Great Falls Animal Shelter Issues Winter Pet Safety Tips

Local officials are urging pet owners to protect animals from freezing temperatures and common winter hazards.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Pet Health

Gouache-painted illustration of furry dog paws on a snow-dusted wooden board beside a white towel, illustrating winter pet safety. — The Great Falls Animal Shelter is advising pet owners to wipe paws and inspect pets after walks to mitigate risks from winter chemicals. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you feel fully prepared to protect your pets from the hazards of winter weather?

The Great Falls Animal Shelter is warning residents about the specific dangers pets face during the winter months in Montana. These risks include chemical exposure from de-icing agents, toxic substances like antifreeze, and the life-threatening cold.

Why it matters

Winter conditions pose risks of chemical irritation, ingestion toxicity, and extreme cold exposure to animals. These preventative measures help residents keep local pets safe as temperatures continue to drop across the region.

Pet owners should be aware that sidewalk salt can cause chemical burns to paws and digestive issues if ingested, while antifreeze remains highly toxic. Pets are also susceptible to hypothermia, with common symptoms including shivering, anxiety, and weakness.

The players

Great Falls Animal Shelter

This local facility provides essential animal welfare services and public safety guidance for pet owners in the Great Falls area.

The details

To prevent chapping, owners are encouraged to wipe paws with a towel and apply petroleum jelly. Additionally, cleaning an animal's feet and stomach thoroughly after winter walks is essential to removing hazardous chemicals.

Culture Shift

This guidance aligns with the broader societal trend of increasing pet-inclusive safety standards during extreme weather events. The initiative mirrors the American Veterinary Medical Association winter pet safety guidelines, which emphasize proactive environmental monitoring for domestic animals.

Residents should adjust their daily walking routines by thoroughly cleaning a pet's stomach and feet immediately after being outdoors to avoid chemical irritation. Applying petroleum jelly before walks can serve as a simple, effective barrier against chapped skin and salt exposure.

The takeaway

Proactive hygiene, such as wiping paws after every walk, is the most effective way to prevent chemical burns from sidewalk salts. Pet owners should also remain vigilant near frozen bodies of water, which rarely provide safe conditions for animals to walk on.