How to Keep Your Dog Healthy in Winter: 12 Essential Tips
Your dog doesn't know the difference between "brisk" and "dangerous." To them, it's all just outside — and that's exactly why winter needs a little extra thought from you.
The good news? Keeping your pup safe, warm, and happy through the cold months isn't complicated.
It just takes a handful of small habit changes. Below are the 12 tips we actually rely on when the temperature drops — the ones that make the difference between a shivery, miserable season and a cozy one.
Start Where They Sleep: Warmth Indoors
Cold weather isn't just uncomfortable for dogs — it can be genuinely dangerous.
Hypothermia, frostbite, and breathing issues can appear fast, especially in smaller or short-haired breeds.
So the first rule is simple.
Tip 1: Keep them indoors as much as possible. Inside is warm, dry, and predictable. If your pup loves to roam, dog-proof your home so they can explore safely instead of shivering outside.
Tip 2: Create a warm, cozy sleeping spot. A drafty floor makes a lousy bed.
Use thick, soft bedding — an extra blanket or two never hurts — and tuck it into a quiet corner away from doors and windows.
Warm bed sorted. Now let's protect the part of your dog that touches the cold the most.
Those Little Paws Take a Beating
Salt, ice, and freezing pavement can really do a number on your dog's feet.
Here's the routine that works for us.
- Apply paw balm before walks to create a protective barrier
- Rinse and dry paws thoroughly the moment you get home
- Keep nails trimmed so paws grip and don't slip on ice
- Try booties — if your dog will tolerate them (give it time)
- Ignore cracked, red, or bleeding paw pads
Booties get a bad rap because of the hilarious high-step walk dogs do the first time.
Stick with it. Most dogs adjust within a few short sessions.
The Hidden Hazard on Every Sidewalk
You might be wondering: how bad can a little sidewalk salt really be?
Bad. Many de-icing salts and antifreeze products are toxic — and dogs ingest them by licking their paws after a walk.
Tip 4: Avoid heavily salted areas when you can, and wipe every paw thoroughly at the door. That one habit closes off the most common way these chemicals get inside your dog.
Next up: fueling and moving your dog when it's freezing out.
Food, Water, and Smarter Walk Timing
Dogs burn more energy staying warm, so an active outdoor pup may need a little more food in winter.
Tip 5: On bitterly cold days, warm their meals slightly — a few seconds in the microwave does the trick. And always check that their water bowl hasn't frozen or gone icy-cold.
Tip 6: Never leave your dog in the car. In winter, a parked car traps cold instead of heat and can turn dangerous fast.
“On bitterly cold days, we keep outdoor time short and move the fun indoors — tug, hide-and-seek, and puzzle toys burn energy without the frostbite risk.”
Tip 10: Time your walks for the warmest part of the day. Midday, when the sun's out and temperatures peak, is your friend.
Tug-of-war
A quick, intense energy burner that needs almost no space.
Hide-and-seek
Hide treats or yourself around the house and let their nose do the work.
Puzzle toys
Mental work tires a dog out just as much as a physical walk.
Stair games
A few supervised trips up and down burns energy fast — skip this for senior or long-backed dogs.
Coats and Grooming: Working Smarter
Not every dog needs to be bundled up. But some absolutely do.
Tip 7: For short-haired or small breeds, a well-fitting sweater or jacket makes a real difference.
Look for one that covers the belly, lets them move freely, and ideally has reflective strips for those dark early-morning and late-evening walks.
Tip 8: Keep their coat healthy. Here's the part people miss.
Know the Warning Signs Before It's Serious
This is the section worth reading twice.
Tip 9: Learn the red flags of hypothermia so you can act fast.
If you spot these, get your dog inside, wrap them in blankets, and call your vet if you're unsure. Better safe than sorry.
Tip 11: Keep up with vaccines. Winter doesn't pause the germs.
Respiratory illnesses like kennel cough and canine flu spread more easily this time of year — especially in indoor spaces like daycare or boarding.
Keep vaccinations current, and steer clear of shared water bowls and close contact with sick dogs.
Quick poll
What's your biggest winter dog worry?
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the breed, size, and coat, but most dogs start to feel uncomfortable below freezing, and small or short-haired dogs feel it sooner. Once temperatures drop well below freezing, keep outdoor time short and watch closely for shivering.
Not all of them. Thick, double-coated breeds are often fine in the cold. But short-haired dogs, small breeds, puppies, and seniors usually benefit from a well-fitting layer that covers the belly.
Use paw balm before walks, wipe and dry paws afterward, keep nails trimmed for grip, and try booties if your dog will tolerate them. Wiping paws also removes toxic de-icing salt.
Yes. It tastes sweet to dogs and is highly toxic even in tiny amounts. If you suspect your dog licked it up, treat it as an emergency and call your vet right away.
Active dogs that spend time outdoors may burn more energy staying warm and can need a little extra food. Less active indoor dogs may not. Watch their weight and adjust gradually.
You can shorten them and swap in indoor play like tug, hide-and-seek, and puzzle toys. Mental games tire a dog out too, so nobody has to suffer through a blizzard for exercise.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.