Seasonal Pet Care: What Changes Every Three Months
The specific risk each season brings for dogs and cats, and the precautions that actually prevent an emergency vet visit.
Seasonal Care
Every season brings its own risk
A July heat wave and hot asphalt, a January cold snap and road salt on the sidewalks, spring and fall allergy flare-ups: the risks change with the calendar, and so should the precautions. A dog that handles a Toronto summer fine can still overheat on a humid August afternoon in Montreal.
Cold affects pets differently by size and coat
A short-haired dog and a husky do not need the same winter precautions, and neither does a senior pet with arthritis, which a hard winter tends to aggravate. Matching the precaution to the individual pet matters more than following one rule for every breed.
Can dogs get heatstroke even on a mild day?
Yes, particularly in a parked car or on hot asphalt, both of which can reach dangerous temperatures well before the air feels hot.
Do outdoor cats need different care in winter?
Yes. Access to water that has not frozen solid, a warm shelter option and a few extra calories to help maintain body heat are all worth checking on regularly, especially once temperatures drop below freezing for days at a time.