Keep Your Furry Family Members Safe This Winter

Cincinnati weather is notoriously unpredictable—60 degrees one day, 25 the next. While we can bundle up, our pets need extra attention as temperatures drop. Andrew Hersey, REALTOR at The Hersey Group brokered by FIV Realty, is a proud pet owner and knows how important four-legged family members are to Cincinnati homeowners.

"When I'm showing homes, I always point out pet-friendly features—fenced yards, mudrooms, nearby parks," Andrew shares. "Pets are family, and their safety matters just as much as ours."

Cold Weather Pet Safety:

Know Your Pet's Limits Small dogs, short-haired breeds, and senior pets feel cold faster. If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them. Even cold-tolerant breeds like Huskies need shelter from extreme temperatures.

Outdoor Precautions

  • Never leave pets outside for extended periods below 32°F

  • Check paws for ice, salt, and chemical burns after walks

  • Wipe paws with warm water when coming inside

  • Consider pet booties for dogs with sensitive paws

  • Ensure outdoor water bowls haven't frozen

Indoor Comfort

  • Provide warm bedding away from drafts

  • Keep pets away from space heaters and fireplaces

  • Maintain indoor temperatures consistently

  • Watch for signs of hypothermia: shivering, lethargy, weak pulse

Winter Hazards

  • Antifreeze is deadly—clean spills immediately and consider pet-safe alternatives

  • Rock salt irritates paws—use pet-friendly de-icers

  • Keep holiday plants (poinsettias, mistletoe) away from curious pets

  • Ensure Christmas trees are securely anchored

Home Features for Pet Safety

As a 6-year veteran real estate agent who has sold over 200 homes, Andrew notices pet-friendly home features buyers request: fenced yards, tile or luxury vinyl flooring, utility sinks for bath time, and mudrooms for wet days.

"One client specifically wanted a home with a covered porch so their elderly dog could go outside during rain and snow without getting too wet," Andrew remembers. "These details matter when you're buying in Cincinnati OH 2025."

The Hersey Group, with 36 Google 5-star reviews, understands that finding the right home means considering every family member—including pets. When searching Cincinnati OH homes for sale, think about how your pet will thrive in their new environment.

Keep those tails wagging safely all winter long!

Contact Andrew Hersey at The Hersey Group | (513) 835-5506 | www.herseygroup.com for a FREE 2025 Market Strategy Session