When it gets cold, we change how we do things. We wear warmer clothes, use thicker blankets and stay in more. Dogs need some of that care too.

Winter has its good side. Mornings are cooler and evenings at home feel cosy. But the cold can be hard on dogs, and a few small changes make a big difference.

Some dogs don't mind the cold at all. Others head straight for the warmest spot in the house. Small dogs, puppies, older dogs and dogs with short coats feel it most.

The good news is that winter care is easy. A warm bed, care for their paws, and shorter walks or more playtime usually cover it.

Does Your Dog Feel Cold in Winter?

Yes. Dogs feel the cold like we do.

How much cold they can take depends on their size, coat and age. Wind and rain matter too. Big dogs with thick coats usually do better. Small dogs and short-haired dogs get cold faster.

Every dog is different, so watch yours. Shivering, slowing down, lifting a paw again and again, looking for shelter or trying to turn back home all mean they're too cold.

You don't need to keep your dog inside all winter. Just pay attention to how they're doing outside.

Give Them a Warm Place to Sleep

Cold floors aren't nice to sleep on, especially at night.

Move your dog's bed away from bare floors, open windows and doors. Those spots get draughty. A soft, comfy dog bed is much warmer than a hard floor.

On colder nights, a cosy pet blanket can help too. Some dogs stay on their bed. Others go straight for the blanket.

Whatever they pick, keep their sleeping spot warm, clean and dry. The RSPCA suggests the same for cold weather.

Some Dogs May Need an Extra Layer Outside

Not every dog needs a coat. Small dogs, short-haired dogs and older dogs often do.

If your dog shivers on walks or seems to feel the cold more than usual, a warm dog coat for winter gives them the extra layer they need.

Check the fit. Your dog should be able to walk, run, sit and go to the toilet without the coat getting in the way.

Don't Forget Their Paws

Dogs don't wear shoes. Their paws touch the cold ground on every walk.

Wet, cold and rough ground can hurt their paws. If there's ice, salt and de-icing chemicals can also irritate them.

Protective dog boots keep paws safe on walks. Most dogs don't like them at first. Let your dog wear them indoors for a while before a long walk.

After each walk, look at their paws. Wipe off dirt and water.

Dry Paws Need Some Love Too

Winter can dry out paws, the same way it dries out our hands and lips.

Check them every few days, more often if your dog walks a lot. If they feel dry, rub in a dog-safe paw balm. It moisturises and protects, and it helps most in the drier parts of winter.

If the pads are cracked or bleeding, or your dog seems to be in pain, see your vet. Don't try to fix it at home.

Your Dog Still Needs to Move

Dogs still need exercise, sniffing time and fresh air in winter.

You might need to change walks a bit. Go out on milder days. Walk a shorter distance when the weather is bad. No single walk length works for every dog, so go by how yours is doing.

If your dog slows down or doesn't want to go out, listen to them.

Drying Them Off After a Walk

Sitting around in wet clothes feels awful, and dogs feel the same about wet fur.

After a walk, check their paws and belly for damp spots and dry them off. Dry fur keeps them warmer when they lie down. Damp fur can also get matted.

If your dog is only a bit dirty, skip the bath. Pet-safe wipes clean paws and fur quickly.

For a deeper clean without water, keep a no-rinse hygiene spray at home.

You Don't Have to Wash Your Dog Every Time They Get Dirty

Many people shower less in winter. Dogs can bathe less too. They can still have baths. You just don't need one every time they come home dusty or a little smelly.

Wipe small messes. Between baths, a pet-safe deodorant keeps them fresh.

Save full baths for when they're really needed. Afterwards, dry their fur all the way before they settle down. Going to bed with wet fur on a cold night is not much fun.

Keep Up With Grooming in Winter

Some owners skip grooming in winter so their dog stays warm. But grooming still matters.

Loose or matted fur holds moisture against the skin. Brush out tangles as they come. You don't need to do extra. Stick to your usual routine and watch the spots where fur mats easily.

Grooming is also a good time to check the skin for any changes.

Keeping Them Busy on Days You Can't Go Out

Some days are too cold or wet for a proper walk. Your dog will still have energy to burn, so play indoors.

Try fetch down a safe hallway. Hide treats around the room. Or give them interactive dog toys for a few minutes. Indoor play also helps on days when the walk is cut short.

It doesn't have to be long or fancy. The point is to break up all the lying around in the coldest months.

Senior Dogs May Need Extra Care in Winter

Cold is harder on older dogs, just as it is on older people. They move slower, sleep more and take longer to settle.

Give them a warm bed that's easy to step into. Put rugs on slippery floors. Walks are still fine, but shorter ones may suit them better if the cold bothers them. Puppies can find it hard too, so the same care applies.

A slow or reluctant dog isn't always just getting old. If your dog suddenly seems stiff, won't walk, seems to be in pain or acts strangely, see your vet.

Knowing When Your Dog Has Had Enough Cold

Your dog can't say "I've had enough". They show it instead.

Shivering, slowing down, lifting their paws, looking for a warm spot and trying to turn back all mean the cold is getting to them. Head home when you see these.

Some signs need a vet right away. These are unusual sleepiness, confusion, poor coordination and collapse.

Most of the time, winter care just means watching your dog and changing your routine to fit them.

Keeping Your Dog Comfortable This Winter

Keep their bed warm. Look after their paws. Dry them off after walks. Add a coat if they need one.

If the weather keeps you indoors, find ways to keep your dog busy so they aren't lying in one spot all day.

Every dog handles winter differently. Once you know what yours is comfortable with, caring for them in the cold gets much easier.


FAQs

How can I keep my dog comfortable in winter?

Keep their sleeping place warm and dry, check their paws after walking them, dry them thoroughly if they are wet, and consider a warm vest for when you're out and about if they seem to be struggling with the cold.

Do dogs need coats in the winter?

Not all dogs need a coat, but petite dogs, seniors, or those with short coats may prefer a winter vest if it's particularly cold.

Do dogs need boots in the winter?

Some dogs can benefit from having properly fitting dog boots to protect their paws while walking over ice, wet or rough ground, or anything else that could cause a dog injury to their paws. It may also prevent getting their paws dirty during the winter.

How can I protect my dog’s paws?

Check your dog's paws after walking them, keep their paws clean and dry, look out for any dryness or cracks, and consider a pet-safe paw balm if their paws feel dry.

Should I be bathing my dog more often during the winter?

No, your dog doesn't need a full bath every time they get dirty, for smaller messes, consider using pet-safe wipes or a no-rinse pet-friendly cleaning spray to freshen up between baths.

How can I tell if my dog is too cold?

Shivering, slowing down their pace, lifting their paws up frequently, seeking shelter, and trying to get back to the house are all signs that their body is telling them it's too cold. If it seems like your dog is extremely disoriented, sluggish, or confused, contact your vet.