Cold Weather Dog Care: How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Comfortable

Dogs feel the cold. Even though a thick coat of fur helps, the veterinary charity PDSA and the RSPCA both make the same point: winter weather can affect a dog’s health and behaviour, and there are simple things you can do to keep them safe and comfortable. Here’s what the charities advise.

How dogs respond to the cold

The RSPCA explains that, just like wild animals, a pet’s natural behaviour changes with the seasons. In winter it is natural for dogs to seek warmth and shelter (for example curling up on blankets, in the sunlight or by a radiator), want to stay indoors, become more reluctant to go out in wet, cold or snowy weather, and huddle with you or other pets for warmth.

They may also shiver. The RSPCA notes that, like humans, pets can shiver when they are exposed to low temperatures for too long — and this is more noticeable in smaller and short-haired breeds. Some dogs may also eat a little more in winter to help maintain their body temperature.

PDSA flags an important warning here: shivering is a natural response that helps the body warm up, but if a dog becomes severely cold they may stop shivering completely — so it isn’t always a reliable sign on its own.

Signs your dog is getting cold

Rather than waiting for an exact reading, both charities advise watching your dog closely while they’re out.

PDSA is clear that if you notice your dog shivering or slowing down while out on a walk, you should bring them home and into the warmth straight away, as this is a sign they are getting cold. The RSPCA says that if you notice any unusual behaviour — such as a dog that usually enjoys walks suddenly not wanting to go out, or going off their food — it’s worth speaking to your vet.

As general owner guidance, if your dog seems uncomfortable out in the cold — whining, hesitating, or clearly trying to turn for home — it’s sensible to trust that cue and cut the walk short. Some dogs simply aren’t happy in the cold.

Knowing the more serious signs is also important. PDSA lists the symptoms of hypothermia (when body temperature drops dangerously low) as shivering, drowsiness, confusion and clumsiness, pale gums, and loss of consciousness or collapse. These are emergencies — PDSA says hypothermia is extremely dangerous and, if not treated quickly, can cause the whole body to shut down, so call your vet immediately.

Which dogs are most at risk

Not every dog copes with cold weather equally. The sources are very consistent on which dogs need the most care:

• Dogs with thin or fine fur — including breeds such as Greyhounds, Whippets and Lurchers — feel the cold much faster than other dogs (PDSA; the RSPCA adds that dogs with no fur or a thin or short coat feel the cold too).
• Small dog breeds such as Chihuahuas and small Terriers lose body heat faster and can feel the cold quickly — the RSPCA explains that smaller dogs lose body heat faster than larger dogs, which are more insulated and higher above the ground.
• Puppies aren’t built for cold weather, as their ability to regulate their temperature hasn’t fully developed (RSPCA).
• Elderly, underweight, sick or unwell dogs struggle with the cold (PDSA; the RSPCA similarly notes elderly and sick dogs), as do dogs that aren’t acclimatised to the cold (RSPCA).
• The RSPCA also notes that a dog’s extremities — ears, feet, nose and tail — which have little or no fur may be at increased risk of frostbite, and that dogs with existing health problems, such as arthritis, can have their joint pain made worse by colder weather.

How cold is too cold?

There isn’t a single “too cold” temperature that’s right for every dog — the RSPCA explains that different dogs are comfortable in different temperatures, depending on their coat, size, age and health. What is consistent is this: if a dog is left out in low temperatures for prolonged periods, most breeds will begin to feel the effects (RSPCA).

PDSA adds some reassurance while making the same point: if your dog gets too cold there is a risk of hypothermia, but it’s important to note that this is luckily very rare. In practice, the guidance across both charities is to watch your individual dog’s behaviour rather than rely on a number on a thermometer — and to keep time outside short when it’s cold.

Tips for cold-weather walks

The charities agree you don’t need to stop walking your dog in winter, but you may need to change your routine.

Walk in daylight when you can. PDSA advises walking your dog during the daylight hours. If you do walk after dark, it recommends taking extra care to stay safe, keeping your dog on a lead — “don’t let your dog off the lead after dark, there could be hidden hazards out there you can’t see.”

Make walks shorter and more frequent. PDSA suggests going for more frequent but shorter walks rather than one or two long walks a day, to avoid long periods where your dog is exposed to the cold.

Keep them visible. Both PDSA and the RSPCA recommend reflective or LED / high-visibility gear (such as a lead, collar or coat) for dark, foggy walks, so both you and your dog can be seen by passing vehicles.

Be careful around ice and frozen water. Frozen ponds and lakes are dangerous but enticing to an excited dog, and thin ice may not support their weight — both PDSA and the RSPCA say to keep your dog away from them and on a lead. The RSPCA also warns that snow can hide hazards, so supervise your dog closely and keep them on a lead in unfamiliar areas.

Watch for slippery surfaces. PDSA warns that dogs can slip and fall on icy surfaces, and this can cause serious injuries — particularly for dogs with leg problems such as arthritis, where it’s worth being especially careful.

Check and wipe their paws. After a walk, PDSA advises checking your dog’s paws if they’ve been out in snow and ice, as cold temperatures, grit and salt can make the pads very sore. The RSPCA adds that you should thoroughly wipe down their feet, legs and tummy after a walk or time outside, because antifreeze, grit and rock salt on the ground can be poisonous to dogs if they lick them off their paws or fur.

Dry them off and keep them warm. The RSPCA says cold, wet conditions can make pets chilled and more vulnerable to illness, and PDSA notes that a dog that stays wet and gets cold is at risk of hypothermia. Dry your dog off after a walk, and give them a warm, draught-free place to rest at home — PDSA suggests extra blankets in their bed, and raised beds for older dogs to keep them out of draughts.

Trim the fur around their paws. The RSPCA recommends trimming the fur around a dog’s paws and ears to stop ice balls from forming, which are heavy and painful.

Consider a well-fitted dog coat (as an option)

A dog coat is an option — and it’s genuinely valuable for some dogs. PDSA’s Vet Q&A on the topic is reassuring and practical: many dogs are fine with short periods in the cold without extra layers, and some (such as Huskies and Malamutes) are so well suited to cold weather they’re happy out for their usual walk. But dogs with thin or fine fur, and dogs that are very young, underweight, old or unwell, need a warm coat when they go out, and should go out for shorter periods too. Small breeds like Chihuahuas can benefit from the extra warmth of a coat.

If your dog does benefit from a coat, PDSA stresses it must fit properly — get one specifically made for dogs, measure them (neck, length and chest just behind the front legs), and make sure they can move freely and do everything they usually do. If your dog bites or scratches at the coat or rubs against the furniture, it’s a sign it doesn’t fit right and is irritating them. The RSPCA adds that a winter jacket should be snug but not restrict movement; PDSA likewise notes that long-bodied dogs such as Greyhounds, Lurchers and Whippets need coats designed specifically for their proportions.

PDSA also notes that most dogs won’t need to wear a coat indoors, as they can quickly overheat in centrally heated homes. And a fit, healthy dog with thick fur is usually fine outside without a coat as long as they’re active.

Never leave your dog in a cold car

Cars get cold quickly in winter. PDSA warns that on a cold day the inside of your car is likely to be the same temperature as outside, and even if you’ve been driving with the heating on, the temperature drops very quickly once it’s switched off. PDSA’s advice is direct: don’t leave your dog in your car in the colder months — drop them off at home instead. The RSPCA gives the same warning, adding that even with the heating on, a dog left alone in a car could develop hypothermia or overheat.

Other winter dangers to watch for

• Antifreeze, grit and rock salt are poisonous to dogs, so wipe their paws, legs and tummy after walks. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, the RSPCA says to contact a vet immediately — never wait to see if they get better.
• Frozen ponds and lakes — keep your dog on a lead and away from thin ice.
• Don’t leave a dog shut outside. PDSA says to never leave your dog locked outside and to make sure they can always come inside to warm up. The RSPCA is stronger still: it doesn’t advise leaving a dog outside at any time, and warns that leaving a dog out in freezing weather can be deadly. If a dog left outside is showing signs of hypothermia, the RSPCA advises reporting it as neglect.

When to speak to your vet

Knowing when to get help is just as important as prevention. Both charities are clear:

• Call your vet immediately if you think your dog has hypothermia — PDSA says acting quickly could save their life, and advises taking them to the vet to be properly checked over even if you think they look okay.
• Speak to your vet if your dog shows unusual behaviour in winter, such as suddenly not wanting to go for walks or going off their food (RSPCA).
• Contact a vet immediately if you suspect poisoning from antifreeze, grit or rock salt (RSPCA).

With a little extra care and common sense, cold-weather walks can still be safe and enjoyable for you and your dog. The key themes from PDSA and the RSPCA are simple: keep walks short and your dog visible, check and wipe their paws, dry them off and keep them warm at home, never leave them in a cold car or outside, and don’t hesitate to call your vet if anything seems off.

Sources

• PDSA — “Hypothermia in Pets”: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/hypothermia-in-pets
• PDSA — “Vet Q&A: Does my dog need to wear a coat on winter walks?”: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/vet-qa-does-my-dog-need-to-wear-a-coat-on-winter-walks
• PDSA — “Pet care advice for winter”: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/pet-care-advice-for-winter
• PDSA — “Ways to keep your dog active in cold weather”: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/tips-for-keeping-your-dog-active-in-cold-weather
• RSPCA — “Winter & Cold Weather Care for Dogs”: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/winter/pets/dogs
• RSPCA — “Keep Pets Safe in Cold Weather”: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/winter/pets

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, contact your vet.