monitor tick species and Lyme disease risk across Alberta.
This is particularly relevant if your dog spends time:
- Hiking
- Exploring grassy areas
- Visiting off-leash parks
- Walking along natural pathways
- Travelling outside Calgary
After outdoor activities, check your pet carefully, particularly around the ears, neck, legs and other areas where ticks may hide.
If you find a tick attached to your pet, contact your veterinarian for advice on removal and whether additional prevention or monitoring is appropriate.
You can also learn more about Alberta’s tick surveillance and identification program through the Government of Alberta’s tick surveillance resources.
5. Know the Signs That Your Dog May Be Too Cold
There is no single temperature that is safe for every dog.
Breed, size, coat, age, health and weather conditions can all affect how well a dog tolerates cold weather.
Pay attention to your dog’s behaviour during outdoor activities.
Signs that your dog may be uncomfortable in the cold include:
- Shivering
- Lifting its paws
- Reluctance to continue walking
- Whining or unusual behaviour
- Excessive paw licking
- Slowing down significantly
- Seeking warmth
Small dogs, puppies, senior dogs and dogs with short or thin coats may require additional protection.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, all pets can be vulnerable to freezing temperatures, with some pets being particularly sensitive to cold exposure.
If your pet shows signs of severe cold exposure, weakness, collapse or other concerning symptoms, seek veterinary care promptly.
6. Senior Pets May Need Extra Winter Support
Cold weather can be particularly challenging for older pets.
Dogs and cats with arthritis or other mobility problems may become stiffer or less comfortable when temperatures fall.
Watch for changes such as:
- Difficulty getting up
- Reluctance to use stairs
- Slower walks
- Difficulty jumping
- Limping
- Changes in sleeping positions
- Reduced activity
Keeping your senior pet warm, maintaining appropriate exercise and monitoring mobility can help.
If you notice a significant change in mobility or behaviour, schedule a veterinary assessment rather than assuming it is simply part of getting older.
Regular veterinary checkups can help identify changes in your pet’s health early.
Learn more about veterinary checkups and exams at Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital.
7. Indoor Cats Still Have Winter Hazards
Cats that spend most of their time indoors are not completely protected from winter risks.
Garages, driveways and vehicles can expose curious cats to automotive fluids, chemicals and cold temperatures.
If outdoor cats are part of your neighbourhood, remember to check around your vehicle before starting it, particularly during colder weather.
For indoor cats, winter is also a good opportunity to increase indoor enrichment through:
- Interactive toys
- Food puzzles
- Climbing areas
- Short play sessions
- Scratching posts
- Safe window perches
Keeping cats mentally and physically active can help compensate for reduced outdoor activity.
8. Watch What Your Pet Eats Outdoors
Fall brings another potential hazard: pets investigating things they find outdoors.
Dogs in particular may eat things they encounter while walking, including unknown plants, mushrooms, food scraps or other materials.
Never assume an unknown mushroom or substance is safe simply because your pet has eaten something similar before.
If you see your pet consume something potentially toxic, contact your veterinarian promptly and provide as much information as possible about what was eaten.
If possible, take a photograph or safely collect information about the substance so it can be identified.
If your pet develops concerning symptoms after eating something unknown, don’t wait for the condition to worsen.
See Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital’s emergency veterinary services.
9. Adjust Exercise and Nutrition During the Colder Months
Many dogs become less active during Calgary’s winter.
Shorter walks, bad weather and more time indoors can reduce daily activity.
At the same time, some pets continue eating the same amount of food.
This combination can contribute to unwanted weight gain.
Try to maintain regular activity through:
- Shorter but more frequent walks
- Indoor play
- Training exercises
- Food puzzles
- Interactive toys
- Veterinarian-approved exercise routines
Your pet’s nutritional needs can also change depending on age, health, activity level and medical conditions.
If you are concerned about your pet’s weight or diet, speak with your veterinarian before making major dietary changes.
Learn more about pet nutrition and diet at Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital.
10. Consider a Pre-Winter Wellness Check
Fall is a useful time to make sure your pet is ready for the colder months.
During a wellness visit, your veterinarian can assess areas such as:
- Overall health
- Weight and body condition
- Mobility
- Skin and coat
- Dental health
- Vaccination status
- Parasite prevention
- Existing medical conditions
Preventive veterinary care can help identify health problems before they become more difficult to manage.
Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital provides wellness examinations, vaccinations, diagnostics, dental care, nutrition support and other veterinary services for Calgary pets.
Explore veterinary services at Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital.
Calgary Fall & Winter Pet Safety Checklist
Before winter arrives, make sure you:
☐ Check your dog’s paws regularly
☐ Wipe and dry paws after winter walks
☐ Prepare appropriate cold-weather gear
☐ Keep road salt and ice melt away from pets
☐ Store antifreeze securely
☐ Check your driveway and garage for automotive-fluid leaks
☐ Continue appropriate tick and parasite prevention
☐ Watch for changes in your senior pet’s mobility
☐ Prepare indoor exercise and enrichment activities
☐ Review your pet’s wellness and vaccination needs
☐ Keep your veterinarian’s contact information available
☐ Know where to seek veterinary care if an emergency occurs
When Should You Contact a Calgary Veterinarian?
Some changes can be monitored at home, while others require prompt veterinary attention.
Contact your veterinarian if your pet develops:
- Persistent vomiting
- Significant lethargy
- Unexplained pain
- Limping
- Unusual behaviour
- Worsening skin or paw problems
- Significant changes in appetite or drinking
Seek urgent veterinary care if your pet experiences:
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse
- Seizures
- Severe trauma
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Suspected poisoning
- Severe weakness or altered consciousness
In particular, suspected antifreeze ingestion should be treated as an emergency.
Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital provides emergency support during clinic hours and can refer patients to a trusted 24-hour emergency partner for after-hours emergencies.
Learn more about emergency veterinary care at Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall and Winter Pet Safety in Calgary
Are ticks still active in Calgary during the fall?
Yes. The Government of Alberta states that ticks are most active during spring, summer and fall and can be active when temperatures are above 4°C. If your pet spends time outdoors, talk to your veterinarian about appropriate parasite prevention.
Is road salt bad for dogs?
Road salt and other de-icing products can irritate paw pads and may cause illness if significant amounts are ingested. Wiping your dog’s paws after walks can help reduce exposure.
Is antifreeze dangerous to cats?
Yes. Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol is highly toxic to pets and can cause severe illness and kidney damage. Suspected exposure requires immediate veterinary attention.
How can I protect my dog’s paws in winter?
Check your dog’s paws regularly, remove snow and ice from between the toes, wipe paws after walks and consider appropriate paw protection if recommended by your veterinarian.
How cold is too cold for a dog?
There is no universal temperature that is safe for every dog. Breed, size, coat, age, health and weather conditions all affect cold tolerance. Watch your dog’s behaviour and shorten or end outdoor activity when your pet shows signs of discomfort.
Do indoor cats need winter safety precautions?
Yes. Indoor cats can still encounter winter hazards through garages, vehicles, antifreeze and other chemicals. Keep potentially toxic substances securely stored and maintain a safe indoor environment.
Should my senior pet have a checkup before winter?
A pre-winter wellness examination can be useful, particularly for senior pets or animals with arthritis, mobility problems or chronic medical conditions. Your veterinarian can assess your pet and recommend appropriate care for the colder months.
Keep Your Pet Safe This Fall and Winter
Calgary winters can be challenging for pets, but preparation makes a difference.
By protecting your pet’s paws, keeping toxic substances away, continuing appropriate parasite prevention, monitoring cold-weather behaviour and maintaining regular veterinary care, you can help your dog or cat stay comfortable and healthy throughout the season.
If you have concerns about your pet’s health or would like to schedule a wellness examination, contact Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital in NW Calgary.
Our team provides veterinary care for dogs, cats and other companion animals, with a focus on preventive care, diagnostics, medical treatment and surgery.
Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital
Unit 236, 241 Sage Valley Common NW
Calgary, AB T3R 1T8
Canada
Phone: (403) 295-0305
Contact Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital to discuss your pet’s health or schedule an appointment.