How to keep your dog warm this winter

Whether you get snow and frozen mornings or slightly milder temperatures and wetter days, when the winter months arrive, we need to help keep our dogs healthy and warm.

It’d be easier if our canine companions could tell us when they’re cold! Though since we can’t really interpret their woofs, here are some top tips to ensure your pooch is warm, snug, and safe during the colder weather...

Do dogs get cold?

Just because dogs have fur, it doesn't necessarily mean their coats will keep them warm throughout every season of the year. 

Your dog’s breed, age, the thickness or length of their coat, and height are all important factors when it comes to feeling the cold.

Remember: Your dog’s ears, nose, tail, and paws are more exposed to the cold than the rest of their body, regardless of coat length.

How to tell if your dog is cold

A dog’s response to cold is much like our own, displaying physical signs when they might be feeling the chill – signs to look out for include:

• Shivering.
• Trembling.
• Whining.
• Curling up into a ball.
• Seeking warmth.
• Cold to touch.
• Moving slowly.
• Lethargy (extreme tiredness/lack of energy).
• Confusion or clumsiness.
• Pale gums.

How can I keep my dog warm?

Spend more time indoors

While dogs still need to be exercised and taken for walks when it’s cold, walks should be shorter and more frequent. This way, you can avoid exposing your pooch to too much cold, allowing the two of you to get home and back to the warmth as quickly as possible.

Wrap up for walks

A thermal or fleece-lined jacket can help provide your dog with an extra layer of warmth, if needed. Coats with reflective details can also help you keep track of your pooch as the darker days draw in.

Keep them dry

Things take a little longer to dry when it's cold, and the same applies to your dog's coat. If they’ve been running through puddles or caught in the rain while out on walks, dry your dog thoroughly with a towel when returning home or to the car.

Playing games

To keep your dog warm and entertained, you could play fetch, tug-of-war, hide and seek, or even incorporate the stairs into a DIY, dog-friendly, indoor obstacle course!

Bedding

A soft bed containing plenty of blankets can provide your pooch with warmth while they snooze during the winter. However, if your dog sleeps in a particularly cold part of the house, why not consider buying a draught excluder to stop any warm air from escaping?

Warm their food

Adding some warm water, pet-safe gravy, or stock to your dog’s food may help them to feel a little warmer. Always make sure food isn’t too hot for your pooch, and don’t be tempted to microwave your pet’s meal as it can cause more harm than good.

Remember: Avoid any stock that contains ingredients like onion or garlic, as these are toxic for your dog. 

How to keep your dog warm at night

To keep your dog warm at night, it’s best to elevate their bed, if possible, because the cold ground can make it much harder for them to stay warm. You could also consider getting a self-warming pet mat designed to retain your dog's body heat so they keep themselves warm, or one with a removable microwaveable heating pad.

If you’re feeling the colder weather, why not let your dog sleep in bed with you (or in a crate in your room), so you can stay warm together?

Other important winter safety tips for your dog

Try to start your walks nice and slowly, to give your dog’s muscles a chance to warm up. On particularly chilly days, consider exercising your pup indoors.

Snow and ice can hurt your dog’s paws, potentially chapping, cracking, or even wounding their pads and causing a lot of discomfort. Canine boots can protect their paws if you live in colder areas with regular snowfall.

Wash your dog’s paws after every walk, to stop them from being harmed by toxic grit salt or other chemicals laid to de-ice the road.

Beware of open fires, both inside and outside your home. You should never leave your dog unattended around a fire, and always use a fire safety screen to keep your pet as far away as possible – even when you’re around.

Keep antifreeze out of reach and out of sight, as it’s extremely toxic to dogs.

Continue using tick and flea treatment, to help keep your dog safe from pesky parasites that can survive in colder temperatures!

For more advice on ways to keep your dog happy, healthy, and warm during the winter months, please speak to your vet.