Winter Tips for Dog Owners

Winter brings crisp air, frosty walks, and the kind of cosy evenings that both you and your dog can truly appreciate. But cold weather also brings real risks — from icy paws and hypothermia to toxic road grit and reduced visibility on dark walks. Here's everything you need to know to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.

Know Your Dog's Cold Tolerance

Not all dogs feel the cold equally. A Siberian Husky in its element is very different from a short-coated Greyhound or a tiny Chihuahua when the temperature drops. Understanding your individual dog's needs is the first step to keeping them safe.

Dogs more susceptible to cold include:

• Small breeds — they lose body heat more quickly due to their size
• Short-coated breeds — Boxers, Weimaraners, Greyhounds, and Whippets have little insulation
• Puppies and senior dogs — both struggle to regulate body temperature effectively
• Dogs with health conditions — arthritis, heart disease, and hormonal imbalances all affect cold tolerance
• Lean-bodied dogs — less body fat means less natural warmth

As a general rule, if it's too cold for you to stand comfortably without a coat, it's likely too cold for your dog without extra protection.

Protect Those Paws

Your dog's paws are in direct contact with the most hazardous winter surfaces — ice, snow, frozen ground, and worst of all, road grit and salt. These can cause cracking, soreness, chemical burns, and serious harm if ingested during grooming.

After every winter walk, make it a habit to:

• Wipe paws thoroughly with a warm, damp cloth to remove salt and grit
• Check between the toes for ice balls or compacted snow, which can be painful
• Dry paws completely before your dog settles down — damp paws in cold conditions can lead to chapping

Paw balm is an excellent year-round tool that becomes essential in winter. Applied before a walk, it forms a protective barrier against grit and salt. Look for natural formulations containing beeswax or shea butter. After walks, it helps soothe and repair any dryness or cracking.

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If your dog will tolerate them, dog boots offer the ultimate protection for paw pads. They take some getting used to, but they block salt, ice, and cold surfaces entirely. Choose a pair with a non-slip sole and waterproof upper for the best results.

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Wrap Up Warm — Dog Coats & Jackets

A well-fitted dog coat isn't just a fashion statement — for many breeds it's a genuine safety essential during winter. If your dog is shivering, reluctant to walk, or seeking warmth immediately after coming inside, they likely need a coat.

What to look for in a winter dog coat:

• Waterproofing: Keeps the cold wet out and body warmth in — essential for UK winters
• Full belly coverage: Exposes dogs to cold ground when lying down; a coat that covers the underside provides far better insulation
• Reflective strips: Vital for dark winter walks — makes your dog visible to traffic and other people
• Harness compatibility: Look for a chest opening or integrated harness hole so you don't have to choose between coat and lead attachment
• Easy on/off: Velcro or quick-clip fastenings make post-walk removal much easier

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Spotting Hypothermia and Frostbite

These are genuine medical emergencies, but knowing the warning signs means you can act quickly and potentially save your dog's life.

If you suspect hypothermia or frostbite, bring your dog inside immediately, wrap them in warm (not hot) blankets, and contact your vet urgently. Do not rub frostbitten areas as this can cause further damage.

Safe Winter Walks

Dogs still need daily exercise in winter, but a few adjustments make walks safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

• Walk during daylight hours whenever possible — paths are safer and more visible when it's light
• Shorten walks in extreme cold — multiple shorter outings are better than one long exposure to freezing temperatures
• Stick to familiar routes — snow and ice can mask hazards like uneven terrain, holes, or frozen ponds
• Keep dogs on lead near frozen water — thin ice is deceptively dangerous and dogs cannot always sense it
• Use a high-visibility lead and collar — darker evenings mean drivers and cyclists may struggle to see you
• Dry your dog thoroughly after every walk — a damp coat dramatically accelerates heat loss indoors

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The Hidden Danger: Antifreeze

Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is one of the most serious winter hazards for dogs. It has a sweet taste that makes it attractive to animals, yet even a tiny amount can cause fatal kidney failure within hours.

Pet-safe antifreeze alternatives (propylene glycol-based) are available and should always be chosen where possible for use in and around the home.

Cosy Indoors — Bedding and Warmth

After a cold walk, the right sleeping environment makes all the difference. Dogs sleeping in drafty areas, on cold floors, or in unheated outbuildings are at risk even when not outside.

• Raised beds: Keep your dog off cold floors and away from ground-level drafts
• Thermal or self-heating dog beds: Reflect your dog's own body heat back to them — no electricity needed
• Extra blankets: Let your dog burrow — many dogs naturally seek a covered, snug sleeping spot in winter
• Away from doors and windows: Position beds in warmer, draft-free spots, especially overnight
• Dogs in kennels or outbuildings: Ensure heating is adequate and bedding is checked regularly for dampness

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Winter Grooming Matters

It can be tempting to let a long-coated dog's fur grow even longer for extra winter warmth, but good grooming is actually essential at this time of year.

• Keep fur between paw pads trimmed — long fur collects ice balls, snow, and grit that cause pain and can harbour infections
• Don't shave double-coated breeds — the undercoat provides insulation that's lost when cut short
• Brush regularly — matted fur loses its insulating properties and can trap moisture against the skin
• Dry thoroughly after walks — use a dog-specific drying coat or a warm towel to prevent chilling

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Nutrition and Hydration in Cold Weather

Dogs burn more calories staying warm in cold weather, so you may notice an increase in appetite during winter — particularly in active dogs or those that spend time outdoors. This is normal, but speak to your vet before significantly adjusting portions.

Hydration is equally important and often overlooked in winter. Dogs may drink less when it's cold, but they still need plenty of fresh water. Check outdoor water bowls regularly — they can freeze quickly, leaving your dog without access to water when they need it.

• Use a heated water bowl outdoors to prevent freezing
• Refresh indoor water more frequently — dogs may be put off by stale or cold water
• Consider warm, low-sodium dog-safe broth as an occasional winter treat to encourage drinking

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Planning a Winter Dog-Friendly Break?

Winter is a wonderful time to explore the UK with your dog. Fewer crowds, dramatic landscapes, and the pleasure of warming up by a log fire after a brisk morning walk — it's a magical combination. When booking a winter break, look for properties that offer:

• An enclosed garden or secure outdoor space so your dog can roam freely without a lead
• A log burner or open fire for atmospheric post-walk warmth
• Dog-washing station or utility area for muddy post-walk clean-ups
• Dog-friendly pubs and cafés nearby for warming up mid-walk
• Proximity to low-traffic, scenic winter walking routes