As winter settles in, dogs and cats face a host of cold-weather challenges that can affect their comfort, safety, and health. From frostbite to dry skin to harmful chemicals on winter sidewalks, the risks are real - but with the right planning, you can help your pets stay warm and protected all season long.

Keep reading to discover our in-depth, winter pet care checklist, covering every major concern, plus expert tips that many pet owners may not know.

Understand How Cold Weather Affects Your Pet

Cold Tolerance Varies Widely

Pets respond to winter differently depending on:

Breed

• Cold-adapted breeds (Huskies, Malamutes, Bernese Mountain Dogs) have double coats that insulate them even in frigid temperatures.

• Heat-adapted or short-haired breeds (Greyhounds, Boxers, Chihuahuas, Pit Bulls) are far more sensitive to cold.

• Cats have less variation between breeds, but hairless cats (Sphynx) need significantly more protection.

Size and Weight

• Smaller pets lose heat faster due to higher surface-area-to-volume ratios.

• Underweight animals have less fat insulation and chill easily.

Coat Type

• Long-haired pets naturally stay warmer, but wet fur ruins insulation, making them susceptible to hypothermia even above freezing.

Age and Health

• Puppies struggle to regulate body temperature.

• Senior pets may suffer from arthritis flare-ups or weakened immune systems.

• Pets with thyroid disease, diabetes, or heart conditions are less tolerant of cold.

Know the Warning Signs of Cold Stress

• Constant shivering or trembling

• Holding paws off the ground

• Curling into a tight ball

• Whining or refusing to walk

• Slowing down or lagging behind

If you see any of these signs, your pet is too cold.

Winter Gear: Choosing the Right Clothing for Dogs and Cats

Coats and Sweaters: What to Look For

A good winter coat should have:

1. Insulation layer (fleece or quilted polyfill)

2. Waterproof or water-resistant outer shell

3. Adjustable neck and belly straps

4. Full chest coverage — many coats leave the chest exposed, where dogs lose heat fastest

5. Reflective trim for nighttime visibility

6. Machine-washable materials

Ancol Viva Dog Coat Reversible Pink/Purple £16.19 and Ancol Stormguard Dog Coat Red £17.89

For Cats

Most cats don’t like wearing clothing, but senior cats, thin cats, or hairless breeds may benefit from soft, snug sweaters made from breathable cotton or fleece.

Dog Booties: Why They Matter

Booties protect paws from:

• Ice melt chemicals

• Frostbite

• Ice shards

• Sub-zero pavement temperatures (pavement can reach –7°C with wind chill)

Pro tip: Introduce booties indoors first to help your dog adjust. Start with 1–2 minutes at a time and reward with treats.

Gear for Low-Light Conditions

Winter means early sunsets.

• LED clip-on lights

• Glow collars

• Reflective harnesses. These dramatically increase visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.

Rechargeable Flashing Band Yellow/Orange £11.69

Advanced Winter Paw Care

Daily Paw Washing Matters

Ice melts contain:

• Sodium chloride

• Magnesium chloride

• Calcium chloride

These can burn paws, cause dermatitis, and lead to infections if your pet licks them off.

Use:

• Warm water

• A damp microfiber cloth

• Pet-safe paw wipes and gently clean between each toe.

Moisturising Paw Balms

Use a balm with ingredients like:

• Beeswax

• Shea butter

• Coconut oil

• Vitamin E

Apply before walks to act as a barrier and again afterward to moisturise.

Dorwest Paw & Nose Balm 50g £14.05 and Our Dogs Life Paw & Nose Balm 60ml £9.25

Inspect Paws Regularly

Winter cracks can deepen into painful fissures. Check for:

• Redness

• Splintered pads

• Ice balls

• Bleeding

• Swelling

Trim Paw Hair Properly

Too much fur traps snow; too little exposes skin.

Trim:

• With blunt-nose scissors

• Level with the pads

• Never between pads too deeply

This helps prevent ice buildup.

Hidden Winter Household Hazards

Ice Melt and Salt

Even “pet-friendly” melts can irritate paws - use sparingly and wash after contact.

Antifreeze Poisoning

Winter increases the chance of driveway spills.

Why it's dangerous:
Ethylene glycol tastes sweet but is deadly, attacking the kidneys.

Symptoms appear in stages:

1. First 12 hours: Drunken behaviour, vomiting

2. 12–24 hours: Rapid heart rate, dehydration

3. 24–72 hours: Kidney failure

Keep pets away from garages and immediately clean spills.

Carbon Monoxide

Homes are sealed tightly in winter. Pets sleeping near gas heaters or garages can inhale CO.

Signs:

• Sudden lethargy

• Weakness

• Cherry-red gums

Install a CO detector in any room with a fuel-burning appliance.

Create a Warm, Safe Indoor Winter Haven

Warm Sleeping Arrangements

Ideal winter pet bedding includes:

• Orthopaedic foam for senior pets

• Bolster beds to block drafts

• Elevated cots to prevent heat loss to floors

• Heated pet beds with auto-shutoff for safety

Never use human heating pads - they can burn pets.

Henry Wag Elevated Dog Bed £44.99 and Snugglesafe Pet Comfort Heat Pad & Cover £20.69

Increase Indoor Humidity

Central heating causes:

• Dry skin

• Flaky dander

• Itchy coats

Use:

• Humidifiers

• Room diffusers

• Regular coat conditioning sprays

Safe Use of Space Heaters

Pets often try to curl up beside heaters.
Use:

• Cool-touch surfaces

• Automatic shutoff

• Wide bases to prevent tipping

• Cord protectors

Nutrition Adjustments for Cold Weather

Hydration in Winter

WINTER = LESS THIRST
Pets naturally drink less in cold months.

Increase hydration by:

• Adding warm water to kibble

• Feeding wet food

• Offering pet-safe broth

• Keeping water bowls clean and unfrozen

Dorwest Bone Broth Nordic Beef 500ml £13.09 and Karnlea Bone Broth Food Supplement Topper for Dogs and Cats 500ml £11.34

Calorie Adjustments

• Active outdoor dogs may need +10–20% calories

• Indoor-only pets may need fewer calories due to less exercise

• Overfeeding “to keep warm” is a myth - obesity strains joints in cold weather

Skin & Coat Support

Humidity drops = itchy skin.

Add:

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Salmon oil

• Coconut oil (in moderation)

These support skin barrier and reduce winter dandruff.

MP Labo Sensiderm Omega Drops 60ml £33.99 and JVP Salmon Oil Cold Pressed 250ml £9.69

Mental & Physical Indoor Enrichment (Crucial in Winter)

Dogs Need More Mental Work in Winter

Create an indoor enrichment routine:

• Puzzle feeders

• Snuffle mats

• Indoor agility setups

• Hide-and-seek treats

• Obedience training refresh sessions

• Nose work games (tire out dogs quickly)

Nerf Dog Puzzle Feeder Ball £7.85 and Cupid & Comet Christmas Pudding Snuffle Forage Mat £10.79

Cats Need Structured Stimulation Too

Winter boredom can lead to weight gain and mischief.

Use:

• Vertical climbing spaces

• Motorised toys

• Feather wands

• Food puzzle balls

• Self-warming window perches

• Daily interactive play sessions (5–10 minutes each)

Cats benefit enormously from environmental enrichment during dark, cold months.

Rosewood Natural Rimini Cat Scratcher £29.09 and KONG Holiday Cat Teaser Loopz £10.09

Safety Tips for Outdoor Winter Activities

Keep Pets Leashed in Snow

Snow masks familiar scents, and lost pets spike in winter.

Avoid Frozen Water

Ice thickness is unpredictable. Even small ponds can be deadly.

Protect Against Road Chemicals

Sidewalks, driveways, and streets may contain:

• Salt

• Antifreeze runoff

• Ice melt residue

• Sand

Stick to cleared paths and wipe paws afterward.

Winter Vehicle Awareness

Cold weather increases:

• Road accidents

• Reduced visibility

• Distracted drivers

Use reflective gear and stay close on walks.

Winter Car Safety

Check Under the Bonnet for Cats

Cats crawl into:

• Engine compartments

• Wheel wells

• Under bonnets

Tap your bonnet or honk before starting your car.

Don’t Leave Pets in Cars

In winter, a car traps cold like a refrigerator. Even brief stays can lead to hypothermia.

Store Chemicals Securely

Windshield washer fluid and antifreeze must be:

• On high shelves

• In sealed containers

• Away from curious paws

Special Care for Senior Pets

Older pets often struggle most in winter.

Manage Arthritis

Cold weather stiffens joints.

Help them with:

• Heated orthopaedic beds

• Soft foam stairs for couches/beds

• Ramps for cars

• Gentle stretching

• Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM — ask your vet)

• Short, frequent walks rather than long outings

Proflax Bone & Joint Supplement £12.39 and Royal Canin Joint & Ageing Supplement 240g £12.79

Monitor Mobility

Look for:

• Slipping

• Difficulty rising

• Stiff gait

• Reluctance to jump or climb

Add rugs or non-slip mats to prevent falls.

11. Hypothermia & Frostbite: What Every Pet Owner Must Know

Hypothermia Symptoms (Emergency)

• Intense shivering

• Weak pulse

• Cold gums

• Slowed breathing

• Mental dullness

• Collapse

Wrap your pet in warm blankets and seek immediate emergency vet care.

Frostbite Areas

• Ear tips

• Tail

• Paw pads

• Nose

Frostbitten skin appears:

• Pale or gray

• Cold & hard

• Swollen later

• Painful when touched

Never rub frostbitten areas - warming must be done gradually by a veterinarian.

Final Thoughts

Winter brings challenges, but with careful preparation, you can ensure your dog or cat stays safe, warm, and healthy through the coldest months. Being proactive - with gear, grooming, nutrition, indoor enrichment, and awareness of winter hazards - makes all the difference.