Colder Weather, Cozy Pets: Keeping Comfortable in Winter
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s not just humans who feel the chill—our pets do too. While many animals are naturally equipped for seasonal changes, winter can still bring challenges that affect their health, comfort, and behaviour.
Understanding how cooler weather affects your pet is key to keeping them safe and happy during the colder months. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s normal, what’s not, and how to prepare your pet for a cozy, healthy winter—whether they’re a couch-loving cat or an energetic pup.
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How Cold Weather Affects Pets
Just like us, pets experience seasonal shifts in mood, activity, and health. However, how they’re affected can vary significantly depending on factors such as breed, age, size, coat type, lifestyle, and existing medical conditions.
- Short-haired and small breed dogs, such as Chihuahuas and Greyhounds, lack the insulating undercoat that many larger breeds have, making them more vulnerable to heat loss. They may need additional layers such as sweaters or coats when outdoors.
- Senior pets or those with arthritis often feel more discomfort in the cold. Low temperatures can cause muscles to tighten and joints to become stiffer, exacerbating pain and limiting mobility. To help keep your older pet comfortable during winter, explore these affordable senior pet care tips, which cover everything from bedding to gentle exercise. If your dog is showing signs of joint pain or stiffness, this guide to understanding and managing joint problems across dog breeds offers valuable advice on daily care and long-term management.
- Cats, particularly indoor ones, may show subtle changes like decreased activity or reluctance to explore cold floors. Elderly cats with osteoarthritis may be less inclined to jump or climb.
- Outdoor pets, or those that spend long periods outside may experience discomfort from cooler temperatures, wind chill, or damp conditions. Providing warm, dry shelter with cosy bedding and limiting time outside during cold snaps can help keep them comfortable and healthy.
In addition, you may notice your pet:
- Sleeping longer or appearing less energetic.
- Eating slightly more—a normal adjustment as their body burns more calories to stay warm.
- Seeking out warm spots in the house, such as near heaters, under blankets, or in sunny windows
Normal Winter Behaviours in Pets
Winter naturally brings changes in your pet’s daily habits. Many of these behaviours are simply their way of staying warm, conserving energy, or adapting to limited daylight.
- Sleeping More: With colder temperatures and fewer daylight hours, pets often adopt a more restful routine. This is part biological and part behavioural—similar to how some animals in the wild conserve energy during colder months.
- Cuddling or Burrowing: Pets seek body heat and comfort. Dogs and cats may burrow under blankets, snuggle close to you, or curl up more tightly when sleeping. This is a normal thermoregulation behaviour.
- Avoiding Outdoor Time: Pets may hesitate to go outside for toileting, especially if the ground is wet, icy, or cold. This is particularly common in smaller dogs and elderly pets.
- Reduced Playfulness: Cooler temperatures can lead to lower activity levels. This is often just a seasonal dip in energy, but it’s important to distinguish it from lethargy related to illness.
Research from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) supports that behavioural shifts such as increased sleeping and heat-seeking are common and not typically a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms.
Winter vs. Wellness: When to Worry
Understanding what’s normal versus what’s potentially serious is essential. Here’s how to tell:
Signs It’s Just the Cold
- Shivers briefly when first exposed to the cold, then warms up and behaves normally.
- Seeks out warm spots like heaters, blankets, or laps.
- Moves stiffly in the morning but improves after light activity or warmth.
Signs Your Pet May Be Unwell
- Shivering that persists indoors, even in warm environments.
- Persistent lethargy, weakness, or disinterest in food.
- Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, or laboured breathing.
- Limping or stiffness that persists despite rest and warmth.
- Vomiting or diarrhoea, especially if combined with changes in mood or energy.
- Sudden behavioural changes, such as withdrawal, clinginess, or irritability.
Worsening Arthritis: Look for difficulty standing after resting, limping, or reluctance to climb stairs or jump. Pets may also lick at sore joints or show signs of pain when touched. If you’re noticing these signs, this guide on joint care essentials for dogs can help you better understand and manage their mobility needs.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Older Pets: Similar to dementia, this may present as confusion, restlessness at night, toileting accidents, or staring at walls. If your pet seems disoriented or forgets routines, speak with your vet. You can also learn more about the signs and support strategies for canine and feline dementia here.
How to Prep Your Pet for Winter
Warmth & Comfort
Dogs
- Use fitted dog coats or jumpers for short-haired or senior breeds.
- Set up a warm bed with extra padding away from draughts.
- Consider indoor pet-safe heating options for very cold days.
Cats
- Create warm hidey-holes using boxes and soft blankets.
- Encourage them to rest in sunny windows or elevated beds away from cold floors.
- Supervise use of heating pads and ensure they can move away if they get too hot.
Nutrition & Hydration
- Check with your vet before increasing food intake—some pets may benefit from slightly higher calorie diets, while others do not.
- Ensure water bowls are clean and free from ice; consider using ceramic instead of metal.
- For pets with dry skin, speak with your vet about adding fish oil or omega-3 supplements to meals.
Exercise & Enrichment
- Keep walks short but regular to maintain mobility.
- For mental stimulation, rotate toys, use puzzle feeders, and hide treats around the house.
Explore our guide on Mental Stimulation for Pets
Grooming & Paw Care
- Continue regular brushing to prevent matting, even in long-haired winter coats.
- Wipe paws after outdoor time to remove moisture, grit, and ice-melt products.
- Moisturise cracked pads with vet-approved paw balms.
General Health
- Keep up with flea, tick, and worming prevention—they’re still active in winter.
- Schedule a winter check-up, especially for senior pets or those with chronic issues.
- Don’t let grooming lapse. Pets still need nail trims and coat care in colder weather.
- Maintain routines like dental care, playtime, and toileting, even when it’s cold.
Commonly Overlooked Winter Tasks:
- Replacing summer cooling mats with warm bedding.
- Cleaning water bowls more frequently due to indoor heating.
Maintaining regular exercise routines to prevent winter weight gain.
Final Tips for a Cozy, Healthy Winter
- Trust your instincts: subtle behavioural shifts can be early signs of discomfort or illness.
- Make small environmental changes to boost comfort—extra rugs, raised beds, warm napping zones.
- Every pet is different. Tailor your winter prep based on breed, age, and medical history.
- Ensure pets have access to both warmth and cool spots to self-regulate.
With thoughtful care and a few winter-specific adjustments, you can help your pet stay warm, healthy, and content all season long. Recognising what’s normal, spotting red flags early, and maintaining a proactive routine ensures your furry friend enjoys winter just as much as you do.
🐾 Ready to give your pet a winter health boost? Book a Winter Wellness Check at your nearest MustCare Vet Centre. Our compassionate team is here to keep your companion cozy, comfortable, and cared for—no matter the weather.
