Winter Safety for Dogs

Keeping Your Pet Warm, Happy and Healthy

When temperatures drop and the days get shorter, winter brings its own set of challenges for dog owners. Whilst some dogs absolutely love the cold weather, others feel it keenly, and all dogs face specific risks during the winter months. Understanding how to keep your four-legged friend safe, warm, and comfortable will help you both enjoy the season.

Do Dogs Feel the Cold?

The simple answer is yes, but how much depends on several factors. Dogs with thick, double coats like Huskies and Malamutes are built for cold weather and often thrive in it. However, many dogs feel the cold just as much as we do - sometimes more.

Dogs most vulnerable to cold

Small breeds and toy dogs (Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers)

Thin or short-coated breeds (Greyhounds, Whippets, Staffies)

Elderly dogs

Puppies

Dogs with health conditions, particularly arthritis

Very young or underweight dogs

Signs your dog is too cold

Shivering or trembling

Reluctance to walk or slowing down

Whining or appearing anxious

Lifting paws off the ground

Hunched posture with tucked tail

Seeking warm places or trying to turn back home

Winter Walking Safety

Adjust walk times

Consider walking during the warmest part of the day, typically late morning or early afternoon. Avoid early morning and evening walks when temperatures are at their lowest, especially if your dog is vulnerable to cold.

Invest in dog coats

Not all dogs need coats, but many benefit from them. A well-fitted, waterproof coat can make winter walks much more comfortable for short-haired or small dogs. Look for coats that cover the chest and belly as well as the back.

Paw protection

Winter pavements can be harsh on paws, especially when treated with grit and salt. Consider:

Dog boots for sensitive paws (introduce these gradually)

Paw balm or wax applied before walks to create a protective barrier

Washing and drying paws after walks to remove salt and grit

Trimming fur between paw pads to prevent ice ball formation

Visibility is crucial

With darker mornings and evenings, visibility becomes a safety issue.

Use:

LED collars or light-up tags

Reflective harnesses and leads

High-visibility dog coats

A head torch for yourself

Watch for ice

Frozen ponds, lakes, and rivers are extremely dangerous. Never let your dog venture onto ice, no matter how solid it appears. Keep them on lead near any frozen water.

The Danger of Antifreeze

Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is one of the most dangerous substances for dogs, and winter is when it's most commonly used. Just a tiny amount can be fatal, and tragically, it has a sweet taste that dogs find appealing.

Prevention

Store antifreeze securely out of reach

Clean up any spills immediately and thoroughly

Use pet-safe antifreeze products where possible

Be vigilant in car parks and driveways

Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning

Appearing drunk or wobbly

Vomiting

Excessive drinking or urination

Rapid breathing

Lethargy or weakness

Seizures (in advanced cases)

If you suspect antifreeze poisoning, this is a critical emergency. Contact your vet immediately - every minute counts.

Rock Salt and Grit

The salt and grit used on roads and pavements can cause problems for dogs:

Chemical burns on paw pads

Irritation and cracking

Stomach upset if licked from paws

Toxic if consumed in large quantities

Protection

Wash paws with warm water after walks

Check pads for cracks, redness, or soreness

Use paw balm to soothe and protect

Consider alternative walking routes that avoid heavily gritted areas

Winter Nutrition and Hydration

Energy requirements may increase

Dogs who spend time outdoors in cold weather burn more calories to stay warm. You may need to slightly increase food portions for very active outdoor dogs, but be careful not to overfeed indoor dogs who may be less active in winter.

Water is still essential

Dogs need fresh water year-round. Check outdoor water bowls haven't frozen, and ensure your dog has constant access to fresh water indoors.

Watch the weight

Winter can lead to weight gain if exercise decreases but food intake doesn't. Excess weight puts additional strain on joints, which is particularly problematic for dogs with arthritis.

Indoor Comfort

Warm, dry bedding

Ensure your dog's bed is away from draughts and in a warm part of the house. Raised beds help keep them off cold floors, and extra blankets provide warmth and comfort.

Heating considerations

If you use space heaters or open fires, ensure they're safely guarded. Dogs can accidentally burn themselves or knock heaters over. Never leave your dog unattended with heating appliances.

Drying wet dogs

Wet dogs get cold quickly. Keep towels by the door for post-walk drying, and consider a dog drying coat for long-haired breeds. Make sure dogs are thoroughly dry before settling down.

Arthritis and Joint Pain

Cold, damp weather often worsens arthritis symptoms. If your dog seems stiffer in winter:

Keep them warm and dry

Consider a heated bed or heat pad designed for pets

Maintain gentle, regular exercise rather than long, intense walks

Speak to your vet about pain management options

Consider joint supplements (after consulting your vet)

Fireworks and Dark Nights

Winter includes Bonfire Night and New Year's Eve - times when fireworks can frighten dogs. Additionally, dark evenings can increase anxiety in some dogs. Maintain routine where possible, and create a calm, secure environment indoors during firework season.

Snow Safety

Whilst many dogs love snow, it presents some risks:

Snowballs between pads

Long-haired dogs can develop painful ice balls between their toes. Trim the fur between paw pads, or use boots.

Hidden hazards

Snow can conceal dangerous objects, holes, or fragile ground. Stay on familiar paths.

Getting lost

Snow can obscure scents and landmarks. Keep your dog on lead if visibility is poor or snow is deep.

Eating snow

A few mouthfuls are fine, but eating lots of snow can cause stomach upset or lower body temperature.

White-out conditions

In heavy snow, keep walks short and stay close to home. White dogs can be hard to spot in snow - high-visibility gear helps.

Car Safety in Winter

Warm up before walks

Don't leave your dog in a cold car for extended periods. Whilst we worry about hot cars in summer, very cold cars are also dangerous, particularly for small or elderly dogs.

Engine checks

Cats sometimes shelter in car engines during cold weather. Bang on the bonnet before starting your car to give any hiding animals a chance to escape.

Health Checks

Monitor older dogs

Cold weather can exacerbate existing health conditions. Watch for changes in behaviour, mobility, or appetite.

Paw pad inspections

Regularly check pads for cracks, cuts, or sores. Moisturise with dog-safe paw balm.

Skin and coat health

Central heating can dry out skin. Regular grooming distributes natural oils and helps you spot any problems.

When to Skip the Walk

Sometimes it's genuinely too cold or dangerous to walk:

Severe weather warnings

Heavy ice making pavements treacherous

Extreme wind chill

Flooding or storm conditions

Temperatures well below freezing for vulnerable dogs

On these days, focus on indoor enrichment - training games, puzzle toys, and indoor play can tire dogs mentally even if they can't exercise physically.

Countryside and Wildlife Considerations

Livestock

Winter is lambing season in some areas. Keep dogs on leads around livestock, who may be more vulnerable and protective in cold weather.

Wildlife

Animals like hedgehogs hibernate, and disturbing them can be fatal. Keep dogs away from areas where wildlife might be sheltering.

Frozen ground

Frozen mud with sharp ridges can cut paw pads. Stick to grassy or treated paths where possible.

Emergency Preparedness

Winter kit

Keep these items handy

Torch with fresh batteries

Reflective gear

First aid kit

Emergency contact numbers

Spare lead and collar

Towels for drying

Mobile phone (fully charged)

Know your limits

If conditions are challenging for you, they're probably difficult for your dog too. There's no shame in cutting a walk short if weather deteriorates.

Embracing Winter Together

Winter doesn't have to mean misery. Many dogs absolutely love cold weather - crunching through frost, playing in snow, and enjoying crisp, clear days. With the right preparation and awareness, you can both enjoy the season safely.

Winter joys:

Frosty morning walks with beautiful scenery

Cosy evenings by the fire

Playing in the first snow

Quieter parks and beaches

Stunning winter sunrises and sunsets

The key is balancing enjoyment with safety, knowing your dog's individual needs, and being prepared to adapt to conditions.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice

Contact your vet if

Your dog shows signs of hypothermia (severe shivering, lethargy, weak pulse)

Paw pads are cracked, bleeding, or show signs of chemical burns

Your dog refuses to eat or seems unusually lethargic

Arthritis symptoms worsen significantly

You suspect antifreeze poisoning or salt ingestion

Keeping Your Pet Warm