Dogs and cold weather: how to protect them in autumn and winter

by Shopify API

When autumn arrives, temperatures drop, the days get shorter and walks take on a different face. Many owners assume that, because the dog "has fur", the cold does not affect them. That is not always true: some dogs really do feel the cold and need extra care during the cold months. The key is to know your dog and watch how they respond.

In this guide we explain how cold affects each dog, which signs show that they are cold, when the problem becomes dangerous and how to protect their paws and their wellbeing throughout autumn and winter.

Not all dogs feel the cold the same way

Cold sensitivity depends on several factors, as the American Kennel Club (AKC) points out:

  • Size and weight: small dogs lose heat faster than large ones.
  • Coat type: short- or thin-coated dogs (greyhound, chihuahua, boxer) are far less protected than double-coated breeds (husky, samoyed, shepherd).
  • Age: puppies and senior dogs regulate body temperature less efficiently.
  • Health status: chronic illnesses, osteoarthritis or a weakened immune system increase vulnerability.
  • Body condition: a very thin dog insulates worse against the cold.

A husky may be perfectly happy at 5 °C, while a greyhound may shiver at 12 °C. There is no universal rule: watch your dog.

Signs that your dog is cold

If you see these signs, it is time to shorten the walk or put a coat on:

  • Shivering or trembling.
  • Hunched posture, with the tail tucked between the legs.
  • Lifting the paws off the ground or refusing to walk.
  • Whining or restlessness.
  • Cold ears, paws and muzzle to the touch.
  • Lethargy or constantly seeking shelter.

Hypothermia and frostbite: when it becomes dangerous

Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to hypothermia, when body temperature falls below normal. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, hypothermia is an emergency: it can cause weakness, slow breathing, severe lethargy and even loss of consciousness.

In addition, the areas with less circulation and less fur —paws, ears and tail— can suffer frostbite. Signs include pale or bluish skin, swelling, pain and, in severe cases, blackened areas. If you suspect hypothermia or frostbite, see a vet immediately: do not rub the frozen area or apply direct heat, as you can make the injury worse.

The best strategy is prevention: shorten exposure to intense cold, dry your dog thoroughly if they get wet (moisture multiplies heat loss), put a coat on if they are one of the sensitive dogs and avoid leaving them standing still outdoors for long. If you come home with a very cold dog, dry them and warm them up gradually with lukewarm blankets until they recover.

Coats: when and how to use them

A coat is not an aesthetic whim: it is a useful tool for short-haired, small or senior dogs, or dogs with health problems. Tips for using it well:

  • Choose the right size: it should cover the back and chest without squeezing or dragging.
  • Keep it dry: a wet coat chills more than it warms.
  • Do not overdress double-coated breeds that are already well protected: overheating is also harmful.
  • Take it off indoors and check that it does not rub or cause irritation.

Winter walks and salt

In many cities, salt or de-icing products are spread that irritate the pads and can be toxic if the dog licks their paws. The ASPCA recommends, after every walk, washing and drying your dog's paws thoroughly to remove salt, ice and chemical residues. It is also worth checking the belly and paws for clumps of ice.

  • Shorten walks on very cold days and take them during the warmest hours.
  • Consider booties if the ground is very cold or there is salt on it.
  • Keep your dog on a leash: there is less light in winter and a greater risk of getting lost.

Paw pad care

Pads suffer especially in winter: the cold dries them out and salt cracks them. To care for them:

  • Check daily for cracks, cuts or ice between the toes.
  • Trim the fur that grows between the pads to prevent ice balls from forming.
  • Apply specific balms to moisturise them (never human creams).
  • Dry the paws thoroughly after the walk, especially between the toes.

Dogs that sleep outdoors

Even if a dog has a kennel, sleeping outdoors in winter is risky for most. If circumstances mean your dog spends time outside, make sure they have:

  • Insulated shelter raised off the ground, protected from wind and rain.
  • Unfrozen water in good condition, checked several times a day.
  • Dry, abundant bedding (blankets or clean straw).
  • Access to an indoor space on the coldest days.

Even so, the general recommendation of organisations such as the ASPCA is clear: in winter, the safest option is for dogs to live and sleep inside the home, with the family.

Staying active without getting cold

Cold weather does not mean giving up exercise or enrichment. You just have to adapt it:

  • Several short walks instead of one long one, in the middle and warmest hours of the day.
  • Scent games indoors: hiding treats, snuffle mats or interactive toys drain mental energy without getting cold.
  • Training and tricks: short obedience sessions or learning new commands are a great stimulus.
  • Watch for the signal to go home: if they shiver, lift their paws or stop, it is time to go in.

A mentally stimulated dog is a calmer dog, even when the weather forces walks to be shortened.

Sources

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