If you stepped outside in Brooklyn this weekend, you felt it immediately. The kind of cold that makes your eyelashes sting and your dog look back at you like, “Do we have to do this?” Winter Storm Fern didn’t just dust the sidewalks. It buried cars, turned curb cuts into mini snowbanks, and left plenty of streets slick even as crews worked to get things moving again. Brooklyn Paper reported that Winter Storm Fern brought up to 12 inches of snow across Brooklyn on Jan. 25, and earlier forecasts from the same outlet cited an 8 to 14 inch range for New York City.
And the temperature side of the story matters just as much as the snow. Ahead of the storm, forecasts pointed to lows around 13°F with wind chills dipping to about -10°F. That is not “brisk.” That is dangerous exposure weather, especially for animals left outside, and if your pet seems off after the cold, schedule a pet wellness exam.
Brooklyn is full of tough little creatures and plenty of tough New Yorkers. But cold like this is not something your pet can “power through,” even if they have fur.
Quick Answer: Should You Bring Pets Inside During Brooklyn Winter Storms?
During winter storms in Brooklyn, bring pets inside and limit outdoor trips to quick bathroom breaks. Cold, wind chill, wet fur, and de-icing chemicals can harm pets quickly, so dry them off, check paws, and wash off salt after walks.
The Hard Truth: Fur Doesn’t Protect Pets From Extreme Cold
A common misconception is that dogs and cats are built for winter because they have coats. Some breeds handle cold better than others, sure, but extreme cold plus wind plus wet conditions can overwhelm any animal fast.
Cold-weather guidance from groups like the ASPCA and NYC Emergency Management is blunt for a reason: if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, and pets left outdoors can face serious risks.
That risk goes up during storms because everything gets stacked against them at once:
- Wind chill accelerates heat loss
- Snow and slush soak fur and paws
- Visibility drops and scents get “scrubbed” off the ground
- Salt and de-icers coat sidewalks and street crossings
In other words, the storm doesn’t just make life uncomfortable. It changes the environment in ways that can directly injure pets.
“But My Dog Is Only Outside for a Minute…” Here’s Why That Can Still Be Risky”
During a Brooklyn storm, “a bit” can be enough to cause problems, especially for:
- Small dogs
- Puppies and seniors
- Short-haired breeds
- Pets with heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, or kidney issues
Even for healthy adult dogs, the danger isn’t just core temperature. Cold hits paws, ears, and tails first. Frostbite risk rises in exposed areas, and ice can pack between toes. CBS coverage of winter pet safety notes AVMA guidance about ice accumulation between toes and emphasizes washing off legs and paws after exposure to chemicals.
Brooklyn-specific Winter Hazards You Should Plan Around
- Sidewalk salt and chemical de-icers
Brooklyn doesn’t mess around with salting before and during snow events. That’s good for pedestrians and drivers. It can be rough on paws.
NYC Emergency Management specifically advises wiping your dog’s paws because ice-melting chemicals can make pets sick.
News 12 also highlighted local, practical guidance: keep walks short, consider a barrier like a paw balm, use pet-friendlier ice melt when you can, and wash paws thoroughly when you get home, especially between the toes.
Brooklyn tip: Keep a small towel by your front door (or in your building lobby bag). Quick wipe now saves you from a licking-and-chemical situation five minutes later.
- Dogs slipping loose and getting lost in snow
Dogs can lose their scent trail on snow and ice, and winter storms create exactly the kind of chaotic conditions where a door is left ajar or a leash clip fails.
WXII’s pet safety list points out that more dogs are lost during winter than any other season and warns against letting dogs off-leash on snow or ice. News 12 echoes that same warning and ties it to ASPCA guidance.
Brooklyn tip: Even if you trust your dog at Prospect Park, Fort Greene Park, or the promenade on a normal day, storm days are not normal days. Leash stays on.
- Cats seeking warmth in car engines
Outdoor cats (including strays) look for heat wherever they can find it. A recently parked car is basically a space heater.
Both WXII and CBS reporting include the classic but important reminder: bang on the hood and make noise before starting your car so a cat has a chance to get out.
How to Keep Pets Safe Indoors in a Brooklyn Apartment
You don’t need a big house to keep pets safe in a storm. You need a plan.
Do this today (even after the snow stops):
- Bring pets inside for the duration of extreme cold, not just during active snowfall.
- Keep outdoor trips short: quick bathroom breaks only.
- Dry them off fully after walks and check paws for redness, cracking, or ice packed between toes.
- Set up a warm, draft-free sleep spot away from windows and balcony doors.
- Keep fresh water available (and make sure it is not freezing if you’re dealing with an outdoor bowl on a terrace).
If you’re worried about space or emergency disruptions: NYC Emergency Management also advises having supplies ready and notes that pets are allowed at City evacuation centers, as long as you bring what you need (carrier, leash, food, meds).
Final Thoughts on Bringing Your Pets Inside When It’s Cold
Brooklyn winters can turn dangerous fast. Keep pets indoors during extreme cold, shorten walks, and rinse paws after every trip outside. Watch for limping, shivering, or unusual tiredness, and call your vet if anything feels wrong. A warm bed, fresh water, and neighborly awareness keep everyone safer throughout the storm.
If your pet is shivering, limping, or acting “off” after a Brooklyn winter storm, call The Vet Set at 917-909-1733 to schedule a wellness exam and get peace of mind fast.