As winter arrives, the dropping temperatures, dry air, wet outdoor environment, and reduced sunlight can quietly affect your pet’s overall condition. Humans put on thick coats, turn on the heater, and moisturize to stay comfortable in cold weather, but pets—who cannot express discomfort—need even more of our attention. Winter can be challenging for everyone, but it is especially tough for pets who rely on us for warmth and safety. If possible, allow your dog’s fur to stay a bit longer during winter for better insulation. For short-haired breeds, consider a dog winter coat, pet hoodie, or sweater to help retain warmth. To ensure your entire family—including your pets—remains safe through the cold season, here are essential winter pet safety tips.
1. Keep Your Pet Warm: The Most Important Winter Rule
Dogs and cats need a stable indoor environment without sharp temperature changes.
- Indoor warmth matters most.
Not all pets are naturally resistant to cold. Small dogs, puppies, senior dogs, short-haired breeds, and most cats are more sensitive to low temperatures. Maintain a comfortable room temperature and avoid placing pet beds near drafty windows or doors where cold wind can blow directly. Switching to a thicker and softer winter pet bed can greatly improve sleep quality and overall health.
- Add extra layers when going outdoors.
Breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, French Bulldogs, and short-haired cats lose heat quickly. Reducing outdoor walk time and dressing them in a pet winter jacket, insulated dog sweater, or waterproof coat can help maintain body warmth.
Remember:
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- After returning home, remove the clothing to prevent trapped moisture from causing skin irritation.
- Choose soft, breathable, non-abrasive fabrics.
2. Skin Care: Managing Dryness in Winter
Winter air contains less humidity. Reduced natural skin oils, combined with cold wind, snow, and icy rain, can cause dry skin, itching, minor flaking, or cracked paw pads.
- Limit bathing frequency.
Avoid frequent baths during cold weather. Use moisturizing pet shampoo and avoid strong cleansing formulas that strip natural oils, which may worsen dryness and itchiness.
- Hydration and moisturization are crucial.
Use pet-safe moisturizing sprays or omega-rich skin supplements to strengthen the skin barrier. If your home is extremely dry, a humidifier is an excellent way to improve comfort for both humans and pets.
3. Winter Nutrition: Pets Tend to Eat More in the Cold
Many pets naturally increase their food intake to maintain body temperature. You may need to adjust feeding amounts slightly, but avoid overfeeding.
- Control calorie intake.
If activity levels decrease while food intake increases, weight gain can happen quickly. Keep meals consistent and avoid giving extra treats just because it's cold.
- Increase high-quality protein moderately.
As metabolism increases in winter, slightly boosting protein levels without increasing overall food volume helps active or frequently outdoor dogs maintain energy.
- Make sure your pet stays hydrated.
Pets often drink less water in winter, but their bodies require more due to dry air.
Check their water bowl often, ensure clean fresh water, and prevent freezing. You can also serve more wet food or mix warm water with kibble.
Use plastic bowls instead of metal to prevent their tongues from sticking to frozen metal surfaces.
4. Paw Care: The Most Overlooked Winter Detail
Cold weather makes paw pads prone to dryness and cracking. Snow, icy ground, and chemical de-icers can irritate or inflame paws.
- Clean paws after every walk.
Before your pet licks their paws, wipe them with a warm damp towel to remove dirt, salt, ice, and chemical de-icing agents that could irritate their skin or digestive system.
- Use a paw balm or paw protection cream.
The ASPCA recommends using petroleum jelly or dog paw balm to protect sensitive pads. Pet boots can also help shield paws from extreme cold and ice melt chemicals.
Avoid staying on cold surfaces too long.
Encourage your dog to keep moving outdoors and avoid standing still on icy ground.
- Check their paws regularly.
Look for cracking, bleeding, or signs of discomfort. Trim fur between the toes to prevent ice buildup. If your pet frequently lifts its paws, whines, or refuses to walk, it may be too cold.
5. Maintain Proper Exercise: Pets Should Not “Hibernate”
Cold weather often reduces activity levels, but long periods of inactivity can lead to boredom, anxiety, or weight gain.
- Shorter walks with higher quality.
If it's too cold, shorten walk time but include more engagement—fast walking, basic commands, or interactive play.
- Add more indoor activities.
Puzzle toys, sniffing games, fetch, or enrichment toys can keep your pet mentally and physically engaged.
- Don’t Forget ID Tags
Veterinarians also recommend making sure pets wear ID tags during winter months. Snow and ice can make it easier for dogs to lose their scent and wander away from home.
The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) recommends adjusting outdoor exposure based on your pet's cold tolerance.
Pets with arthritis, older pets, and short-haired breeds may require extra protection. Symptoms like whining, shivering, or weakness may indicate hypothermia in dogs or cats.
6. Observe Your Pet: Small Winter Signs Matter
Watch for subtle changes:
• unwillingness to go outside
• whining, shivering, anxious behavior
• curled sleeping posture
• reduced activity
• persistent itching
• sudden appetite changes
• unwillingness to jump (common in cats)
These signs could indicate discomfort or low body temperature. Provide warmth, hydration, and humidity. If symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian.
Frostbite can be difficult to detect and may take days to fully appear. If you suspect frostbite or hypothermia, seek veterinary help immediately.
7. Avoid Toxic Winter Hazards
Many winter household items can be toxic to pets.
• Antifreeze has a sweet taste and is extremely poisonous—clean spills immediately.
• De-icing salt or chemicals can cause poisoning if licked.
• If ingestion occurs, call your veterinarian right away.
8. Check Your Vehicle Before Starting the Engine
In cold weather, outdoor cats often hide under the car hood or between the tires to stay warm. To avoid harming a hidden cat, always tap the car hood or give a quick honk before starting the engine. This simple winter pet safety step can save a life and is one of the most essential cold weather cat care practices to help protect stray and neighborhood cats during winter.
9. Never Leave Pets in the Car
A parked car can act like a freezer in winter. Never leave your pet unattended.
10. Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit
Winter storms and power outages can happen unexpectedly. Prepare an emergency kit with:
• 5 days of food, water, medication, flea & tick prevention
• familiar blankets, toys, leash, harness
• foldable bowls
• updated pet ID tag
• owner contact info and medical details
Winter can be both cozy and challenging for pets. With proper warmth, skin care, nutrition, exercise, and preparation, you can help your furry companions stay safe, healthy, and comfortable throughout the cold season. Every pet is a beloved family member, and caring for them in winter is more than a responsibility—it’s a way to show warmth, love, and protection when they need it most.
