Most Common Winter Emergencies for Dogs & Horses: And How to Prevent Them!

by Kamie Roth December 17, 2025

Winter may bring cozy nights, holiday cheer, and sparkling snow, but for our animals, it can also bring a host of challenges. Cold temperatures, ice, stress, and seasonal toxins all increase veterinary emergencies during the winter months. The good news? With attentive care, nearly all of these winter dangers are avoidable!

Let’s break down the most common winter emergencies seen in both dogs and horses, and the steps you can take to protect your companions all season long!

WINTER EMERGENCIES IN DOGS

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when a dog’s body temperature drops below normal, typically due to prolonged exposure to cold or wet conditions. Puppies, seniors, small breeds, and thin-coated dogs are at the highest risk.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Intense shivering or trembling
• Lethargy, sluggishness, or weakness
• Stiff or slow-moving muscles
• Pale, cool, or bluish gums
• Confusion, anxiety, or lack of coordination
• Low heart rate or slow breathing
• In severe cases: collapse, unresponsiveness, or coma

If your dog shows any of these signs, bring them into a warm, dry environment immediately and contact your veterinarian.

Prevention Tips:

Preventing hypothermia is much easier, and safer, than treating it! Simple steps can make a huge difference:

• Limit outdoor time during freezing temperatures or harsh weather.
• Dry your dog immediately after rain, snow, or swimming (wet fur loses heat rapidly).
• Dress sensitive dogs (small breeds, seniors, thin-coated breeds like Greyhounds) in a warm coat or sweater when going outside.
• Avoid leaving dogs in unheated garages, cars, or outdoor kennels where temperatures can plummet.
• Provide extra bedding, blankets, or insulated sleeping areas, especially for indoor/outdoor dogs or pets who sleep away from household heating.

Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when a dog’s body tissues freeze due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. When blood flow is redirected to vital organs to keep the core warm, the extremities like the ears, paws, tail tip, and in some cases the scrotum, become vulnerable to freezing. Damage may not be immediately obvious; in fact, frostbite often develops quietly and may not show full symptoms until thawing occurs.

Signs to Look For:

Early frostbite can be subtle, but prompt detection can prevent permanent tissue damage.

• Pale, whitish, or bluish skin on exposed areas
• Skin or paw pads that feel cold, hard, or brittle to the touch
• Swelling of affected tissues
• Sensitivity or pain when touched
• Redness as the area warms
• Peeling, blistering, or blackened tissue in severe or advanced cases

If you suspect frostbite, warm the area gently with body heat or lukewarm water (never hot water) and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible!

How to Prevent Frostbite:

• Limit outdoor exposure during extremely cold, icy, or windy conditions.
• Check paws frequently and remove snow or ice buildup between the toes.
• Use protective gear such as insulated booties or paw wax to shield sensitive areas.
• Dry your dog thoroughly after walks, playtime, or any contact with wet snow or ice.
• Avoid wet fur exposure (moisture rapidly accelerates heat loss).

Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) Poisoning

Antifreeze poisoning is one of the most dangerous winter emergencies for dogs. Ethylene glycol, the toxic ingredient found in most traditional antifreeze products, has a sweet flavor that makes it appealing to pets, but even a single teaspoon can be fatal to a small dog. Once ingested, the toxin is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and begins causing life-threatening kidney damage within hours. Without rapid veterinary treatment, antifreeze poisoning is almost always fatal.

Symptoms:

Signs often appear in stages, and early symptoms can be subtle. Quick recognition is absolutely critical:

• Wobbliness, stumbling, or “drunken” behavior within 30 minutes to a few hours after ingestion
• Vomiting
• Excessive thirst and urination as the body attempts to flush the toxin
• Depression or lethargy
• Seizures in severe cases
• Rapid progression to acute kidney failure within 12–24 hours without treatment

If you suspect antifreeze exposure, even if your dog is not yet showing symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Time is the number one factor in survival!

Prevention:

• Store all automotive chemicals, including antifreeze, windshield de-icer, and coolant, in sealed, pet-proof containers and out of reach.
• Clean up any spills right away, even small drips, as dogs may lick residue from the ground or their paws.
• Consider switching to propylene glycol, based antifreeze, which is significantly safer for pets (though still not edible).
• Keep pets away from driveways, garages, and parking areas where leaks from vehicles may occur.
• Check your vehicle regularly for coolant leaks, especially during winter months.

Ice-Related Injuries

Slippery sidewalks, driveways, and trails increase the risk of torn ligaments, strained muscles, sprains, or even fractures. Injuries can occur not only from slips and falls but also from sudden twists while running or playing on ice.

How to Reduce Ice Injuries:

• Walk dogs on clear paths whenever possible to avoid slippery areas.
• Use pet-safe ice melt on home walkways and driveways, some chemical melts can irritate paws, so choose pet-friendly products.
• Keep dogs on a leash around frozen ponds, lakes, or rivers, never allow your dog to walk on ice-covered water, as thin ice can break unexpectedly.
• Consider boot grips or traction devices for yourself! Many dog injuries happen when owners slip and pull their pets down unintentionally.
• Slow down and take shorter strides during walks in icy conditions to maintain better balance and control.

Holiday Hazards

Decorations, holiday foods, and other seasonal items may seem harmless, yet many are toxic or dangerous to dogs. Being aware of these risks is the first step in keeping your pets safe during the holidays.

Common Winter Toxins & Dangers:

Some of the most frequent holiday hazards include:

• Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, which contains theobromine (a substance toxic to dogs)
• Xylitol, found in sugar-free candies, gums, and baked goods, which can cause life-threatening drops in blood sugar
• Christmas tree water, which may harbor bacteria, fertilizers, or stagnant water that can upset the stomach
• Ornaments, tinsel, and ribbon, which can cause choking or intestinal blockages if chewed or swallowed
• Electrical cords, which can lead to burns or electrocution if bitten
• Rich or fatty leftover foods, which can trigger pancreatitis or gastrointestinal upset

Prevention Tips:

• Keep all food and candy well out of reach of pets, including under counters and inside closed cabinets
• Fence off Christmas trees or supervise pets closely to prevent chewing on decorations or ingesting pine needles
• Tape down or cover electrical cords to discourage chewing
• Avoid giving table scraps, even small amounts of rich foods can upset your dog’s digestive system or trigger serious conditions like pancreatitis
• Dispose of wrapping materials, ribbons, and tinsel carefully to prevent accidental ingestion

 

WINTER EMERGENCIES IN HORSES

Impaction Colic

Impaction colic is the most common winter emergency in horses. During cold weather, horses often drink less water, which leads to dry feed material accumulating in the gut. This can create a blockage in the intestines, causing discomfort and, if untreated, potentially life-threatening complications.

Signs of Impaction Colic:

Early recognition is key to preventing serious outcomes. Watch for:

• Reduced manure output or completely absent feces
• Dry, hard, or small fecal balls
• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
• Pawing, flank-watching, rolling, or lying down frequently
• Dull or less active behavior
• Signs of discomfort or restlessness

If you notice these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Prompt attention can prevent the impaction from worsening and requiring surgery!

Prevention:

• Provide constant access to clean, unfrozen water, heated water, or offering warm water 2–3 times daily encourages drinking
• Ensure adequate salt intake, through blocks, loose salt, or electrolyte supplementation, which promotes natural thirst and water consumption
• Feed plenty of forage, ideally spread out throughout the day to keep the gut moving
• Soak hay cubes or beet pulp to increase moisture content and reduce the risk of impaction
• Maintain regular dental care, as horses with dental issues may chew poorly and drink less, increasing the risk of dry feed accumulation

Hypothermia / Cold Stress

While healthy adult horses can generally tolerate cold weather, the combination of cold, wet, and windy conditions can quickly lead to hypothermia or cold stress. Prolonged exposure to harsh winter conditions forces the horse’s body to burn extra calories to maintain core temperature, which can result in weight loss, weakened immunity, and in severe cases, life-threatening hypothermia.

Horses at Higher Risk:

• Senior horses, whose metabolic rate, and circulation may be reduced
• Thin horses with minimal fat insulation
• Clipped horses, whose natural winter coat has been removed
• Horses with metabolic or chronic health issues, such as Cushing’s disease or laminitis
• New arrivals, who have not yet acclimated to the local climate

Prevention:

• Provide shelter with a windbreak, such as trees, a three-sided shed, or a barn, to protect from wind, rain, and snow
• Blanket horses that need extra protection, particularly thin, elderly, or clipped horses
• Maintain proper body condition, ensuring horses enter winter with adequate fat reserves, winter is not the time for weight loss
• Keep coats clean and dry, as wet, matted hair loses much of its insulating ability
• Monitor feed intake closely, since horses burn more calories in cold weather, and adjust forage as needed to maintain body condition

Frostbite (Especially in Foals)

Frostbite occurs when body tissues freeze, leading to tissue damage. In horses, adult horses are rarely affected due to their larger body mass and natural insulation, but newborn foals, miniature horses, and underweight animals are much more susceptible. Frostbite commonly affects ears, tails, and lower limbs, and in severe cases, it can cause permanent tissue damage or necrosis.

Why Foals Are at Higher Risk:

• Smaller body mass means they lose heat more rapidly.
• Limited ability to regulate body temperature in the first days of life.
• Wet coats from birth fluids, rain, or snow dramatically increase heat loss.

Prevention:

• Keep foaling barns warm, dry, and well-bedded, providing insulation from cold floors and drafts.
• Dry foals immediately after birth or exposure to rain, snow, or wet conditions.
• Never turn out wet or compromised animals into freezing temperatures (always ensure they are fully dry and healthy before exposure).
• Protect extremities (ears, tails, and lower limbs) during extreme cold if additional shelter or blankets are needed.
• Monitor young and small horses closely for signs of cold stress, such as shivering, lethargy, or cold extremities.

Slips, Falls & Ice Injuries

Even a horse in perfect health can slip, strain a ligament, or fracture a limb on slick surfaces. Thick winter coats can mask early signs of swelling, cuts, or lameness, making supervision and daily checks essential. Ice injuries can range from minor bruises to life-threatening fractures, so prevention is far better than treatment.

Prevention:

• Break up ice in high-traffic areas, including barn entrances, paddocks, and alleyways.
• Add traction materials such as gravel, sand, or stall shavings to icy or slippery spots.
• Keep gates, water troughs, and barn entrances ice-free to prevent slips during daily routines.
• Avoid forced exercise on slick surfaces, slow, controlled walking is safer than running or lunging in icy areas.
• Use hoof boots or studs only under the guidance of a farrier, as improper use can cause injury or interfere with natural hoof movement.
• Inspect horses daily, paying close attention to limbs, joints, and hooves hidden by thick winter coats for early signs of swelling or injury.

Dehydration

Horses naturally tend to drink less water in cold weather, which can put them at risk for dehydration. Insufficient water intake can lead to colic, poor digestion, and impaction, especially when feeding dry hay or concentrates. Even mild dehydration can affect gut motility and overall health, making proactive management essential during winter months.

Prevention:

• Offer warm water in the range of 45–65°F to encourage drinking.
• Add salt to grain or feed (1–2 tablespoons/day, if approved by your veterinarian) to stimulate thirst.
• Soak feed or provide warm mashes, increasing moisture intake while making feed more palatable.
• Monitor water heaters and check buckets multiple times daily, ensuring water remains unfrozen and accessible.
• Avoid water sources that may “shock” horses if heated, as sudden temperature changes or electrical issues can scare animals and reduce drinking.
• Observe drinking behavior, particularly for high-risk horses, to catch early signs of dehydration or decreased intake.

Winter Hoof Problems

Changes in temperature, moisture, and footing can make hooves more prone to injury, infection, and discomfort. Common issues include snowballing, thrush, abscesses, and cracks, all of which can impact a horse’s performance and overall health if not addressed.

Common Winter Hoof Issues:

• Snowballs forming under hooves, which create slippery surfaces and uneven pressure, increasing the risk of slips and lameness.
• Thrush, a bacterial infection, can develop in wet or muddy conditions, particularly in poorly drained paddocks or stalls.
• Abscesses can occur from freezing and thawing ground, which may trap debris or bacteria in the hoof.
• Cracks or splits due to dry, cold winter air, which can weaken the hoof wall and make it more susceptible to infection or structural problems.

Prevention:

• Maintain regular farrier visits every 6–8 weeks, even during winter, to ensure proper trimming, shoeing, and early detection of issues.
• Pick hooves daily, especially before turnout, to remove snow, ice, and debris that can cause discomfort or infection.
• Ask your farrier about snow pads or non-snowballing shoe options, which help prevent packed snow from affecting hoof balance.
• Provide dry standing areas in paddocks and stalls to reduce prolonged exposure to wet or muddy conditions.
• Inspect hooves frequently for cracks, bruising, or unusual heat, which can indicate abscess formation or other problems.
• Adjust turnout and footing as needed during extreme weather to reduce trauma to hooves.

Respiratory Issues

Winter can increase the risk of respiratory problems in horses due to cold, stagnant air and closed barn environments. Poor ventilation allows dust, mold, and ammonia from urine to accumulate, which can trigger coughing, flare-ups of heaves (recurrent airway obstruction), and respiratory infections. Horses with pre-existing respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable, but even healthy horses can develop issues if exposure is prolonged!

Common Causes:

• Closed barns that limit fresh airflow
• Dusty hay, particularly round bales, or poorly stored forage
• Mold or bacteria growing in damp or improperly stored hay
• Ammonia buildup from urine-soaked bedding in stalls

Prevention:

• Keep barns well-ventilated, fresh air is far healthier than warm, stagnant, dusty air, even in cold weather.
• Avoid round bale inhalation for horses prone to heaves; consider feeding smaller, dust-free hay portions in nets or feeders.
• Store hay properly, off the ground and covered, to reduce mold and dust exposure.
• Clean stalls frequently, removing soiled bedding to limit ammonia buildup, which can irritate airways.
• Monitor horses for early signs of respiratory distress, such as coughing, nasal discharge, or labored breathing, and consult your veterinarian promptly.
• Use dust-free bedding where possible, such as pelleted or kiln-dried shavings, to further reduce airborne particles.

 

WINTER SAFETY CHECKLIST

Dogs

✔ Warm shelter and bedding
✔ Limit outdoor time in harsh weather
✔ Check paws daily for cracks or ice buildup
✔ Keep antifreeze and toxins secured
✔ Protect with coats/booties when needed
✔ Maintain ID tags and microchip info in case of storms

Horses

✔ Heated or temperature-regulated water
✔ Adequate forage throughout the day
✔ Salt accessible at all times
✔ Regular blanketing evaluations
✔ Daily hoof checks
✔ Safe, ice-free turnout areas
✔ Good barn ventilation
✔ Monitor body weight weekly

Final Thoughts

Winter doesn't have to be a dangerous season for dogs and horses. With good management, proactive care, and awareness of seasonal hazards, you can dramatically reduce the risk of winter emergencies!

Preparation is the best defense against cold-weather crises. Simple daily habits, checking water, evaluating body condition, monitoring the weather, make all the difference in keeping your animals healthy, safe, and comfortable!

---

---

Also in Majesty's Minute