Winter Weather Care Guide For Dogs: How Can I Take Care Of My Dog In The Cold Weather
In this article, we’ll explain how to keep your dog safe, healthy and comfortable during the colder winter months. We’ll look at the risks winter weather can have to your dog and share tips on how to protect them. We’ll also tell you signs of cold-related health issues to watch out for and how to adjust your dog’s routine to suit the season.
Key Takeaways
Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about keeping your dog safe in winter:
Dogs are vulnerable to cold weather, especially smaller breeds or those with thinner coats. Use waterproof coats and dry them off after walks to prevent chills. Protect their paws with boots or paw balm, and clean them after walks to remove irritants like salt or antifreeze.
Adjust your dog’s food intake if they are less active to avoid weight gain, or increase portions for highly active outdoor dogs to support their needs. Consult with a vet to make sure changes to diet are appropriate.
Frozen ponds, antifreeze spills, and icy conditions pose significant risks. Keep your dog on a lead near frozen water, avoid using antifreeze or switch to pet-safe alternatives, and be mindful of icy paths that can cause paw injuries.
Ensure your dog is visible with reflective gear and LED accessories during early morning or evening walks. Never leave them unattended in cold cars, as they can quickly become dangerously cold.
A pre-winter vet check-up can help address issues like arthritis, which may worsen in colder weather. Your vet can recommend adjustments to their care, such as joint supplements, to keep your dog comfortable and healthy throughout the season.
Are there more environmental risks for your dog in the winter?
Yes, winter brings several environmental risks for dogs that owners should be aware of. Cold weather can lead to hypothermia or frostbite, especially for smaller breeds or dogs with thin coats. Ice and snow can cause injuries to their paws, while salt and grit used on roads can irritate or damage their skin.
As well as these, frozen ponds or lakes can be dangerous if a dog walks onto the ice and falls through. Antifreeze spills, which are common in winter, are toxic to dogs but may attract them due to their sweet taste. Taking precautions in the winter months can help reduce these risks.
How can I look after my dog in the winter?
As mentioned, looking after your dog in the winter by being aware of some of the main risks they face is important. Below are some tips you can follow to make sure your dog has a happy and healthy winter period.
Keep them warm and dry
Dogs feel the cold just as much as humans, particularly if they are a smaller breed or have thinner coats. Because of this, it’s important to keep them warm and dry during winter. Use a waterproof dog coat, especially for short-haired breeds or older dogs, to help retain body heat. After walks, dry them off to prevent chills and avoid damp fur, which can lead to discomfort or illness.
Protect their paws and keep their paws clean
Snow, ice and road salt can irritate or damage a dog’s paws. Dog-friendly boots can shield their paws from harsh conditions, or you can apply paw balm as a barrier. After walks, wipe their paws clean to remove salt, grit, or harmful substances like antifreeze that they might accidentally lick off later.
Keep them well hydrated
Even in winter, dogs need access to fresh water to stay hydrated. Cold weather can make it easy to forget about this, but dehydration is still a risk. This is particularly common when central heating makes indoor environments dry. Ensure their water bowl is always filled and, if left outside, check it hasn’t frozen over.
Adjust the amount of food you give them if they are less active in the winter
If your dog tends to be less active during the winter months, they may need fewer calories to avoid unnecessary weight gain. Keep an eye on their activity levels and adjust portion sizes as needed. If you’re not sure whether to adjust portion sizes you should consult with your vet for advice. On the other hand, dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors in winter might need extra food to maintain their energy and body heat.
Make sure they get enough exercise when they're indoors
Winter weather can make outdoor walks more challenging, but it’s important to keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated indoors. Play interactive games such as tug-of-war or fetch to keep them active. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing games can also help keep their mind working and burn off energy during long days indoors.
Avoid using antifreeze
Antifreeze is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Despite this, its sweet taste can attract them. Avoid using it where your dog might come into contact with it and always clean up any spills immediately. Use pet-safe antifreeze alternatives if you need to use the product around your home or car.
Make them more visible in the dark with accessories
Winter often means darker days, so it’s essential to make sure your dog is visible during early morning or evening walks. Reflective collars, leads and jackets can help them stand out to passing vehicles, while clip-on LED lights and collars are an effective way to keep track of them in low light.
Never leave them unattended in the car in cold weather
Just as hot cars are dangerous in summer, cold cars can be a hazard in winter. Temperatures can drop quickly, putting your dog at risk of hypothermia. Always take your dog with you when you leave the car, or ensure they are in a warm, safe space instead of being left alone in the cold.
Avoid taking your dog near frozen water
Frozen ponds, lakes and canals can be very dangerous for dogs. Ice may not be as solid as it appears and if your dog walks onto it, there is a risk of them falling through into freezing water. Always keep your dog on a lead when walking near frozen water and steer clear of the edges to prevent accidents.
Get a winter health checkup for your dog
Winter can be tough on dogs, especially older pets or those with existing health conditions like arthritis which can worsen in the cold. Scheduling a health check with your vet before winter arrives can help address any concerns to ensure your dog is in the best shape for the season. Your vet can also advise on additional care such as joint supplements or adjustments to their routine to keep them comfortable throughout the winter months.
Concluding thoughts from Vicki Emmerton (BVetMed MRCVS)
“Crisp, frosty mornings and a brisk walk are great for getting you in the festive spirit, but we do need to be watching out for the things that can take the shine off the festive period. Putting everyone's health and safety first by pre-planning can make it so much easier to enjoy that much-deserved quality time together.
Make sure both you and your frosty-fido are visible; consider reflective coats and harnesses. Pack a torch as well in case you misjudge the time. If you’re planning on exploring a new walk check the map for lakes and ponds; this is not the time to find out if Dave the Dog is like Torvill and Dean or has the skills of a young, spiddle-legged Bambi.
Safety first then the fun can follow!”
Medically reviewed by:
Sources
Winter dog care | Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Pet care advice for winter - PDSA
How to keep your dog safe and warm in cold weather | Dogs Trust