Winter Care for Dogs: Keeping Them Warm, Safe and Active
Some dogs greet snow as though someone has delivered an entire garden of toys. Others take one look outside and decide their toilet break can wait.
Whatever your dog thinks of winter, colder weather brings extra considerations: icy paths, uncomfortable paws, shorter daylight hours and hidden poisons.
With a little preparation, you can keep your dog comfortable, give them enjoyable activity and recognise when it is time to head indoors.
Which Dogs Feel the Cold Most?
Dogs vary considerably in how well they tolerate cold weather. Puppies, older dogs, small dogs, underweight dogs and those with certain health conditions can struggle more.
Short-coated breeds, including many Staffies, may need extra protection compared with thick, double-coated breeds. Even a muscular dog can feel the cold: a powerful build does not provide the insulation of a dense coat.
Wind, wet fur and sudden changes in weather also matter. Look at your dog’s behaviour as well as the forecast.
How to Keep Your Dog Warm
For dogs that feel the cold, choose a comfortable coat that protects the body without restricting walking, shoulder movement or toileting. A water-resistant outer layer can be useful in wet conditions.
Introduce unfamiliar clothing gradually with rewards. Check that straps do not rub and that the coat works comfortably with your dog’s walking equipment.
Afterwards, remove damp clothing and dry your dog. At home, provide a comfortable bed in a warm, draught-free area, with dry blankets if needed. Keep bedding away from direct heat and open flames.
Never leave your dog waiting in a cold car. Once the heating is off, the temperature can fall quickly.
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How Long Can You Walk a Dog in the Snow?
There is no universal safe number of minutes.
A healthy, cold-adapted adult dog and a short-coated puppy can have very different needs on the same day. Temperature alone also misses the effects of wind, wetness, icy ground and the depth of the snow.
Choose a shorter route with an easy way home. Several brief outings may be more comfortable than one long walk. Where possible, head out during daylight and the milder part of the day.
Watch for:
Shivering or whining.
Repeatedly lifting paws.
A hunched posture or tucked tail.
Slowing down, stopping or refusing to continue.
Seeking shelter or trying to turn back.
Return indoors at the first signs of discomfort. Do not wait for your dog to become distressed, and do not force them to complete their usual distance.
If the ground is too slippery for either of you, replace the longer walk with short, safe toilet trips and indoor activities.
What Happens If Your Dog Gets Too Cold?
Cold exposure can lead to hypothermia, a dangerous fall in body temperature.
Signs include shivering, drowsiness, confusion, poor coordination, pale gums and collapse. A severely cold dog may stop shivering, so this does not necessarily mean they are warming up.
Suspected hypothermia needs immediate veterinary attention.
While arranging help:
Move your dog into a warm, sheltered place.
Gently towel-dry wet fur.
Place dry blankets underneath and over them.
Warm the surroundings gradually.
Follow your vet’s instructions.
Avoid hot baths, direct heat or anything hot against the skin. Do not delay veterinary care to see whether blankets alone solve the problem.
What About Frostbite?
Frostbite is cold-related tissue damage, most commonly affecting exposed areas such as the ears, paws and tail tip. Damage may not be obvious immediately.
Seek veterinary advice urgently if you suspect frostbite. Do not rub affected areas or apply direct heat.
Protecting Paws in Snow and Ice
Snow can collect between the toes and form painful ice balls. Ice, rough surfaces and de-icing materials can also leave paws sore.
Before walks, check the pads for cracks, cuts or tenderness. For dogs with hairy feet, ask a groomer about safely tidying excess fur around the pads.
Would Boots or Paw Balm Help?
Well-fitting dog boots can provide a useful barrier for dogs that tolerate them. Introduce them indoors, check for rubbing and choose footwear with suitable grip.
A dog-safe paw balm may help protect against dryness and cracking. It does not make paws immune to cold, sharp ice or chemicals.
After Every Snowy Walk
Check the pads and between the toes.
Gently melt trapped snow with lukewarm water.
Rinse away salt and grit.
Dry thoroughly, including between the toes.
Check the legs and belly for contamination too.
Do not pull ice balls from the fur. Persistent limping, bleeding or painful pads need veterinary advice.
Rock Salt and De-Icers: Hidden Winter Hazards
Avoid using rock salt on areas your dog accesses where a suitable alternative is available. Clear snow promptly and consider sand for traction where appropriate; it improves grip rather than melting ice.
On walks, steer around visible piles of de-icing material. Afterwards, clean your dog’s paws before they settle down to lick them.
“Pet-friendly” does not mean safe to eat. Store all de-icing products securely and contact your vet if your dog swallows them.
Antifreeze Poisoning: Act Immediately
Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol is highly poisonous and can cause fatal kidney damage. Some screenwash and de-icing products also contain it.
Keep containers out of reach, clean spills promptly and prevent your dog from investigating leaks around vehicles.
If you suspect your dog has swallowed antifreeze, contact your vet immediately—even if they seem well.
Do not wait for symptoms or attempt home remedies. Take the packaging, or a photograph of its label, if available without delaying treatment.
Stay Away From Frozen Water
Never allow your dog onto a frozen pond, lake or canal. Ice that looks solid may not support their weight.
Keep them on a lead near water and avoid throwing toys towards frozen areas.
If your dog falls through, do not follow them onto the ice. Call for emergency help rather than putting yourself in danger.
Snow can also conceal holes, uneven ground and other hazards, so stick to familiar routes and keep your dog close.
Keeping Your Dog Active Indoors
When outdoor time is shorter, indoor activities can provide interest without turning your home into a racetrack.
1. Play “Find It”
Scatter a few pieces of your dog’s usual food on a snuffle mat or hide them in easy places. Let their nose do the work.
2. Practise Useful Skills
Try short sessions of hand targeting, recall, waiting politely or settling on a mat. Reward small successes.
3. Offer a Food Puzzle
Choose a suitable puzzle or food-filled toy and supervise your dog. Use part of their normal daily food allowance.
4. Hide a Favourite Toy
Start with the toy partly visible, then gradually make the search more challenging.
5. Enjoy Gentle Play
Controlled tug or a short game with a soft toy can work well in a clear space with secure footing.
Avoid stair sprints, slippery-floor chasing and repeated jumping. Adapt activities to your dog’s age, health and mobility, and allow plenty of rest.
A few enjoyable minutes together can make a quiet winter day much more interesting.
Should Dogs Eat More in Winter?
Do not automatically increase food because the weather is cold.
Some dogs spending substantial time active outdoors may need more energy. Others move less in winter and can gain unwanted weight if their portions stay too generous.
Monitor body condition and adjust feeding to actual needs. Remember to count training treats and food puzzles within the daily allowance.
Keep fresh drinking water available, and check that outdoor bowls have not frozen. Ask your vet for guidance if your dog is losing weight, gaining weight or struggling to maintain condition.
Look After Yourself Too
Your dog needs a steady walking companion, so prepare for your own comfort and safety.
Wear boots with good grip. Be particularly careful on black ice and compacted snow.
Dress in layers. Add a waterproof outer layer, gloves and a hat when needed.
Stay visible. Use reflective clothing and carry a torch.
Keep your phone charged. Let someone know your route if walking somewhere isolated.
Choose manageable routes. Avoid steep, icy paths and exposed areas in severe weather.
Keep safe control of the lead. Do not wind it tightly around your fingers or hand.
Check the forecast. Postpone a longer outing if conditions are deteriorating.
Reflective or illuminated accessories can help other people spot your dog too. Check collars, leads, clips and harnesses before heading out.
Your Quick Winter Checklist
Before the walk: check the weather, route, paws, walking equipment and whether your dog needs a coat.
During the walk: watch their comfort, avoid ice and unknown spills, and turn back early if needed.
After the walk: rinse contaminated paws, remove trapped snow, dry your dog and offer a warm place to rest.
Keep your vet’s emergency number saved in your phone, and plan ahead for food and essential medication if severe weather is forecast.
Enjoy winter at your dog’s pace. There is no prize for the longest snowy walk—especially when a warm bed and a happy dog are waiting at home.
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