Tips to Keep Your Dog Warm this Winter

Just like us, our dogs need a little extra care during the colder months. Winter can bring challenges such as hypothermia, frostbite and stiff joints, especially for small, elderly or short-haired breeds. With a few simple adjustments — and knowing the actual temperature thresholds that matter for your specific dog — you can make sure your four-legged friend stays cosy, safe and healthy all season long.

Last updated 20 September 2026. Written by Jamie Sinclair, who writes about canine health, nutrition, and everyday care — focused on translating veterinary research and real ingredient science into practical, honest guidance UK dog owners can use.

Table of Contents

• How Cold Is Too Cold? The Real Guidelines by Dog Type
• Create a Warm & Safe Indoor Space
• Dress Them for the Weather
• Protect Their Paws
• Monitor Their Time Outdoors
• Keep Hydration & Nutrition in Check
• Consider Grooming & Coat Care
• Schedule a Winter Health Check
• Support Your Dog's Joints in Cold Weather
• Safe Indoor Activities
• Travel and Transport
• Indoor Temperature Management
• Outdoor Shelters
• Watch for Winter Hazards
• FAQ
• Sources

How Cold Is Too Cold? The Real Guidelines by Dog Type

"Dress for the weather" is easy advice to give but hard to act on without knowing the actual numbers, so here's what veterinary organisations actually recommend. Most healthy, medium-to-large dogs with thick double coats tolerate temperatures down to around 7°C (45°F) reasonably well for normal outdoor activities.

Below that, cold-sensitive dogs — small breeds, short-haired dogs, puppies, and seniors — typically benefit from a protective coat, and by around 0°C to -1°C, most vets recommend limiting outdoor time to short potty breaks rather than extended walks for these higher-risk dogs.

Two physical factors explain most of the individual variation: body fat is a genuinely effective insulator, so thinner dogs get cold faster than dogs of the same breed carrying more condition, and smaller dogs have a higher surface-area-to-body-mass ratio, meaning they lose heat faster relative to their size regardless of coat. This is why a lean Whippet and a lean Chihuahua both struggle in weather a well-insulated Newfoundland barely notices.

Breeds genuinely built for cold — Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Newfoundlands, Samoyeds — evolved double coats, higher body fat, and even smaller ears to reduce frostbite risk, while breeds like Greyhounds, Whippets, Chihuahuas, and French Bulldogs (whose brachycephalic structure also makes temperature regulation harder generally) are among the most cold-sensitive. The simplest rule of thumb, echoed across every major veterinary source: if it feels uncomfortably cold to you outside, it's very likely too cold for your dog too, particularly if they're one of the higher-risk types above.

Create a Warm & Safe Indoor Space

Provide your dog with a snug, draught-free spot to sleep. A raised bed with plenty of blankets or a thermal mat will keep them off cold floors. If your dog sleeps in a crate, draping a blanket over it can help to trap warmth and block out chilly draughts.

Dress Them for the Weather

Some dogs benefit from an extra layer. Smaller breeds, short-haired dogs, and seniors often need a dog coat when the temperature drops. Opt for a waterproof option when it's wet or snowy, and consider reflective clothing for walks on darker evenings.

Breed also matters: double-coated breeds such as Huskies are naturally more insulated, while Greyhounds or Whippets may need extra protection. Tailor your approach to your dog's size, coat type and age.

Protect Their Paws

Ice, grit and salt can all be harsh on delicate paws. Dog booties are ideal, but if your dog won't tolerate them, paw balms can help to protect and soothe. After each walk, rinse and dry their feet to remove any harmful residues and prevent cracks.

Monitor Their Time Outdoors

In freezing conditions, limit the amount of time your dog spends outside. Keep walks shorter but more frequent, and watch for signs that they're too cold, such as shivering, whining or holding up their paws.

If your dog enjoys being active, try adapting exercise with safe games like tug, hide-and-seek or agility indoors to stop boredom building up.

Keep Hydration & Nutrition in Check

Cold weather can increase calorie needs for active dogs, but be mindful not to overfeed if your dog is exercising less. Make sure they have access to fresh water at all times, and check bowls regularly to ensure they haven't frozen over.

Consider Grooming & Coat Care

Regular grooming keeps the coat free of tangles and helps it insulate properly. Avoid over-bathing during the winter, as this can strip away protective oils, and always dry your dog thoroughly after getting wet in rain or snow.

Schedule a Winter Health Check

A seasonal checkup with your vet can be invaluable. They can advise on dietary adjustments, joint support (such as supplements) and any other health concerns.

This is especially important for older dogs or those with arthritis, as cold weather can exacerbate stiffness. Consider mobility aids like ramps, orthopaedic bedding or even heated mats to help senior dogs stay comfortable.

Support Your Dog's Joints in Cold Weather

As we've touched on, cold temperatures can make stiff or sore joints feel worse, especially for senior dogs or breeds prone to arthritis. Winter often reduces activity levels too, which may lead to more stiffness if your dog isn't moving as much.

To keep your dog comfortable and mobile during the colder months:

• Provide warm, padded bedding to cushion their joints and prevent discomfort from hard, cold floors.
• Keep up with gentle exercise such as shorter, regular walks or low-impact indoor play to maintain mobility without over-straining.
• Consider joint-supporting supplements that include ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. These can help support cartilage, reduce stiffness, and promote long-term joint health.

Our Doggy Dailies Hip & Joint Support Chews are specially formulated to provide daily support for dogs with stiff or ageing joints, helping them stay active and comfortable all winter long.

Safe Indoor Activities

If it's too cold outside, keep your dog entertained indoors. Puzzle feeders, interactive toys and training games provide mental stimulation. Warm, dog-safe treats such as broth or homemade biscuits can also be a comforting addition.

You can also enrich their environment with scent games, trick training or hide-and-seek to provide mental exercise when outdoor play is limited.

Travel and Transport

When travelling in winter, make sure your car is warm before letting your dog in. Never leave them unattended in a vehicle during freezing weather. Keep blankets or a car-safe bed in the back seat to provide extra comfort, and ensure they are secured with a harness or crate for safety.

Indoor Temperature Management

Dogs are comfortable at similar temperatures to humans, usually around 18–22°C. Keep your home consistently warm and avoid letting it get too cold at night or when you're out. If you use a smart thermostat or pet camera, you can check on your pet's comfort remotely and ensure heating cycles don't leave them shivering.

Outdoor Shelters

Most dogs are happiest indoors in winter, but if yours spends time outside, provide a well-insulated dog house. It should be raised off the ground, have a sloped roof to prevent leaks, and be lined with straw or thermal bedding. Ensure the entrance is shielded from wind and rain, and never leave your dog outdoors for long in freezing weather.

Watch for Winter Hazards

Take extra care around seasonal hazards. Antifreeze is highly toxic but attractive to dogs, so keep it well out of reach. De-icing salt on pavements can irritate or damage paws, so be sure to wipe them clean after walks. Be alert for signs of frostbite or hypothermia, and seek veterinary advice if you're concerned.

It's genuinely important to know one counter-intuitive warning sign: if your dog's shivering suddenly stops during severe cold exposure, this isn't a sign they've warmed up — it can actually indicate hypothermia has worsened. Get them somewhere warm and contact your vet promptly rather than assuming the danger has passed.

If you suspect frostbite (commonly affecting ears, tail, paws, and nose), never rub or massage the affected area, as this can worsen the tissue damage. Instead, gently warm it with warm (not hot) water or towels and contact your vet — frostbite can be difficult to fully assess until a few days after the exposure.

Never attempt to rapidly rewarm a severely hypothermic dog at home, since this can trigger dangerous complications; wrap them in dry blankets for warmth during transport and get to professional care as quickly as possible.

Have an emergency plan in place. If your dog shows signs of hypothermia, such as lethargy, weakness or uncontrollable shivering, warm them gradually with blankets and seek urgent veterinary care. A canine first-aid kit can also be useful in winter emergencies.

Keep Your Dog Warm & Healthy This Winter With Doggy Dailies

With a little preparation, winter can still be an enjoyable season for your dog. Alongside keeping them cosy and safe, you can also support their overall wellbeing from the inside out.

Explore our full range of Doggy Dailies supplements — from joint and digestion support to calming chews — to help keep your dog healthy, calm, and happy all winter long.

FAQ

How cold is too cold for a dog to be outside? Most healthy medium-to-large dogs with thick coats tolerate down to around 7°C (45°F) reasonably well. Small, short-haired, senior, or thin dogs generally need protection well before that, and outdoor time should be limited for higher-risk dogs once it approaches freezing.

Which dog breeds handle cold weather best? Double-coated breeds bred for cold climates — Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Newfoundlands, Samoyeds — tolerate low temperatures far better than short-coated or brachycephalic breeds like Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, or French Bulldogs.

My dog stopped shivering in the cold — is that a good sign? No, this can actually be a warning sign that hypothermia has worsened. Get your dog somewhere warm and contact your vet promptly.

What should I do if I suspect frostbite? Never rub or massage the area. Gently warm it with warm (not hot) water or towels and contact your vet, since frostbite can be hard to fully assess until a few days after exposure.

Does cold weather make arthritis worse in dogs? Yes, cold temperatures and reduced activity in winter can both contribute to increased stiffness in dogs with arthritis. Joint supplements, warm bedding, and gentle regular exercise can all help.

What temperature should I keep my home at for my dog? Dogs are generally comfortable at similar temperatures to humans, around 18–22°C.

Sources

• American Veterinary Medical Association — Cold Weather Animal Safety
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Winter Safety Tips
• Vets Now (UK) — How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs?