Winter Pet Care Guide: How to Keep Dogs and Cats Warm, Safe and Comfortable

Winter brings cosy evenings, crisp walks and more time spent together indoors—but colder temperatures, wet fur, darker roads and seasonal household hazards can create additional risks for pets.

Dogs and cats can both feel the cold, even when they have a natural fur coat. Small pets, senior animals, puppies, kittens and pets with health or mobility problems often require extra support.

This in-depth winter pet care guide explains how to keep dogs and cats warm, protect their paws, make winter walks safer and recognise when the cold is becoming dangerous.

Quick Answer: How Do You Keep Pets Safe During Winter?

Give your pet a warm, dry and draught-free sleeping area, adjust outdoor exercise to suit the weather, dry wet fur promptly and clean their paws after walks.

Small, elderly, young, slender and short-haired pets may benefit from a properly fitted coat or fleece. Reflective accessories can improve visibility during darker walks.

Seek urgent veterinary advice if a cold pet becomes weak, unusually sleepy, confused, uncoordinated or collapses.

Explore our Winter Pet Essentials Collection for cosy beds, warm clothing and practical cold-weather accessories for dogs and cats.

Do Dogs and Cats Feel the Cold?

Yes. Fur provides some insulation, but it does not protect every pet from prolonged exposure to low temperatures, rain or cold wind.

How well a pet tolerates winter depends on several factors:

• Breed and coat type

• Age

• Body size and shape

• General health

• Body condition

• Activity level

• Whether their fur is wet

• Wind chill

• Time spent outdoors

• What temperatures they are accustomed to

A healthy, thick-coated dog may enjoy a cold walk that feels uncomfortable to a small, short-haired dog. Likewise, a young healthy cat may cope differently from an elderly cat with arthritis.

The best approach is to consider both the weather and the individual animal in front of you.

Which Pets Need Extra Winter Care?

Some animals lose heat more quickly or struggle to regulate their body temperature.

Take additional care with:

• Puppies and kittens

• Senior dogs and cats

• Small or toy-sized breeds

• Slender breeds

• Short-haired or hairless pets

• Underweight animals

• Pets recovering from surgery or illness

• Dogs and cats with arthritis

• Pets with heart or respiratory conditions

• Animals with reduced mobility

• Pets that are not accustomed to cold weather

Very young animals have not fully developed their ability to regulate body temperature. Senior and unwell pets may move less, generate less body heat or find it harder to move away from an uncomfortable area.

How Cold Is Too Cold for a Dog or Cat?

There is no single temperature limit that applies to every pet.

Size, coat, health, age, wind, rain and exposure time all affect how quickly an animal becomes cold. Wet fur and strong wind can make relatively moderate temperatures feel much colder.

As temperatures move towards freezing, every pet requires closer supervision. Small, elderly, young, unwell and short-haired animals may begin to struggle considerably sooner.

Cats should always have access to a warm indoor space. When temperatures fall particularly low, encourage outdoor cats to remain inside overnight.

Rather than relying on a number alone, watch your pet’s behaviour. If they are shivering, lifting their paws, slowing down, searching for shelter or trying to return home, they have had enough.

Signs Your Pet Is Feeling Cold

Bring your pet into a warm, dry place if you notice:

• Shivering or trembling

• Hunching the body

• Tucking in the tail

• Lifting paws away from the ground

• Whining or appearing anxious

• Slowing down

• Refusing to continue walking

• Searching for shelter

• Trying to turn towards home

• Cold ears or paws

• Unusual stiffness

• Reluctance to move

Never force a pet to continue a walk because you intended to cover a particular distance. Their comfort and safety are more important than completing the usual route.

Recognising Hypothermia in Pets

Hypothermia occurs when an animal’s body temperature becomes dangerously low. It can happen after exposure to freezing conditions, but cold rain, wet fur and prolonged exposure can also place a vulnerable pet at risk.

Warning signs may include:

• Persistent shivering

• Extreme tiredness

• Weakness

• Confusion

• Loss of coordination

• Pale gums

• Slow breathing

• Cold ears, feet or nose

• Collapse

• Loss of consciousness

Shivering may stop when hypothermia becomes severe. A very cold pet that suddenly stops shivering is not necessarily recovering.

Move the animal to a warm, dry environment, remove wet clothing and wrap them in dry blankets. Increase their temperature gradually and never place something extremely hot directly against their skin.

Contact a vet immediately, even if the pet appears to improve.

1. Prepare Your Home Before Cold Weather Arrives

Do not wait for the first freezing night to discover that your pet’s normal sleeping area has become cold or draughty.

Before winter:

• Check beds for wear, dampness or flattened filling

• Move sleeping areas away from frequently opened doors

• Place beds away from cold windows and bare tiled floors

• Wash and completely dry blankets

• Check coats and harnesses still fit correctly

• Test pet-safe lights and replace batteries

• Update microchip and identification details

• Stock clean towels near the entrance

• Keep your vet’s telephone number accessible

• Secure antifreeze and de-icing products

Preparing early means that a sudden change in weather is less likely to catch you or your pet unprepared.

2. Create a Warm, Draught-Free Sleeping Space

A winter bed should be clean, dry and positioned away from cold draughts.

Raised or padded sides can create a sheltered area for pets that enjoy curling up, while supportive beds may help older animals settle comfortably. Additional blankets allow warmth to be adjusted as the temperature changes.

Avoid placing beds directly against a heater, radiator or open fire. Pets must always be able to move away if they become too warm.

Check bedding regularly. Damp blankets can make a pet colder rather than warmer and should be replaced immediately.

For a cosy seasonal sleeping area, discover our Christmas Sleigh Pet Bed for Cats and Small Dogs, featuring a soft plush lining, raised padded sides and a removable cover.

3. Keep Puppies and Kittens Warm

Puppies and kittens are more vulnerable because their temperature regulation is still developing.

Keep their sleeping space:

• Warm

• Dry

• Away from draughts

• Easy to access

• Free from trailing cables

• Away from direct heat

Outdoor trips should be short, supervised and appropriate for their vaccination status and age. Dry them immediately if they become wet.

Young pets are naturally curious, so keep portable heaters, candles, hot drinks and festive decorations safely beyond their reach.

Contact your vet if a puppy or kitten seems unusually quiet, weak, cold or unwilling to eat.

4. Support Senior Pets Through Winter

Cold or damp conditions may make joint stiffness more noticeable in pets with arthritis or reduced mobility.

Watch for:

• Hesitation before standing

• Slower movement

• Limping

• Reluctance to use stairs

• Difficulty settling

• Increased sleeping

• Sensitivity when touched

• Toileting accidents because reaching the door is difficult

Provide a warm, supportive bed in an easily accessible location. Non-slip rugs can help pets cross smooth floors more confidently.

Continue suitable gentle exercise rather than allowing a senior pet to become completely inactive, but adjust the duration to their comfort and follow individual veterinary advice.

If stiffness, pain or mobility suddenly worsens, contact your vet rather than assuming it is simply old age or cold weather.

5. Adjust Winter Walks to Suit Your Dog

Most dogs continue to need exercise during winter, but their usual routine may require adjustments.

On colder or wetter days:

• Take shorter, more frequent walks

• Walk during the lighter and warmer part of the day

• Choose sheltered routes

• Keep away from frozen water

• Avoid dangerously icy surfaces

• Carry a towel

• Watch for signs of discomfort

• Return home before your dog becomes exhausted or chilled

Never allow a dog onto a frozen pond, lake or canal. Ice can appear solid while being too thin to support their weight.

If outdoor exercise needs to be reduced, replace some of it with safe indoor play, scent games and short training sessions.

6. Does Your Dog Need a Winter Coat?

Not every dog requires clothing, but a coat or fleece can help pets that lose heat quickly.

Dogs more likely to benefit include:

• Small breeds

• Puppies

• Senior dogs

• Slender breeds

• Short-haired dogs

• Dogs with health problems

• Dogs recovering from illness

• Dogs that visibly shiver outside

A winter garment should fit securely without restricting the shoulders, legs or neck. Your dog must be able to walk, sit and go to the toilet normally.

Measure the chest, neck and back rather than selecting a size based only on weight or breed.

Remove wet clothing when you return home and allow it to dry completely before it is used again.

Explore our Cosy Fleece Pet Hoodie for smaller dogs and cats that may benefit from an additional layer on crisp morning walks.

7. Dry Wet Fur Promptly

Wet fur allows body heat to escape more quickly and may also contribute to tangling, skin irritation and discomfort.

After rain or snow:

1. Remove wet coats and harnesses.

2. Towel-dry the back, chest and belly.

3. Dry the legs and paws carefully.

4. Check long fur for trapped ice or debris.

5. Replace any wet bedding.

6. Allow the pet to become fully dry before settling down.

Keep a clean towel beside the door so it is available after every walk.

Never leave a damp pet in a cold car, garage, porch or unheated room.

8. Protect Paws From Salt, Grit and Ice

Winter ground conditions can be uncomfortable for paws. Salt and grit may irritate the skin, while compacted snow can form painful clumps between the toes.

After each walk:

• Check every paw

• Look between the toes

• Remove mud, salt, grit and ice

• Rinse if required

• Dry thoroughly

• Check for redness, cracking or cuts

Pets may swallow road salt or other substances when licking their paws, making cleaning particularly important.

Ask your vet about an appropriate pet-safe paw balm if the pads become dry. Contact the vet if your pet is limping, repeatedly licking its feet or refusing to place weight on a paw.

9. Make Dark Winter Walks Safer

Shorter days mean that many dog walks happen before sunrise or after sunset.

Improve visibility by:

• Choosing well-lit routes

• Using a reflective harness or coat

• Adding a pet-safe light

• Wearing reflective clothing yourself

• Keeping your dog on a secure lead

• Avoiding unlit road edges

• Checking batteries before leaving home

• Ensuring identification details are current

Reflective and illuminated accessories help other road users notice you, but they do not replace a secure lead or careful route planning.

Explore our Night Safety Collection for reflective harnesses, LED accessories and visibility products designed for darker walks.

For more practical advice, read our Night Walk Safety Guide for Dogs.

10. Keep Cats Safer During Winter

Outdoor cats may still want to explore during colder weather, but they should always be able to return to a warm, dry space.

Help protect your cat by:

• Providing easy access indoors

• Keeping an indoor litter tray available

• Encouraging them to stay inside overnight

• Drying wet fur when they return

• Keeping microchip details updated

• Providing warm indoor sleeping choices

• Checking sheds and garages before locking them

• Monitoring food, water and behaviour

Cats may shelter beneath cars or climb near warm engines. Check underneath the vehicle and tap the bonnet before starting the engine during cold weather.

If you care for outdoor or community cats, read our Guide to Helping Outdoor and Stray Cats During Winter.

11. Keep Antifreeze and De-Icer Away From Pets

Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol is extremely poisonous and may be fatal if swallowed.

Store antifreeze and de-icing products securely, clean spills immediately and prevent pets from drinking from puddles around parked vehicles.

Never wait for symptoms if you suspect exposure. Contact a vet immediately and explain what the animal may have swallowed.

Road salt and grit may also be transferred from paws to the mouth during grooming. Cleaning your pet’s paws and lower body after outdoor activity reduces this risk.

12. Use Indoor Heating Safely

Heating makes the home comfortable, but it introduces additional hazards.

Protect pets by:

• Keeping beds a safe distance from heaters and radiators

• Using guards around fireplaces

• Preventing access to hot stoves

• Keeping electrical cables out of reach

• Never leaving candles unattended

• Checking heated products for damage

• Allowing pets to move away from warmth

• Avoiding sudden extreme temperature changes

Only use heated beds or pads intended for pets and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the surface and cables regularly.

Ask your vet before using a heated product for an animal with poor circulation, reduced sensation or limited mobility, because that pet may be less able to move away if uncomfortable.

13. Maintain a Sensible Winter Diet

Many pets are slightly less active during winter, particularly when bad weather shortens walks. Continuing the same treats while exercise decreases can lead to weight gain.

Do not automatically increase food because it is cold. Indoor pets living in heated homes may not require additional calories.

Instead:

• Maintain measured portions

• Account for treats

• Monitor body condition

• Continue suitable exercise

• Provide fresh water

• Ask your vet before changing the diet

Outdoor working animals or pets with particular health requirements may have different nutritional needs. Your vet can advise according to the individual animal.

Unexpected weight loss, increased thirst, reduced appetite or unusual hunger should not be dismissed as seasonal changes.

14. Continue Grooming During Winter

Regular grooming removes tangles, helps you notice skin problems and prevents wet fur from becoming badly matted.

Brush according to your pet’s coat type and check:

• Behind the ears

• Beneath the legs

• Around the collar or harness

• Between the toes

• Beneath the tail

• Areas covered by clothing

Do not shave a coat extremely short for winter unless advised by a professional or vet. At the same time, carefully trimming excess fur between a dog’s paw pads may help reduce the accumulation of snow and ice.

Avoid unnecessary frequent bathing, which may dry sensitive skin. Use a pet-appropriate product and ensure the coat is completely dry afterwards.

15. Plan Cold-Weather Car Journeys

A parked car can become cold very quickly once the heating is switched off.

Never leave a pet unattended in a cold vehicle. Before travelling:

• Pack dry towels

• Carry water

• Bring a familiar blanket

• Secure your pet correctly

• Plan breaks on longer journeys

• Check weather and road conditions

• Carry necessary medication

• Keep emergency contact details available

Do not allow your pet to travel in wet clothing. Maintain a comfortable temperature without directing intense hot air continuously at them.

16. Keep Christmas Safe for Pets

Winter and Christmas introduce additional household risks.

Keep the following away from pets:

• Chocolate

• Raisins and grapes

• Mince pies and Christmas pudding

• Onions, garlic, leeks and chives

• Alcohol

• Cooked bones

• Xylitol-containing sweets or baked goods

• Tinsel and ribbon

• Fragile baubles

• Batteries

• Electrical cables

• Unsupervised candles

• Holly, ivy and other potentially harmful plants

Decorations can cause choking or intestinal blockages if swallowed. Anchor the Christmas tree securely and keep fragile ornaments away from wagging tails and climbing cats.

Give pets a quiet retreat when visitors, music or celebrations become overwhelming. Never force an anxious animal to interact.

Contact your vet promptly if your pet eats something potentially harmful. Do not wait for symptoms and do not attempt to make them vomit unless specifically instructed by a veterinary professional.

17. Keep Pets Active and Mentally Stimulated Indoors

Reduced outdoor time does not have to mean boredom.

Indoor activities can include:

• Puzzle feeders

• Treat-searching games

• Snuffle mats

• Short training sessions

• Gentle indoor fetch

• Rotating toys

• Supervised play

• Food-dispensing toys

• Safe climbing areas for cats

• Cardboard boxes and hiding places

Match the activity to your pet’s age, health and mobility. Several short sessions may be more comfortable for senior animals than one long period of play.

Mental enrichment is particularly helpful for outdoor cats spending more time indoors.

Winter Pet Emergency Checklist

Keep these items together somewhere easy to reach:

• Your regular vet’s number

• Nearest emergency vet details

• Dry towels

• Warm blankets

• Pet carrier or secure travel restraint

• Lead and harness

• Torch

• Bottled water

• Prescribed medication

• Basic pet first-aid supplies

• Microchip information

• Recent photograph of your pet

If severe weather is forecast, check supplies before conditions deteriorate.

Winter Pet Care Checklist

Before the colder weather arrives, make sure your pet has:

• A warm, dry bed

• Clean blankets

• A draught-free sleeping area

• A correctly fitted coat if needed

• Reflective equipment for dark walks

• Updated identification details

• Clean and dry paws after outings

• Constant access to fresh water

• Indoor enrichment

• Securely stored winter chemicals

• Easy access to a warm indoor space

• Any required medication

Frequently Asked Questions

Should dogs wear coats in winter?

Some dogs benefit from a coat, especially puppies, senior dogs, small breeds, slender dogs and those with short or fine fur. It must fit comfortably and allow normal movement and toileting.

Can cats sleep outside during winter?

Cats should always have access to a warm, dry indoor space. Encourage them to remain indoors during particularly cold, wet or windy weather, especially overnight.

Can I walk my dog in snow?

Many healthy dogs can enjoy a short supervised walk in snow. Watch for discomfort, avoid frozen water, check their paws and dry them thoroughly afterwards.

Can road salt harm pets?

Road salt and grit can irritate paws and may be harmful if swallowed during grooming. Wipe or rinse your pet’s paws and lower body after each winter walk.

Is antifreeze poisonous to pets?

Yes. Antifreeze is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Contact a vet immediately if exposure is suspected, even if your pet currently appears well.

Why is my senior pet stiffer in cold weather?

Pets with arthritis may appear more uncomfortable during cold or damp conditions. Provide warm supportive bedding and non-slip flooring, maintain appropriate gentle activity and speak to your vet if symptoms worsen.

Should I feed my pet more during winter?

Not automatically. Many indoor pets exercise less in winter and could gain weight if their food increases. Ask your vet before making a significant dietary change.

Is a heated pet bed safe?

Use only a product specifically designed for pets and follow its safety instructions. Your pet must be able to move away from the heat. Seek veterinary advice for animals with reduced mobility, circulation or sensation.

What should I do if my pet becomes very cold?

Move them somewhere warm and dry, remove wet items and wrap them in dry blankets. Warm them gradually and contact a vet immediately if you suspect hypothermia.

A Little Preparation Makes a Big Difference

Winter can bring wet paws, darker walks and colder nights, but it also brings opportunities for cosy rest, indoor games and time spent together.

A warm sleeping area, sensible exercise routine, good visibility and close attention to changes in behaviour can help dogs and cats remain comfortable throughout the colder months.

Explore our Winter Pet Essentials Collection for warm beds, cosy clothing and practical seasonal accessories, or visit our Night Safety Collection for reflective and illuminated walking essentials.

Every pet is different. If you are concerned about your pet’s response to cold weather—or notice signs of pain, poisoning, frostbite or hypothermia—contact your vet for individual advice.

This guide provides general pet-care information and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.