Winter is a beautiful season, but for many dogs, the cold weather can be uncomfortable and even harmful. While some breeds like Huskies and Saint Bernards naturally thrive in low temperatures because of their thick double coats, many dogs feel cold easily — especially small breeds, short-haired breeds, puppies, and senior dogs. If your dog starts to shiver or curl tightly when they sleep, it’s a sign they are trying to stay warm.
Understanding how to keep dogs warm in winter is not just about comfort — it is also about protecting their health. Cold weather can lead to joint pain, respiratory issues, dry skin, and low immunity. A warm and well-protected dog is healthier, happier, and more active.
Let’s go step-by-step through practical winter care tips for dogs that are simple to follow at home.
Provide Warm and Comfortable Bedding
Dogs usually lose body heat when they sleep on cold floors, especially tiles or marble. To help them stay warm, their sleeping area should be soft, cozy, and insulated from the floor.
What to do:
- Use a thick padded dog bed or mattress
- Layer it with soft fleece blankets
- Place the bed in a corner away from cold drafts
- Keep the bedding dry at all times
Why it helps:
Warm bedding helps your dog maintain body temperature while sleeping. Dogs, just like humans, rest and repair their muscles at night. A warm bed supports joint comfort, especially for older dogs who often suffer from arthritis in winter.
If your dog usually sleeps on the floor or near the door, gently guide them to a warmer space. They may resist at first out of habit, but they will start loving it once they feel the comfort.
Use Dog Winter Clothing for Extra Warmth
Dog winter clothing plays an important role in maintaining warmth, especially when the temperature drops sharply. Short-haired dogs like Pugs, Beagles, and Boxers cannot retain heat well, so clothing becomes essential.
Types of Clothing You Can Use:
| Clothing Type | When to Use | Benefits |
| Sweaters | Indoor use | Light and keeps body heat in |
| Jackets | Outdoor walks | Protects from wind and cold air |
| Hoodies | For light outdoor play and sleep | Covers chest and neck areas well |
How to choose the right fit:
- Make sure the clothing is not too tight
- Allow easy movement of legs and tail
- Choose soft and breathable material
- Avoid clothing with many buttons or heavy chains
If your dog is not used to wearing clothes, start slowly. Let them wear it for short intervals and give treats to help them associate clothing with positive feelings.
Keep Walks Shorter and During Warmest Hours of the Day
Dogs still need exercise in winter, but the cold wind can make outdoor walks uncomfortable.
Tips for winter walks:
- Prefer walking during late morning or early afternoon, when sunlight is warmer
- Put a warm dog jacket on before heading out
- Keep walk durations shorter but more frequent
- Avoid areas with wet grass, frost, or ice
When you return home, take a moment to wipe your dog’s paws with a dry towel. This helps remove cold moisture and protects paw skin.
Walking is important for mental and physical stimulation — we just need to be a bit more mindful during winter.
Protect Your Dog’s Paws from Cold and Cracks
Dog paws are very sensitive to cold surfaces. In winter, their paw pads can become dry, cracked, or irritated, especially if they walk on rough or icy ground.
How to protect their paws:
- Apply paw balm, ghee, or coconut oil to moisturize
- Keep paw hair trimmed so ice does not collect between pads
- If you live in a very cold region, consider dog boots or socks
Even if your dog does not wear boots, applying a light layer of natural oil before and after walks helps keep paw skin soft and protected.
Safe Heating for Dogs Inside the Home
Heating can help, but it should be done carefully to avoid overheating or burns.
Safe ways to keep your dog warm:
- Use room heaters but maintain a safe distance
- Use pet-safe heating pads under blankets
- You can use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel near their bed
Safety tips:
- Never leave your dog alone in a room with a heater running
- Avoid heating your dog directly
- Do not use electric blankets unsupervised, as dogs may chew wires
Your goal is to keep the environment comfortably warm — not hot.
Keep Your Dog Dry at All Times
Wet fur loses heat rapidly, making dogs cold very quickly. So, it is important to avoid your dog staying damp during winter.
If your dog gets wet:
- Towel dry thoroughly
- Use a dog hair dryer on low heat if needed
- Avoid giving baths too often during winter
If your dog needs a bath, use warm water and finish with gentle drying. Staying dry is key to staying warm.
Adjust Your Dog’s Diet for Extra Warmth and Energy
During winter, the body needs more energy to stay warm. So, increasing nutrition slightly helps maintain warmth and immunity.
Good winter food additions:
- Warm bone broth or vegetable broth
- Slightly increased protein intake
- Healthy fats like fish oil or coconut oil (in small quantity)
Also, ensure your dog drinks enough water. Dogs drink less water in winter, which can lead to dehydration.
Warm, nutritious meals help your dog stay energetic and cozy from the inside.
How to Keep Dog Warm at Night
Nighttime is usually the coldest period. So a little extra care makes a big difference.
Ways to keep your dog warm at night:
- Let them sleep indoors, not outdoors
- Provide layers of blankets
- Keep their bed off the floor
- Place their bed near your bed — dogs feel emotionally secure
If your dog loves cuddling, allow it — your body warmth is comforting to them and strengthens your bond.
Signs Your Dog is Feeling Too Cold
Watch for these symptoms:
- Shivering or trembling
- Cold ears, paws, or nose
- Curling tightly into a ball
- Whining or seeking warm spots
- Low activity or stiffness
If symptoms continue or worsen, consult your vet.
Dog Breeds That Need Extra Winter Care
Some dogs naturally struggle more in cold weather:
- Pug
- Chihuahua
- Dachshund
- Beagle
- Greyhound
- Boxer
- Shih Tzu
- Puppies of any breed
- Senior dogs
These dogs benefit greatly from clothing and warm bedding.
Conclusion
Winter can be a beautiful and cozy season for your dog if you take some simple and thoughtful steps. By providing warm bedding, dog winter clothing, safe heating methods, nutritious food, and nighttime comfort, you ensure your dog stays healthy, warm, and happy.
Your dog depends on you for warmth and care — and the love you give now will keep their tail wagging all winter long.