Winter Pet Care: How to Keep Your Dog and Cat Warm and Safe in Cold Weather

We run the NicheStuff store; some links in this post go to products we sell.

Cold weather means shorter walks, colder floors and new hazards on driveways and sidewalks. Most healthy dogs and cats cope well with a few adjustments, but puppies, kittens, seniors and short-coated pets need more help. Here’s how to keep them warm, safe and busy all winter.

How cold is too cold?

There is no single safe temperature for every pet: a husky and a Chihuahua feel the same morning very differently. A simple rule: if it’s too cold for you to stand outside comfortably without a coat, it’s too cold for your pet to stay out for long.

Pets who feel the cold most include:

• Small and toy breeds, which lose body heat quickly
• Short-coated or thin dogs, such as greyhounds, whippets, Chihuahuas and boxers
• Puppies and kittens, which can’t regulate their temperature as well as adults
• Senior pets and pets with health problems such as arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease or diabetes
• Pets who are wet, because a damp coat loses its insulation

Wind, rain and wet snow make cold feel much worse, so keep outings short on harsh days.

Coats, sweaters and grooming

A well-fitted coat helps small, thin or short-coated dogs. It should cover the back and chest and let the dog move freely. Take it off indoors so your dog doesn’t overheat.

Most cats don’t need clothing and many dislike it. Keep cats warm with sheltered, cosy resting spots instead.

Don’t shave your dog down in winter, but do trim the fur between the paw pads, where ice balls collect. Bathe less often and always dry your pet completely before going out. Indoor heating can cause flaky skin; regular brushing helps, and ask your vet if it doesn’t settle.

Protect paws from ice, salt and cold

Paws take the worst of winter. Rock salt and many ice-melt products irritate pads, and pets lick their feet once they get home. A few habits help:

• Wipe paws after every walk with a damp cloth or a bowl of warm water, then dry them, including between the toes.
• Use a pet-safe ice melt on your own steps and driveway.
• Consider dog boots if your dog will wear them. Introduce them at home with treats before the first snowy walk.
• Check pads for cracks or cuts. A paw balm made for pets can help with dryness.
• Avoid frozen ponds and lakes. Ice can break, and a dog that falls through is in serious danger.

Winter hazards to know

Antifreeze

Antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol tastes sweet and is highly toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts. Clean up spills right away, store containers tightly closed and out of reach, and consider a propylene glycol product, which is less toxic. If you think your pet has licked antifreeze, call your vet or an emergency clinic immediately. Treatment works best when it starts early. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435; a fee may apply) is another option.

Warm car engines

Outdoor and community cats sometimes climb into a car’s engine compartment or wheel well to stay warm. Before starting the car on a cold morning, knock on the hood, honk the horn or check under the car.

Cold cars

A parked car acts like a refrigerator in winter. Don’t leave your pet waiting in it.

Space heaters and fireplaces

Pets love a warm spot, but they can get burned or knock over a space heater. Choose heaters with tip-over shut-off, keep them out of tail range, and use a screen in front of a fireplace.

Holiday foods and decorations

Winter brings holiday food and decor. Chocolate, xylitol, grapes and raisins, onions and fatty leftovers can make pets sick, and tinsel and ribbon are a risk for cats. Our holiday pet gift guide includes a holiday safety checklist.

Warm, draft-free sleeping spots

Raise beds off cold floors and keep them away from drafty doors and windows. Many pets love a covered bed in winter: an enclosed, cave-style bed holds body heat, and cats especially like a tunnel or nest where they can tuck themselves away. Add a washable blanket and wash it often.

Dogs who spend time in the yard need a dry, insulated shelter raised off the ground, with the door facing away from the wind. No pet should live outdoors in freezing weather, so bring them inside on cold nights.

Food and water in winter

Many pets move less in winter and gain weight, while very active outdoor dogs may need more food. Talk with your vet before changing portions. Outdoor bowls freeze, and snow is no substitute for fresh water.

Keep them busy indoors

Shorter walks can mean a bored dog and a restless cat. Swap some outdoor time for activities that work the brain:

• Sniffing games: scatter kibble in a snuffle mat or hide treats around a room. Sniffing is tiring in a good way, and our guide to training sniffing dogs has more ideas.
• Short training sessions: five minutes of practising cues is good exercise. See our positive-reinforcement training guide.
• Toy rotation: bring out a few “new” toys from storage each week. Our dog toy guide covers safe choices.
• Play sessions for cats: two or three short wand-toy sessions a day, ideally ending with a “catch” and a meal.

Warning signs of hypothermia and frostbite

Bring your pet inside and call your vet if you notice:

• Strong shivering, weakness, slow movements or unusual sleepiness
• Whining or anxiety, or a pet who keeps lifting their paws or refuses to walk
• Pale, gray or blue-tinged skin on the ears, tail tip or paws, or skin that stays cold
• Swelling, blisters or blackened skin after cold exposure

Warm your pet gradually with dry blankets. Don’t rub frostbitten areas or use direct heat such as a hair dryer on high, and get veterinary advice quickly.

Winter gear that helps

These are the store’s winter-friendly basics. Choose sizes by measuring your pet, and wash bedding regularly.

• For dogs who love to burrow: the Foldable Winter Dog Villa is an enclosed, cave-style bed with a removable cushion. It also suits cats.
• For cats: the Cozy Plush Cat Tunnel and Nest gives a cat a warm hideaway and a tunnel to play in.
• For indoor days: a Pet Sniffing Pad turns a meal into a sniffing game when it’s too icy for a long walk.

Winter pet care FAQ

Do indoor cats need anything different in winter?

Mostly warm resting spots away from drafts, extra play to make up for less activity, and a close eye on their weight. Keep them away from space heaters and fireplaces.

Should I walk my dog in the snow?

Yes, if your dog enjoys it and it isn’t too cold. Keep walks shorter, use a coat for small or short-coated dogs, and wipe their paws when you get home. If you’re travelling for the holidays, our road trip checklist covers the car setup.