How to help dogs in cold weather
Dogs feel the cold. Winter can impact their health and behaviour, as well as expose them to outdoor poisons. On this page, you’ll learn how cold and dark weather impacts a dog’s welfare, how to keep them comfortable and tips on cold weather dog walking.
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How cold and dark weather affects dogs
Even though all dogs feel the cold, different dogs are comfortable in different temperatures. Certain dog breeds come with a ready-made coat; some with a double coat (two layers of fur), meaning they’re better adapted to cold weather months. Dogs with no fur or a thin or short coat are more susceptible to the cold and cold-related illness.
The size of the dog also affects their tolerance to the cold. Smaller dogs lose body heat faster than larger dogs – bigger breeds are more insulated and higher above the ground, so they stay warmer for longer.
Puppies aren’t built for cold weather, either, as their ability to regulate temperature hasn’t fully developed. Elderly dogs, sick dogs and dogs who aren’t acclimatised to the cold also struggle.
All dogs are individual, and some will be able to withstand colder weather for longer than others. However, if they’re out in low temperatures for prolonged periods, most breeds will start to feel the effect. A dog’s extremities – ears, feet, nose and tail – which have less or no fur, may be at increased risk of frostbite.
You may notice dogs eating or sleeping more in winter, to conserve energy, or an increase in energy levels, as a way of warming up.
All dogs react differently – you know your dog best. If they’re exhibiting other unusual behaviours, such as not wanting to go for walks or going off their food, speak to your vet.
Did you know?
Dogs can see relatively well in the dark. Even though dogs see fewer colours and have less depth perception than us, they can at least make their way around without needing the big light on.
¹2021 NLM study exploring dog owner perceptions of seasonal weather impacts.
How to help dogs survive in cold weather
Keeping a dog safe in cold and dark weather is easy when you know how – our winter dog care tips below will help you keep them warm, healthy and happy in cold weather. But first, here are a few things to keep in mind throughout the winter:
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Keep them active
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Make sure the dog is microchipped
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Keep the dog visible
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Dry them off and wipe them down
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Avoid icy ponds
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Trim the fur around their paws and ears
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Never leave them in a car
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Get them a dog coat
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Provide a warm, cosy space indoors
Provide dogs with indoor enrichment – interactive toys, puzzle feeders and fun games to play together, for example – for entertainment, and to keep you both active and happy.
If your dog slips away from you when out on a walk, this will help them be returned safely. All dogs are legally required to be microchipped. If your dog isn’t already, speak to your vet as soon as possible to avoid any waiting lists, and ensure all details are up to date.
When walking dogs in the dark, try to stick to well-lit places and get reflective or LED gear for both you and them, so you can easily be seen by vehicles. If you don’t already have one, you can buy a glow in the dark dog collar, harness or other glow in the dark accessories.
After a walk outside, make sure to dry the dog off to warm them up, and thoroughly wipe down their paws and tummy to remove grit, antifreeze and rock salt, which are poisonous to dogs.
Keep dogs away from frozen ponds and lakes – thin ice may break under their weight.
This prevents ice balls from forming, which are heavy and painful. If they’re medium-haired or long-haired dogs, trim the fur around their back legs and bum, too.
When driving with the dog, make sure to never leave them alone in the car. Even if the heating is on, they could develop hypothermia or overheat.
For cold, wintry walks, you can buy a warm dog jacket, to keep them warm and comfortable when outside.
Somewhere dry and safe for them to rest and play. We don’t necessarily agree with keeping dogs outside, but if there are circumstances in which they’re out for long periods of time, you could also get an outside dog shelter to protect them from the cold weather. Find more on this below.
Common winter poisons for dogs
Rock salt
A mixture of salt and grit is used to help de-ice roads in winter – ingestion can cause thirst, vomiting, lethargy, and in severe cases convulsions and kidney damage.
Antifreeze
The active ingredient in antifreeze, Ethylene glycol, causes kidney failure and death.
Read our advice on other dog poisons, and if you think a dog or other animal has been poisoned, contact a vet immediately.
How to keep dogs warm in the cold weather
To keep dogs warm in the winter, try to keep inside temperatures between 10°C and 25 °C (below this, dogs more susceptible to the cold may start to struggle).
When the temperature reaches freezing, all dogs are at risk of hypothermia and frostbite – especially small, slim, young and old dogs, and those with little or no fur.
We don’t advise keeping dogs outside in any weather. Meeting the needs of dogs when they're kept outdoors is very hard — even more so in very low temperatures.
The best way to keep dogs warm in the winter is to:
- Make sure they have a clean, dry space: Provide somewhere clean, comfortable and dry to sleep in, with a heat source to keep the temperature above 10°C.
- Consider warm beds or heated blankets: Some dog beds and blankets are heated to provide extra warmth.
- Buy a dog jacket for winter: For dogs that feel the cold, are exposed to the cold for a long time, or any dogs out on walks in wintry weather, you can buy a warm dog jacket, coat or jumper. Make sure it’s a comfortable fit, so they can behave normally (for example, easily able to go to the toilet).
- Buy dog boots for outside: Dog boots protect their paws against the cold ground, and prevent contact with poisons like rock salt, grit and antifreeze.
- Trim their paw and ear fur: To stop painful ice balls from freezing into their fur. For medium-haired or long-haired dogs, you can also trim the fur around their back legs and bum.
- Dry them off after a walk: If the dog gets wet, use a towel or hair dryer to dry them off to prevent skin irritation and matting that can lead to infections.
Signs of hypothermia
Shivering (shivering will stop if they become severely cold)
Drowsiness and confusion
Loss of coordination
Pale gums
Loss of consciousness/collapse
If you notice any of these signs, you will need to slowly increase their temperature (do not heat them up too quickly, or place anything hot directly against their skin) and contact your vet immediately.
How to keep dogs healthy in cold weather
There can be many side effects of cold weather on dogs. Here are some signs of common winter issues, and how you can help:
Hypothermia
A dog’s average body temperature is in the range 37.5°C to 39.2°C. Hypothermia can occur when their body temperature drops too low – usually after exposure to freezing temperatures, or having wet fur. Older dogs, smaller dogs, dogs with short coats, and puppies are more at risk.
Symptoms include:
- Shivering (shivering will stop if they become severely cold)
- Drowsiness and confusion
- Pale gums
- Loss of coordination and consciousness/collapse
If you notice any of these symptoms, take them to the vet immediately. Hypothermia in dogs can be fatal if not treated quickly.
Meanwhile, gradually warm the temperature around them (the house or car), and wrap them in blankets. Don’t heat them up too quickly or place anything hot directly on the skin. Only use warm, not boiling water, in hot water bottles, to prevent the risk of burns, and always cover bottles with a thick towel or blanket. Dry the dog if wet and offer them lukewarm water if they’re still conscious.
Frostbite
Frostbite is a very painful condition that causes severe damage to body tissues, such as a dog’s extremities (the tail, foot pads, nose and tips of their ears), in freezing temperatures.
Symptoms include:
- Pale skin, with a blue-white hue (due to limited blood flow)
- Pain on the affected area
- Blisters
- Blackened or dead skin that may come away if touched
- Licking or chewing the area
If you notice any of these, move your dog to a warm dry place, warming up the area around them and wrap them in blankets. Don’t rub the area, heat them up too quickly or place anything hot directly on the skin. Take them to the vet immediately.
Antifreeze poisoning
Unfortunately, antifreeze poisoning is usually fatal, but getting the dog to a vet immediately can increase their chance of survival.
Symptoms include:
- Seeming depressed/sleepy
- Appearing drunk and uncoordinated
- Seizures (fits)
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Complete lack of urination 12- 24 hours after ingestion
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Going into a coma
- Kidney failure
If you spot any of these, contact your vet immediately.
To prevent antifreeze poisoning, avoid using it. If you have to, make sure containers are securely closed, any leaks and spillages are cleaned and it’s disposed of appropriately.
Dry and cracked skin
Exposure to cold weather can leave dogs with dry and cracked skin.
Symptoms include:
- Visible cracks on their paws, foot pads and noses
- Licking or chewing their feet
- Limping or refusing to walk on rough and hard surfaces
- Whining
- Holding up their paws
You can help to prevent dry and cracked skin by:
- Regularly trimming their paw fur and claws
- Avoiding snowy or icy patches when out on a walk
- Wiping their paws after each walk
- Investing in dog boots
- Using any treatment as advised by your vet
Alabama rot
Alabama rot is a disease that affects dogs, often picked up when walking them in the countryside in wet or muddy areas – though it’s incredibly rare. Learn how to spot the symptoms with our Alabama rot advice.
Fleas
Fleas aren’t fans of the cold weather, but they love a centrally-heated home. The best way to keep a dog flea-free is to apply flea treatments (speak to your vet for advice), and regularly clean any spaces where your dog sits, lies down or sleeps.
did you know?
Dogs can catch colds, but not the same as we do. Dogs get infections that have similar symptoms to a cold, such as coughing and congestion.
Arthritis
Cold weather can affect dogs with arthritis, making their joints more stiff and painful – especially in older dogs. Changes in behaviour, licking, limping, difficulty sitting, standing, going up stairs, and snapping when being touched are signs of arthritis.
Keep them warm with blankets and spaces to rest that will support their joints, and try to keep them active to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the pressure on their joints. If you think your dog may have arthritis, take them to the vet.
Dogs more at risk of illness
Some dogs are naturally more susceptible to certain illnesses and health issues during winter:
- Flat-faced dogs: Flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs are at a high-risk of experiencing breathing difficulties due to their head structure. Monitor their weight, sleep and exercise.
- Dogs with arthritis: Animals with arthritis may experience joint pains, exacerbated during cold weather. Keep them warm with soft bedding, and active to reduce potential flare-ups.
- Unvaccinated dogs: Are more at risk of viral respiratory infections.
- Dogs in poor housing conditions: At risk of poor hygiene, overcrowding, and high stress levels.
- Dogs with poor immunity: A lower immune system means they have a higher risk of bacterial infections.
Make sure to keep an eye out for any signs of injury or illness in the dog, and be alert to risks that may affect them while outside. Find more advice on our keeping dogs outside page.
If you’re taking a dog out for a drive, never leave them alone in the car (even if the heating is on), as they could develop hypothermia or overheat.
Walking dogs in winter
Walking dogs in cold weather comes with risks posed by the cold. Here’s our advice on dog walking safety in the winter:
Keep them on the lead: This will stop them from wandering off and into potentially dangerous areas like frozen lakes.
Keep them layered up: Make sure their body is warm and cosy with a dog jacket for the winter. Some dogs may need coats for winter to protect them against freezing temperatures and biting winds, especially breeds who naturally have shorter or thinner fur, or smaller dogs who are closer to the ground. The jacket should be snug, but not restrict their movement.
Dogs that need winter coats
Elderly dogs, young dogs, dogs with thin or short fur and dogs with pre-existing medical conditions.
Keep them visible: Stick to lit paths and places, and consider getting reflective or LED gear for the dog, and for yourself, so you’re both visible to passing vehicles. You can buy a glow in the dark dog collar, harness or other glow in the dark accessories.
Keep their paws warm: You can protect their paws from freezing terrain with dog boots. These will also reduce their risk of exposure to antifreeze, grit and rock salt poisoning.
Trim their feet and nose fur: Trimming the fur on their paws and nose can prevent ice balls from building. Try to keep the fur on their back legs and bum short, too, if they’re medium-haired or long-haired dogs.
Wipe them down after the walk: Wipe their pads, paws and tummy after each walk, in case they were exposed to poisons like antifreeze, grit and rock salt. You can also apply a non-toxic balm to their pads to prevent cracking from dry skin.
Remember: When on a walk, keep an eye on the dog for signs that they’re cold and uncomfortable and remember to warm them up once you are back inside.
How to help outdoor dogs and strays in winter
We don’t ever advise leaving a dog outside – they deserve a warm, cosy home as much as we do – especially during the winter. No dogs can comfortably spend a long period of time in freezing weather, nor should they have to. Leaving them outside in the cold can be deadly.
If you do decide to keep a dog outside, do so safely. Dogs need:
- A suitable outdoor kennel large enough for sleeping and movement
- Shelter to protect them from the rain, wind and direct sunlight
- Heating and ventilation to maintain a comfortable temperature in their shelter
- Food and water that’s easily accessible and regularly refilled
- Daily exercise, play and movement is vital for their wellbeing
- Company so they’re not left alone long enough for them to become distressed – they need company and interaction.
Stray dogs in the winter
If you find an unaccompanied dog that appears lost or even stray, there’s a chance the dog may be a lost pet. Report the dog to the council or to a local vet, to check for a microchip and locate the owner if there is one. Alternatively, you can contact local animal shelters or a dog warden to help.
How to keep dogs healthy in winter
Some dogs are more at risk of falling ill in the winter. If yours is in the list below, keep a closer eye on them and speak to your vet about how to best protect and care for them:
- Flat-faced dogs — brachycephalic dogs often experience breathing difficulties due to their shortened and narrowed airways. Make sure their vaccinations are up to date and schedule regular vet checkups, where you can discuss weight management and a routine of steady exercise.
- Dogs with short coats — animals with shorter coats may be more likely to feel the effects of cold weather. Keep them cosy with a coat for walks, and a snuggly blanket in the home.
- Dogs with arthritis — like humans, cold weather can increase joint pain in animals with arthritis. Warm and active can reduce the risk of flare-ups.
- Dogs with heart issues — if your dog has a known heart condition, limit their time outside to a maximum of 20 minutes at a time in the winter as low temperatures can place excessive strain on their cardiovascular system.
Common winter health issues for dogs
Look out for signs of common winter health issues in your dog and learn what to do if you're worried:
Symptom: If your dog is slower getting up when it’s wet and cold, this could be a sign of osteoarthritis.
Action: Take them to the vet, who may advise the use of heat and massage to help relieve the pain.
Symptom: If your dog has skin discolouration, swelling, blisters or ulcers on their ears, tail, foot pads, or nose, this could be a sign of frostbite.
Action: Move your dog to a warm, dry place. If the symptoms don’t improve, take them to a vet who may prescribe antibiotics or topical treatment.
Symptom: If you see your dog shivering, or in a sluggish state, this could be a symptom of hypothermia.
Action: Move them to a warm place using blankets and hot water bottles if you have them. Use warm water in hot water bottles to avoid burns. Always cover the bottles with a thick towel or blanket, especially for chewers. If you suspect your dog has hypothermia, contact a vet immediately.
How to keep dogs warm in winter
We don’t advise keeping dogs outside in any weather. Meeting the needs of dogs when they're kept outside is very hard — even more so in very low temperatures. To reduce the risk of health issues, owners should make sure their dogs have a clean, comfortable and dry sleeping area with a safe heat source so the temperature does not drop below 10°C (50°F).
If it’s very cold, or you’re outside for a prolonged period of time, you can buy a special coat or jumper to keep your dog warm on walks. Make sure it’s a good and comfortable fit, and that your dog can still behave normally (for example, that they can go to the toilet easily).
If your dog does get wet, dry them fully, by using a blow dryer, a drying coat or towel before they go to sleep. Damp fur can make your dog feel cold, as well as lead to skin irritation, matting, and infections.
How to keep dogs safe in winter
Follow these tips to keep your dog safe in winter:
- Be seen — try to stick to well-lit places and get reflective or LED gear for you and your dog, so you can be seen by vehicles when walking in the dark.
- Be chipped — ensure your dog is microchipped and the details are up to date in case they slip away from you in poor weather conditions.
- Wipe down — thoroughly wipe down your dog’s paws and tummy after walks to remove grit and rock salt, which are poisonous to dogs
- Snow go — snow can conceal deep or unsafe patches of earth, so keep your dog on the lead.
- Avoid icy ponds — keep dogs away from frozen ponds and lakes — thin ice may break under their weight.
Common winter poisons for dogs
Keep your dog away from these common winter poisons and call a vet immediately if you suspect they’ve ingested any.
- Antifreeze — the active ingredient in antifreeze, Ethylene glycol, can cause kidney failure and death.
- Alabama rot — a disease that damages the blood vessels in the skin and kidneys, can cause visible sores on the skin and kidney failure.
- Rock salt — a mixture of salt and grit is used to help de-ice roads in winter. Ingestion can cause thirst, vomiting, lethargy, and in severe cases convulsions and kidney damage.
Never ‘watch and wait’
If you suspect your dog's been poisoned, contact a vet immediately.
