Winter Pet Health: How to Keep Your Pets Warm and Safe This Season

As winter temperatures drop, our pets rely on us more than ever to keep them warm, comfortable, and healthy. While the season can be magical — filled with frosty walks, cosy nights in, and festive fun — it also brings a range of risks that can affect dogs, cats, and other small pets. From hidden outdoor hazards to indoor temperature concerns, winter pet care requires a little extra awareness.Here’s a comprehensive guide to help your furry companions stay safe, warm, and happy throughout the colder months.

1. Protect Paws from Ice, Salt, and Chemicals

Winter pavements can be harsh on sensitive paws. Grit, rock salt, and chemical de-icers can irritate, crack, or even burn the paw pads of dogs and cats.

How to protect your pet’s paws:

• Wipe their paws after every walk. This removes harmful substances and prevents your pet from licking anything toxic off their fur.

• Use pet-safe booties. These provide excellent protection on icy or heavily gritted surfaces and help prevent dryness and cracking.

• Trim fur between the paw pads. Long hair can trap ice and snow, forming painful ice balls that make walking uncomfortable.

• Apply paw balm. A protective, pet-safe wax can help create a barrier against cold and chemicals.

2. Keep Pets Warm — Without Overheating

Not all pets are naturally equipped for cold weather. Small dogs, short-haired breeds, senior pets, and animals with underlying health conditions are more sensitive to low temperatures.

Winter warmth tips:

• Use coats or jumpers. Well-fitted pet clothing helps retain body heat during walks, especially for breeds like Whippets, Dachshunds, and Chihuahuas.

• Limit time outdoors in freezing weather. Even hardy breeds can be affected by frostbite or hypothermia if exposed too long.

• Provide warm indoor bedding. Choose beds with raised edges or thermal linings, and position them away from draughty windows or doors.

• Monitor for overheating. Indoors, avoid placing beds too close to radiators or fires — pets can overheat just as easily as they can become chilled.

3. Adjust Walk Times and Lengths

Shorter days and lower temperatures mean daily routines often need to change.

Walk safely in winter:

• Opt for daytime walks when possible. Sunlight provides warmth and improves visibility for both you and your pet.

• Split long walks into shorter sessions. This helps prevent pets from getting too cold and reduces fatigue.

• Avoid icy surfaces. Slips can cause sprains or muscle injuries, especially in older pets.

• Use reflective gear. With darker mornings and evenings, reflective leads, collars, and jackets help keep your pet visible.

4. Maintain Hydration and Nutrition

Hydration is just as crucial in winter as it is in summer, even though pets may feel less inclined to drink.

Keep pets nourished and hydrated:

• Check outdoor water bowls regularly. They can freeze quickly, so ensure pets always have access to fresh water.

• Monitor food portions. Active pets may burn more calories in cold weather and could benefit from slightly increased meals — but indoor, less active pets may need the opposite to avoid winter weight gain.

• Add warm water to meals. This can make food more appealing and help keep pets hydrated.

5. Watch for Winter Illnesses

Cold weather can aggravate existing health issues, particularly joint conditions such as arthritis.

Signs to look out for:

• Limping or stiffness, especially after resting

• Reluctance to climb stairs, jump, or go for walks

• Behaviour changes such as irritability or reduced activity

How to support a pet with winter aches:

• Discuss supplements like glucosamine or omega-3s with your vet.

• Provide warm, padded bedding to support aching joints.

• Gentle, consistent exercise helps maintain mobility.

• Warm compresses or heat pads (used safely and supervised) can offer relief.

Conclusion

Winter can be a wonderful time to bond with your pets — from brisk frosty walks to cosy evenings indoors. With a few simple precautions, you can ensure your furry friends stay healthy, warm, and comfortable no matter how cold it gets outside.

If you need help with winter dog walking, pop-in visits, or pet care support, Elliotts Pet Care Services is here to keep tails wagging all season long.