Not every dog handles the cold the same way. A husky with a thick double coat is fine in the snow, but a greyhound, a chihuahua or an older dog can feel cold quickly. Here's how to tell if your dog is cold and how to keep them warm and comfortable all winter.
Which dogs feel the cold most?
- Short-haired and thin-coated breeds (greyhounds, whippets, staffies, boxers)
- Small and toy breeds
- Puppies and senior dogs
- Very lean dogs and dogs with health conditions
Signs your dog is cold
Shivering, a hunched posture, tucked tail, lifting paws off the ground, slowing down or refusing to keep walking, and looking for warm spots at home. If you see these signs, it's time to head home and warm up.
1. A good coat for walks
For dogs that feel the cold, a coat makes winter walks much more comfortable. Look for a water-resistant outer shell, warm padding and a snug fit around the belly so the cold can't get in. Our Waterproof Winter Dog Coat has warm padding, a soft velvet lining and an elastic belly band, in sizes for medium to large dogs.
Fit tip: measure your dog's back length and chest. The coat should cover the back to the base of the tail without restricting the legs.
2. Dry them off after walks
A wet dog loses heat fast. After rainy walks, towel-dry your dog, especially the belly, legs and paws, and keep them out of draughts until they're dry.
3. Look after their paws
Cold, wet ground can crack paw pads. In places where roads and paths are treated with salt or de-icer, rinse and dry your dog's paws after every walk: salt irritates the skin and is harmful if licked. Antifreeze is toxic to pets, so clean up any spills straight away.
4. A warm bed off the cold floor
Tiles and concrete pull heat from the body. Give your dog a bed that's raised or well padded, away from doors and draughts.
- A self-warming pet mat reflects your pet's own body heat back to them. It needs no plug or batteries, so it's safe to leave out day and night, and it's great in crates and on cold floors.
- A plush donut bed with a hood lets cats and small dogs burrow in and stay warm, just like under a blanket.
5. Adjust walks, not exercise
Keep walks a little shorter on very cold or wet days and go out at the warmest time of day. Make up for it with indoor play and sniffing games so your dog still gets enough exercise and stimulation.
6. Food and water
Dogs that spend a lot of time outside may need a little more food in winter to stay warm. Check that outdoor water hasn't frozen.
Signs of hypothermia
Strong shivering, weakness, pale gums, slow breathing or a dog that seems confused or very sleepy after being in the cold needs to be warmed gently with blankets and checked by a vet straight away.
See our full winter comfort range.
This guide is general information. If you're worried about your pet's health, talk to your vet.