As the winter months arrive and you start to feel the cold creeping in, you may start to worry about how to keep pets warm in winter and with good reason. There are many winter hazards for pets that pet owners need to consider. Let’s take a closer look at what they are and what you can do help keep your pet safe and healthy this winter.

How to Keep Dogs Warm in Winter

One way to help your dog keep warm is through exercise, so keep up with those daily winter walks. It’s a good idea to have lots of short walks rather than one long one, and don’t leave your dog outside in the garden for too long.

It's important to limit your dog’s time outside in winter months and prevent them from getting too cold. Dogs with thin haircoats, like Dachshunds, Greyhounds or Chihuahuas may need to wear a dog winter coat when they go outside.

Long-haired dogs, on the other hand, can handle cold temperatures. Take a Labrador Retriever, for instance: these guys were originally bred to work in cold Canadian waters - hence the thick, waterproof coat. The same goes for the likes of Newfoundlands, Akitas, Huskies and German Shepherds.

Thick fur and fat deposits provide natural insulation, so you may need to increase food intake during the colder months. Adding a small amount of warm water to your dog's biscuits will make a comforting meal.

Always make sure you dog has access to fresh water – outside water bowls are likely to freeze, so it’s a good idea to put head pads under the water bowls.

Other tips for keeping your dog safe in winter include:

• Wearing reflective clothing/collars when walking
• Keep away from frozen lakes to prevent falling in
• Take extra care with heat sources like open fires or hot radiators to prevent burns to your dog’s body
• Provide extra bedding to help them stay warm

If you keep your dog outside, make sure their kennel is packed with extra bedding and cardboard boxes on the floor to help keep them warm.

Winter Dog Coats and Boots

Hairless and short-haired dog breeds will need to wear a waterproof winter coat when venturing outside. Pups and kittens can be especially susceptible to the cold, while for older dogs and cats, temperature drops can make pre-existing health issues such as arthritis and joint pain worse. Some pets may also benefit from wearing a jumper indoors if the heating isn’t on.

You could also invest in some dog shoes for winter to protect your dog’s paws from the cold ground plus salt and grit, which can irritate their skin. The problem with booties though, is convincing your buddy that wearing them is a good idea.

If you’re faced with a stubborn pooch, some positive reinforcement might be needed: start by fitting one boot, feeding your dog a treat before removing the boot. Later on, repeat the process, but with both this time, until your dog realises that wearing them is a positive thing.

Winter Cat Care

When the first winter snow arrives, your cat will be itching to get out and explore. If you do let your cat out, make sure you have a cat flap installed so that they can come inside whenever they get too cold. Take extra care to wipe off any grit, salt and other substances that can cause skin irritation.

Consider indoor litter trays, particularly for older cats, so that they don’t have to face the cold whenever they need the toilet. A clean litter tray will encourage your cat to stay indoors, which will keep them safe from winter hazards.

You could invest in some cat winter clothes, particularly for hairless breeds, but these aren’t suitable for outdoor cats as they can get caught and trap your cat.

How to Keep Cats Safe in Winter

You can continue letting your cat out in winter but be aware of the risks. In cold weather, cats are more likely to nestle under car tyres to stay warm and dry - so always check under your car before heading off anywhere. They are also more likely to explore sheds and outbuildings and even semi-frozen ponds, increasing the likelihood of getting stuck.

You can choose to not let your cat outside in winter, but your feline friend may not be happy about this decision. You’ll need to provide them with plenty of toys and climbing trees for stimulation.

Cats are more at risk from road traffic accidents during the winter months due to icy roads and low lighting. To help protect your cat, make sure they’re wearing a reflective collar.

How to Help Pets Sleep in Winter

Make sure your pet isn’t sleeping in a draught, and consider lining their bed with an extra layer of blankets. This is especially important if the bed is positioned directly on the floor. A wet bed is never warm, so make sure you change and clean the bedding regularly.

If it’s an older dog or cat who’s not as sprightly as they once were, it’s always worth asking your vet whether a heated bed might be a good idea.

Why Do Cats Sleep More in Winter?

Cat’s sleep more in winter because they have a natural instinct to store energy and fat for the colder months. Cats also eat more in the winter for the same reason - the extra calories help your cat keep warm.

Winter Grooming for Cats and Dogs

For long-haired breeds of cat and dog, the advice is usually to avoid trimming and shaving as often during the winter, so they don’t miss out on that natural layer of insulation.

That said, don’t cut back on the brushing and combing. As well as being a cause of irritation, matted hair is less effective at providing a barrier against cold snow and rain, so be sure to brush out any mats and tangles.

As part of winter grooming, you’ll need to remove any ice balls that have formed on your pet’s fur, usually around their paw pads.

Common Winter Pet Conditions

With cold weather comes an increased risk to your cats and dogs of certain health conditions.

Hypothermia is caused by a drop in body temperature. It's often caused by a combination of wet fur and cold weather. Hypothermia can lead to coma, heart failure and organ shutdown.

If you suspect your pet has hypothermia, wrap them in warm blankets and put a heat pad or hot water bottle near their body. Be careful not to burn them. Take them to a vet immediately!

Frostbite is when skin tissue is damage due to the cold. The most affected areas are ears, tails and toes. The main sign is bluish-white skin, which is a result of restricted blood flow. Other symptoms include blistering on the skin, skin darkening, and formation of gangrene.

If you suspect your pet has frostbite, treat the same as hypothermia. Take care when drying the area, making sure to pat and not rub, as this will cause pain and further tissue damage. Seek veterinary help immediately.

Anti-freeze poisoning is another winter hazards for dogs and cats. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, wobbling, seizures and it can lead to a coma. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested anti-freeze. Cleaning your pet’s feet after letting them outside or putting booties on them will help to protect them.

A less serious health issue during winter is dry skin on your cat or dog’s body. This is caused by the changes in temperature and humidity and can be easily treated. Speak to your vet for advice.

Winter can be a busy time for us humans. But of course, it’s important to keep up the good work in terms of looking after your pet, including keeping on top of check-ups and vaccinations and making sure they don’t overdo it on the treats front.

When winter arrives and the temperature drops, our four-legged friends need some extra help to stay warm. Most importantly, don’t let your cat or dog stay outside for too long and provide extra heat sources where possible. Speak to your vet for further advice on keeping pets warm in winter.

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis – www.vetlexicon.com/treat/canis AND Felis - www.vetlexicon.com/treat/felis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.