Winter Pet Care: 8 Ways to Keep Your Dog or Cat Warm, Safe & Comfortable

Introduction

As temperatures drop, you bundle up in cozy sweaters and warm blankets. But what about your four-legged family members?

While that fluffy coat might look warm, many dogs and cats struggle with winter weather—especially senior pets, short-haired breeds, and indoor pets who aren't acclimated to cold temperatures.

The good news? With a few simple adjustments to their routine and environment, you can keep your pet comfortable, safe, and happy all winter long.

Here are 8 expert-backed strategies every pet parent should know.

1. Provide Warm Sleeping Spaces

Why it matters:

Cold floors and drafty areas can make it difficult for pets—especially senior animals with arthritis—to stay warm and comfortable while resting.

What to do:

✅ Elevated or insulated beds
Keep beds off cold floors. Even a few inches of elevation makes a significant difference.

✅ Self-warming beds
Beds that reflect your pet's own body heat back to them provide cozy warmth without electricity or cords (safer and more energy-efficient).

✅ Strategic placement

• Move beds away from windows and exterior walls

• Place in sunny spots during the day

• Avoid high-traffic, drafty areas

✅ Extra blankets
Layering allows pets to burrow and create their own warm microclimate.

🐾 Pro Tip: Senior pets and those with arthritis especially benefit from warmth—it helps ease stiff, painful joints on cold mornings.

2. Protect Those Precious Paws

Why it matters:

Snow, ice, and especially road salt can cause painful cracking, chemical burns, and irritation to paw pads.

What to do:

Before walks:

• Apply pet-safe paw balm to create a protective barrier

• Consider dog booties for extended outdoor time (acclimate gradually!)

After walks:

• Wipe paws with a warm, damp cloth to remove salt and ice

• Check between toes for ice balls (gently remove)

• Inspect for cracks or irritation

• Apply moisturizing paw balm if needed

Year-round maintenance:

• Keep nails trimmed (long nails affect walking on icy surfaces)

• Trim excess fur between paw pads (prevents ice ball buildup)

❌ Avoid: Human moisturizers or petroleum jelly (pets will lick it off—not safe for ingestion)

3. Adjust Walk Times & Duration

For Dogs:

Shorter, more frequent walks are better than one long winter walk.

Best timing:

• Mid-day when temperatures peak

• Avoid early morning and late evening extremes

Cold tolerance varies by breed:

🥶 Low cold tolerance (limit outdoor time):

• Small breeds: Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers

• Short-haired breeds: Greyhounds, Pit Bulls

• Senior dogs

• Puppies

• Dogs with health conditions

❄️ High cold tolerance (still monitor):

• Huskies and Malamutes

• Bernese Mountain Dogs

• Newfoundlands

• Saint Bernards

⚠️ Signs your dog is too cold:

• Shivering

• Lifting paws off the ground repeatedly

• Whining or appearing anxious

• Slowing down significantly

• Hunched posture

If you see these signs: Head inside immediately and warm them gradually.

For Cats:

Keep them indoors during winter—even cats who usually go outside.

Why?

• Frostbite risk (ears, paws, tail tips)

• Hypothermia danger

• Cars (cats seek warmth under hoods—often fatal)

• Predators are hungrier and more desperate in winter

If your cat must go outside:

• Provide insulated outdoor shelter

• Ensure access to unfrozen water

• Bring them in when temps drop below freezing

4. Maintain Proper Hydration

Why it matters:

Winter air is dry (especially with indoor heating), which can lead to dehydration—an often-overlooked winter health issue.

What to do:

✅ Multiple water stations throughout your home
✅ Check water frequently (doesn't freeze, stays fresh)
✅ Heated water bowls for outdoor areas (if applicable)
✅ Add wet food to diet for additional moisture
✅ Monitor intake (especially in senior pets)

Signs of dehydration:

• Dry gums

• Loss of skin elasticity

• Lethargy

• Sunken eyes

5. Watch Their Weight

The winter weight gain trap:

Why it happens:

• Less outdoor activity (shorter walks, no backyard play)

• More indoor time = more treat opportunities

• Slower metabolism in some breeds

Why it's a problem:

• Extra weight stresses joints (especially in cold weather)

• Makes pets even less active (vicious cycle)

• Harder to lose weight later

What to do:

✅ Adjust portions if activity decreases
✅ Indoor enrichment activities (puzzle toys, indoor fetch, laser pointers for cats)
✅ Regular weigh-ins (monthly is ideal)
✅ Choose low-calorie training treats

6. Groom Strategically

For Dogs:

❌ Don't shave or cut coat short in winter—their coat is natural insulation

✅ Do maintain regular brushing:

• Removes dead undercoat

• Improves coat's insulating ability

• Prevents matting (wet, matted fur = poor insulation)

✅ Do trim:

• Excess fur between paw pads (prevents ice balls)

• Belly fur (if it drags and collects snow)

For Cats:

✅ Brush regularly (especially long-haired cats)

• Prevents matting

• Distributes natural oils

• Reduces hairballs (more common in winter when cats groom more)

✅ Check for dry skin

• Winter heat can cause dry, flaky skin

• Omega-3 supplements can help

7. Create Cozy Indoor Environments

For Dogs & Cats:

✅ Humidity control

• Use a humidifier to combat dry indoor air

• Prevents dry skin, noses, and paw pads

• Aim for 30-50% humidity

✅ Warm resting spots

• Window perches with sunlight (for cats)

• Spots near (not directly on) heating vents

• Multiple bed options throughout the house

✅ Enrichment activities

• Puzzle feeders

• Interactive toys

• Catnip toys for cats

• Hide-and-seek treat games

✅ Maintain routine

• Consistent feeding times

• Regular play sessions

• Predictable schedule reduces stress

8. Watch for Winter Health Issues

Arthritis & Joint Pain

More common in winter due to cold, damp conditions.

Signs:

• Stiffness, especially after rest

• Reluctance to jump or climb stairs

• Limping or favoring one leg

Solutions:

• Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin)

• Heated beds

• Gentle, regular exercise

• Vet consultation for pain management

Dry, Cracked Skin

Caused by: Low humidity, indoor heating

Solutions:

• Humidifier use

• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements

• Reduce bathing frequency (strips natural oils)

• Pet-safe moisturizers for severe cases

Hypothermia & Frostbite

Hypothermia symptoms:

• Intense shivering

• Lethargy

• Weakness

• Difficulty breathing

Frostbite risk areas:

• Ear tips

• Tail tip

• Paw pads

If suspected: Warm gradually with blankets and seek veterinary care immediately.

Winter Safety Checklist

✅ Indoor Comfort:

• Warm, insulated beds away from drafts

• Multiple water stations

• Humidifier running

• Enrichment toys for indoor play

✅ Outdoor Safety:

• Paw balm before walks

• Shorter walk duration

• Paw wipe-down after walks

• Weather-appropriate timing (mid-day)

✅ Health Monitoring:

• Regular weight checks

• Joint mobility assessment

• Skin and paw condition checks

• Hydration monitoring

✅ Grooming:

• Regular brushing

• Paw pad fur trimming

• Nail maintenance

• Dry skin prevention

Special Considerations

Senior Pets:

• More sensitive to cold

• Arthritis worsens in winter

• May need extra warmth and joint support

Puppies & Kittens:

• Less body fat for insulation

• Haven't developed full adult coat

• Need extra supervision in cold

Short-Haired Breeds:

• Consider dog sweaters for outdoor time

• Limit exposure to extreme cold

• Watch closely for shivering

The Bottom Line

Winter doesn't have to mean discomfort for your pet. With thoughtful adjustments to their sleeping space, outdoor time, grooming routine, and overall environment, you can help them stay warm, comfortable, and healthy all season long.

Remember: If you're cold, they're probably cold too. When in doubt, err on the side of extra warmth and shorter outdoor exposure.

Keep Them Cozy All Winter Long

Our Self-Warming Pet Bed uses your pet's own body heat to create a cozy, warm resting space—no electricity needed, no cords, completely safe.

Why pet parents love it for winter:
✓ Reflects body heat for natural warmth
✓ Perfect for senior pets with arthritis
✓ Washable, durable, non-slip bottom
✓ Works for both cats and dogs
✓ Energy-efficient and safe

Shop Self-Warming Beds →

Stay warm out there! 🐾❄️