Keeping Pets Safe and Warm Through Winter

In this guide

A simple rule of thumb applies here: if it feels too cold outside for a person, it is probably too cold for a pet as well. A fur coat does not mean an animal stops feeling the cold, and keeping pets warm through winter matters for their overall health and comfort.

Signs a Pet Is Feeling the Cold

• The weather itself: keep an eye on the forecast, and bring pets indoors earlier in the day if a cold night is expected.
• Cold ears: ears that feel properly cold to the touch, alongside a cold body, are a clear sign a pet is too cold and may need extra bedding or clothing. Short-haired breeds tend to feel the cold more than long-haired ones.
• Shivering: an early sign of hypothermia, and a sure signal it is time to bring a pet in from the cold.
• Curling up tightly: some curling during sleep is normal, but very tight curling to conserve warmth suggests it is time to come inside.
• Lethargy or slow movement: pets that seem unusually sluggish, or reluctant to go back outside, may simply be feeling the cold. Any noticeable change in behaviour once cold weather sets in is worth watching.

The Dangers of Hypothermia

Hypothermia can be fatal, yet the early signs, shivering and a body that feels cold to the touch, often go unnoticed. Indoor pets are unlikely to develop hypothermia unless the house itself is very cold, or the pet has been left wet after a bath or a walk without being dried off. Always dry a dog thoroughly after a walk and remove any snow or ice, and dry a cat that comes in wet. Severe hypothermia brings lethargy, disinterest in normal activities, and a generally depressed demeanour. Assuming a fur coat is protection enough is a common mistake, so it pays to watch for these signs rather than assume a pet is fine.

How to Keep Pets Warm

Bring Pets Indoors

The simplest solution is bringing pets into the house for the winter months. If full access is not wanted, a dedicated space, such as a utility room or dining area, works well.

Extra Bedding

Just as thicker duvets and extra blankets come out for people in winter, pets often appreciate an extra blanket or a warmer bed once the cold sets in.

Clothing

Some dogs have no interest in wearing a coat or jumper, while others enjoy being snug in a fleece layer. For smaller or short-haired breeds, clothing can become more of a necessity in colder months. When introducing clothing, short sessions while someone is around help a dog get used to it, provided there is no sign of stress.

Heating

Heated beds or blankets make a welcome addition during the coldest months. For pets left alone during the day, leaving the heating on low, or using a timer to switch it on and off at set times, can help if the house tends to get cold.

Crying or Whining

Crying, whining, or scratching at the door often signals that a pet is too cold. Any change in behaviour is worth investigating, and a vet visit is sensible if there is real concern.

Top Winter Safety Tips

Beware of Antifreeze

Antifreeze is toxic to pets, and its sweet taste makes it dangerously attractive. Clean up any spills straight away and keep containers well out of reach. A pet suspected of ingesting antifreeze should go straight to the vet. On walks, watch for a dog sniffing or licking at driveways or paths, since antifreeze may have leaked there.

Avoid Ice

Stay alert around any frozen pond, lake, or other body of water. Keep a dog on the lead near these spots, particularly one used to playing in water normally, since ice can crack under weight and become dangerous quickly.

Protect Paws

Salt spread on roads and pavements can irritate paws, so washing and drying them after a walk is worthwhile. Trimming excess hair between the paws helps prevent ice building up, and a groomer can help if this feels tricky to do at home. Dog boots offer protection for sensitive paws, though they can take some getting used to, and a layer of petroleum jelly is another option.

Be Careful Near Heaters and Open Fires

Pets feeling the cold often try to get too close to a fire or heater, risking burns from sparks near an open fire, or contact with an electric heater. A fireguard is a sensible precaution, in the same way it would be with children in the house, and electric heaters can also be dangerous if knocked over.

Don't Overfeed

It is worth checking with a vet before increasing a pet's food for winter. Unless activity levels are also increasing, more food is not usually needed, and pets can actually be more lethargic and burn fewer calories during colder months.

Be Mindful of Older Pets

Senior pets need closer attention during cold weather, since arthritis can flare up in the cold. Regular gentle exercise and any prescribed supplements help, and extra care is needed to prevent older dogs slipping on icy paths.

Keep an Eye on Water Bowls

Outdoor water bowls can freeze quickly once the temperature drops, especially overnight, so checking them regularly matters. Indoor bowls should not be affected.

Maintain Visibility

A few simple additions keep both pets and owners safer and more visible on winter walks: high visibility jackets for owners walking at night, high visibility coats for dogs, reflective collars for cats and dogs, particularly important for cats to be seen by traffic, and reflective leads for dogs.

Keep Dogs on the Lead

During poor winter weather, keeping a dog on the lead is always the safest option, since snow can hide hazards, and a dog may be tempted to wander onto a frozen lake or pond.

Collar, ID, and Microchip

Keeping a pet's microchip details current, with an up to date address and contact information, and making sure the collar carries a proper ID tag, matters year round but is especially useful in winter conditions.

Final Thought

Following these steps should keep pets safe and comfortable through the cold months, though any ongoing health concerns are always worth a trip to the vet.

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