How to Keep Your Dog Warm in the Winter

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As the temperature drops, winter weather can pose many risks to your dog. Certain breeds, sizes, and ages of dogs are more vulnerable due to their inability to retain body heat as effectively. You wouldn’t—and shouldn’t—let a Chihuahua out to potty unsupervised, for example, but hours in a snow hut could be fun for a Husky.

“If [your dog] is having a blast and showing no signs of being cold, you can keep them out longer with supervision,” says Dr. Heather Berst, DVM, Zoetis.

If suggestions like putting booties on your dog and giving them a sweater seem obvious to you, don’t worry, we get into the weeds. You’ll find information on temperature warnings, advice for walking your dog in the winter, and how to recover from the cold.

When Is It Too Cold for Your Dog to Be Outside?

“How long a dog can stay out in cooler weather will depend on the individual dog,” says Dr. Berst. “Puppies and senior dogs are not able to regulate their temperature as well and need to be watched for signs of being cold.” Most dogs will start to show signs of feeling cold after 30 minutes of being outside in around 45°F (7°C).

When it gets as low as 32°F (0°C), you should avoid letting your dog outside for more than 15 minutes. A dog’s normal body temperature is 99.5-102.5°F, but when it drops below 95°F, the dog becomes at risk for hypothermia.

To avoid this, know what temperatures your region drops to. We averaged which months you should check the temperature before heading outside by looking at years of weather data.

If your state is listed above, there is a high chance for the weather to dip as low as 10°F (-12°C) during cold snaps. For warmer states, such as Alabama and Texas, the data is less consistent but brief cold snaps may happen in January or February.

Signs a Dog is Not Enjoying the Cold

“If it is too cold for you, it is likely too cold for your dog,” says Dr. Berst. “Another consideration is if your dog is acclimatized to the cold or not.” Dogs who have grown up in the south will tolerate the cold differently from dogs who have been living in the cold.

Below are ways your dog indicates they are too cold:

• Shivering or hunching their back
• Putting their tail down
• Lifting paws
• Licking feet
• Whining or barking
• Slowing down
• Trying to go home

If you see any of these signs, help your dog get home as quickly as possible. For smaller dogs, consider carrying them back so their paws aren’t touching the cold ground.

Safety Tips for Walking Your Dog Outside

Consider these tips to keep your dog warm and safe during winter walks and activities:

1. Watch for ice: Slippery surfaces can send you and your dog flat on the ground. Keep an eye on where you both step. Sharp ice can also cut their paws.
2. Use dog-safe boots, foot wax, or protectors: Dog boots can help protect a dog’s paws from frostbite and harmful de-icing chemicals. Train your dog to get used to booties before you need them.
3. Get a dog coat: According to Dr. Berst, a dog coat is especially important for a dog who is older, has a shorter coat, or is a puppy. Coats should not be too tight or have too many accessories as dogs may find it uncomfortable.
4. Avoid ponds or lakes: Even if the ice looks solid, it’s best to keep your dog away. Falling through the ice is potentially fatal. Temperatures can also be colder around bodies of water.
5. Limit time outside: Shorten your time outside, especially if you have a smaller or thin-haired dog. In extreme temperatures, limit your outings to 15 minutes.
6. Check for frostbite during your walk: If your dog starts to lift their paws or whine, look for discoloration around the ears, paws, and tail. Consult a vet if you suspect frostbite.
7. Watch out for salt and deicers: Salt and chemical deicers can burn your dog’s paws, so consider using dog-safe alternatives on your property. Don’t let your dog eat snow or ice off the streets.
8. Wash their paws after walks with warm water: Dogs who lick and chew their paws are at risk for ingesting toxic substances, such as chemical deicers or salt.
9. Shelter from wind: We recommend keeping your pets indoors during windy days, especially in the winter. The wind can cause temperatures to drop drastically, increasing heat loss in animals. If your dog prefers to be outdoors, set up a place where they are shielded from the wind.

Helpful walking gear for the winter

Bundle up and keep your mobility in mind. If your gloves are too thick, you may not be able to treat your dog or get a good grip on your dog’s leash.

• Fit traction aids on your shoes: We recommend investing in a pair of traction aids for your shoes. A serious fall on slippery surfaces could affect your ability to care for your dog.
• Use a long leash: If your dog starts running, a long lead can give you both distance and slack to avoid falling suddenly.
• Use reflective gear: Winter days are short, so ensure your dog is visible by using reflective leashes, collars, or vests.
• Keep walks short: Prolonged exposure to extreme cold, which can be anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, can lead to hypothermia.Shorter, more frequent walks are safer during winter months.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe & Warm When It’s Cold

During the winter, dog care may change as well. Here are some tips to consider, depending on how cold your region gets:

1. Keep up on paw care: Spending time in the cold may crack or irritate your dog’s paws. Regularly apply a paw balm to keep them moisturized.
2. Trim fur around their feet: A nice trim around the feet can prevent snowballs from building and clinging to their fur. Ice balls that form between their paw pads can be painful or cause sores.
3. Towel dry their coat thoroughly: Dry your dog thoroughly after coming inside, especially if they’ve been in snow or rain, to prevent chills. Pay attention to the feet to remove salt and de-icer chemicals.
4. Turn on your humidifier: Dry winter air can cause flaky and itchy skin. A humidifier can add moisture back into the air.
5. Reduce frequency of baths: Frequent baths in the winter can strip your dog’s skin of natural oils. Use dry or waterless shampoo to avoid dirty, itchy skin.
6. Keep their bed warm and dry: Make sure your dog has a warm, draft-free place to curl up. Put their bed in the dryer every week to keep them fluffy and free from mildew caused by melted ice.
7. Provide extra food: Dogs burn more calories in cold weather, so they might need a bit more food during winter months.
8. Keep your dog hydrated: Cold weather activity can affect a dog’s hydration needs as much as summer activity.
9. Get them used to clothes: Certain dogs need winter coats and appropriate boots to help them stay warm, but you may need a training period so your dog doesn’t try to get out of them.

Heated dog beds and blankets may also be a good option for shivering dogs. “If your house is chilly, some older dogs do well with heated beds to help with pain,” says Dr. Berst.

However, heated beds should not be used without active monitoring from you. The American Veterinary Medical Association cites a risk of burns for these electronic blankets and beds.

Tips for Making Winter Enjoyable

While the winter can bring challenges, it doesn’t have to be a miserable season for exercising with your dog. Senior dogs might also benefit from a hip and joint supplement, if they’re not on one yet. These supplements can help them feel less achy or manage their arthritis symptoms. All you need to do is monitor their play so they don’t over-exercise themselves!

“Breeds also really factor into this, such as Huskies, Samoyeds, and Bernese Mountain Dogs,” Dr. Berst reminds us. “They have thick double coats and thrive doing outdoor activities.” On the other hand, her Chinese Crested rescue dog, a small and hairless dog, does not do well in the winter and needs a coat.

If you brought home a winter puppy, don’t fret. Most dogs can also get their energy out indoors with puzzle toys, training games, and indoor obstacle courses.

When it comes to bringing pups with you on errands, make sure the place you’re going is dog-friendly. Otherwise it’s best to leave your dog at home rather than in the car.

Further Reading

• 23 Tried-and-True Ways to Entertain Your Dog Indoors
• How Cold Is Too Cold for My Dog? Signs of Hypothermia in Dogs
• Can Dogs Have Colds?
• Everything You Want to Know About Vitamin Supplements for Dogs