Fall is fading, and icy mornings are close behind. As the temperature drops, it’s the perfect time to get your pets ready for winter living and consider winter pet safety—paw protection, pet-safe ice melt, late-season flea/tick prevention, warm layers for cold walks (and heated beds for indoor kitties), visibility gear, and more. Shop everything mentioned at Benson’s Pet Center in-store or online.

Fleas & Ticks Can Still Be Active

Parasites don’t vanish when the leaves fall! Ticks remain active until sustained freezes, and fleas can persist indoors year-round. Keeping preventatives in place through late fall (and as directed into winter) stops surprise infestations and protects both pets and people. A quick once-over after hikes or yard time helps you catch hitchhikers before they settle in.

• Keep consistent protection: Consider a long-lasting Seresto Collar (available in multiple sizes), so you don’t have to remember to reapply tick & flea protection. 
• Natural dog options: Prefer botanicals over conventional actives? Choose the Earth Animal Herbal Collar in Small, Medium, or Large for gentle, plant-based support.
• Home & cat-safe support: Treat soft surfaces where pests linger while keeping cats in mind. Use Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Home Spray for Cats—shop here—and for dogs/household fabrics, Vet’s Best Dog & Home Spray 32oz, available here.
• Routine checks: After hikes or leaf-pile play, part the fur at the ears, neck, armpits, and between toes.

Pet-Safe Ice Melt & Driveway Safety

Standard rock salt can cause chemical burns, dry, cracked paws, and even illness if ingested. Switching to a pet-friendly formula protects pads while still giving you the traction you need on steps and walkways. Pre-treating before a storm also reduces the amount of melt you’ll need later and makes cleanup easier for everyone.

• Swap to pet-friendly formulas: Stock up on Safe Paw Ice Melter 8 lb jug or 35 lb bucket (also available in a 22 lb bag).
• Pre-treat lightly before storms: Helps snow/ice release and reduces the amount you’ll need later.
• Entryway setup: Add a boot tray/mat to prevent salt from tracking inside. This can prevent accidental ingestion when indoor cats groom themselves, as well.

Paw Protection is Key

Cold, dry air and salted sidewalks can crack pads and irritate skin. A simple routine—barrier balm before walks and a quick wipe afterward—keeps grit, ice, and chemicals from sitting on skin and fur. For storm days or sensitive pets, add light protection with outerwear and keep conditioner handy for nightly touch-ups.

• Barrier balms & waxes: Apply a thin layer before walks to shield paws; wipe paws afterward to remove salt. Try Musher’s Secret Paw Protection Balm in 60g or 200g.
• Post-walk care: Keep a towel and paw wipes by the door; reapply conditioner if pads look dry.
• Extra coverage for storm days (dogs): Add a warm outer layer like the Zack & Zoey Nor’easter Blanket Coat. Alternate colorways and sizes are also available.

Warmth & Visibility for Dark, Cold Walks

Short days push most outings into dawn and dusk, when wind chills bite and visibility drops. Layering keeps core temperature steady while reflective and LED gear ensures drivers, cyclists, and neighbors can see you coming. For cats that venture out, always choose breakaway collars with reflective elements for safety.

• Layer up: Keep your dog’s core temp steady on chilly walks! Add an insulating fleece like the Kurgo Core Dog Sweater. For slush and wind, layer with the Kurgo North Country Winter Coat.
• Be seen: Reflective gear, like the LupinePet Adjustable Collar, boosts visibility at dawn and dusk so drivers and cyclists spot you sooner. You can also pair this with a rechargeable, light-up collar like the Nite Ize SpotLit. 
• Cats: Outdoor-curious kitties should wear reflective breakaway collars for safety and visibility. Try the Coastal Lazer Bright Reflective Breakaway Collar, available in various colors. 

Cozy Comfort for Indoor Cats and Small Dogs

When temperatures drop, many pets sleep more and drink less—so warmth and hydration become top priorities. Creating draft-free nap zones with heated or thermal beds eases joint stiffness and keeps cats off radiators or too close to space heaters. Circulating fountains and a few well-placed perches turn chilly windows into cozy winter retreats.

• Heated/thermal bedding: Add warm, protected nap zones to ease potential joint discomfort while keeping pets a safe distance from dangerous heat sources. Try the Farm Innovators Heated Pet Mat or the FurHaven ThermaNAP Self-Warming Mat.
• Hydration matters: Circulating fountains encourage steady drinking in dry winter air and help support urinary health—especially for cats. Choose the PetSafe Creekside Ceramic Fountain, PetSafe Outlast 60oz PumplesPet Fountain, or the Drinkwell 128oz Stainless Multi-Pet Fountain.
• Cushy beds: Give cats and small dogs a warm, pressure-relieving spot that’s easy to wash and place near sunny windows. Try the MidWest Homes for Pets QuietTime Bolstered Bed or the Midwest Fleece Reversible Paw-Print Bed.

Home Hazards to Watch

• Antifreeze: Store securely—tiny amounts are dangerous to both dogs and cats.
• Space heaters & candles: Use tip-over protection and pet-safe placements; keep curious cats from singeing whiskers or fur.
• Dry air: A small room humidifier (placed safely) reduces static shock and helps keep your skin and your pets’ skin moisturized.

Quick Winter Pet Safety Checklist

• Apply paw balm before walks; wipe paws afterward.
• Swap to pet-safe ice melt and pre-treat lightly before storms.
• Continue flea/tick prevention through the first hard freeze (and per label).
• Add reflective/LED gear for low-light walks; use breakaway only for cats.
• Layer dogs with a sweater or coat; set up heated beds and cozy perches for cats.
• Secure antifreeze, monitor space heaters, and add humidity indoors.
• Stock an emergency kit: extra food/meds, balm, towels, and a backup litter setup for cats.

From salted sidewalks to surprise thaws, Benson’s Pet Center has the cold-weather gear and gentle solutions to help you prepare for winter pet safety. Visit one of our convenient locations or shop winter picks online—our team can help you size coats, choose pet-safe ice melt, and dial in a pest-prevention plan that fits your season.