Don’t be fooled—dogs get cold too, even with all that fur! Here’s what you need to know to ensure your pup can safely enjoy the outdoors as much as you do during the winter months.
How Do I Know If My Dog Is Cold?
On average, dogs have a higher baseline body temperature than humans. Their fur coat helps keep them warm, but not as much as you might think. Dogs have less fur on their extremities—such as their ears, paws, and tails—so these areas are particularly susceptible to the cold. Plus, long-term exposure to the cold can be dangerous, even for dogs with thick coats. Your pup can suffer from hypothermia or frostbite in extreme conditions.
Some breeds, like Siberian Huskies, are naturally well adapted to cold weather with their double coats. However, many dogs, especially smaller breeds or those with shorter coats, need extra help staying warm during the winter months.
Signs That Your Dog Is Cold
Since dogs can’t tell us with words, you’ll need to watch for signs that your pup is feeling the cold. If your dog is cold, it may shiver, whine, hold its paws in the air, tuck its tail, act uncomfortable, or try to pull you home during walks.
If the temperature is below 10°C, be especially vigilant. If you’re cold, your dog might be cold too! Monitor your dog's reaction to the weather and adjust your time outdoors accordingly.
How Do I Keep My Dog Warm?
Paws are key! Dogs lose a lot of body heat through their paws, and they’re the first part of the body to come into contact with cold surfaces like snow and ice. Providing your dog with booties is one of the best ways to help them stay warm this winter. Look for booties with fleece lining, grippy soles, and ankle straps to ensure they stay on.
We recommend Muttluks Fleece Lined Dog Boots, which are designed and proudly made in Canada. These boots offer superior performance with flexible soles that are comfortable and adapt to your dog’s paw shape and movement—perfect for keeping your pup warm and protected during winter walks.
Muttluks Fleece Lined Dog Boots
If your pup won’t tolerate booties, you can protect their paws from becoming dry and cracked in the cold by applying a moisturizing balm, such as Vet Worthy Paw Pad Shield for Dogs. This veterinarian-formulated wax is designed to safely and naturally condition your dog’s paw pads, reduce the risk of injury, and support overall paw health.
Vet Worthy Paw Pad Shield
Another thing to be aware of is that chemicals used to melt ice or improve traction on snow can be harmful to your dog if ingested. Your pup may also walk on snow that has been treated with these chemicals. To keep them safe, it’s a good idea to wipe their paws clean of ice and snow as soon as you get inside.
Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize!
Your pup can stay warm and stylish by wearing a quality winter coat—and yes, they make them for dogs! While breeds like Huskies and Malamutes have thick undercoats that naturally keep them cozy, most dogs need a little extra help to stay warm when the temperature drops. The good news is that dog coats come in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors, so your best friend can enjoy winter in style!
We recommend the Silver Paw Charcoal W-1 Jacket, a warm puffer coat with full chest coverage and an easy Velcro closure for a secure fit. Made with patented Silvershield™ fabric, this coat helps eliminate pet odors and keeps that "wet dog" smell at bay.
Silver Paw Charcoal W-1 Jacket
If your dog has lower body fat, shorter fur, is elderly, is a toy breed, or is still a puppy, it may need additional cold-weather accessories to stay comfortable outdoors. In that case, look for items to keep the extremities warm, such as leg warmers, hoods, or snoods.
Thawing Out by the Fire
After you and your pup finish your walkies or outdoor winter adventure, it’s time to warm up indoors! Use a towel to dry your dog’s fur and paws to prevent them from getting colder.
During the cold winter months, a cozy bed to curl up in and a soft blanket to snuggle with is a great idea. If you have cold tile floors, a raised dog bed might be a good investment. We recommend the Lucky Dog Red Elevated Pet Bed—its durable steel frame keeps your dog warm and off the ground, helping them settle in comfortably for a peaceful rest (and during the summer an elevated bed gives your pup a clean place to lie down instead of lying in grass clippings!).
Lucky Dog Red Elevated Pet Bed
Dogs feel the cold just as humans do, and it’s up to us as pet parents to keep them warm and safe. With proper consideration, you and your dog can enjoy the winter wonderland together while staying warm and toasty!
