As the seasons shift from autumn to winter, the weather becomes colder, the streets fill with fallen leaves, and temperatures can fluctuate drastically throughout the day. While humans can simply throw on an extra coat or sip a hot drink, dogs face a different set of hidden challenges. They can’t say, “I’m cold,” or “I’m uncomfortable.” Their reactions are hidden in changes in behavior, skin conditions, and appetite. Taking care of a dog through winter is far more complex than it seems.
Here’s my complete routine for ensuring dogs stay healthy and happy during the cold months—covering diet adjustments, temperature regulation, exercise, illness prevention, and emotional care. Every detail matters.
1. Nutrition Is the Foundation: Feeding for Warmth and Wellness
As temperatures drop, dogs burn more energy to maintain body heat. So in fall and winter, feeding strategies need to go beyond simply “getting full.” The food needs to be energy-rich, warming, and protective.
1. Increase High-Quality Protein Intake
As soon as the weather starts to cool, I begin transitioning my dog’s diet to one that’s richer in protein and fat. I prefer formulas based on lamb or duck, which are gentle and help build strength against the cold. I avoid excessive use of “cooling” proteins like fish, which may lower the body’s internal temperature.
2. Add Warming, Energy-Rich Ingredients
On top of regular meals, I sometimes mix in small amounts of pumpkin, sweet potato, or carrot purée. These fibrous, easily digestible carbs provide steady energy and help with digestion—especially useful for senior dogs.
3. Manage Fats Carefully
Winter does call for more fat, but it’s not about feeding lard or butter. Quality matters more than quantity. Ingredients like fish oil, chicken fat, and flaxseed oil help maintain skin hydration and reduce itchiness caused by dry air.
4. Don’t Forget Hydration
Many people assume dogs only need lots of water in summer, but winter dehydration is common due to dry air and low humidity. I often change out bowls of water for lukewarm ones and occasionally add unsalted meat broth to encourage drinking.
2. Warmth Is Key: Don’t Assume Fur Means They’re Fine
Just because a dog has fur doesn’t mean it’s immune to the cold. Breed, coat type, fat levels, and body size all affect how well a dog tolerates lower temperatures.
1. Small and Short-Haired Breeds Need Extra Protection
Dogs like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, or Italian Greyhounds lose body heat quickly in the cold. A long outdoor walk could easily lead to hypothermia or a cold. I dress them in warm vests and windproof coats, and on rainy days, a hooded raincoat helps shield ears and chest.
2. Cozy Bedding Is a Must
Many dogs love sleeping on the floor, but in winter, tile or hardwood becomes icy cold and can cause stomach upset. I layer their beds with thick fleece blankets and add a light cover at night to retain warmth.
3. Don’t Blow Hot Air Directly
If the house has floor heating or heaters, I make sure dogs aren’t lying directly on heat sources or exposed to hot air. This can lead to dry skin, trouble breathing, or localized overheating.
4. Check Ears and Paws for Cold
If a dog’s paw pads or ears feel icy, it’s a sign they’re too cold. After walks, I dry their feet and gently warm their ears with my hands to help them recover.
3. Exercise Is Essential: Keep Moving Despite the Cold
Some people skip dog walks in winter because of the cold, but this leads to boredom, weakened immunity, indigestion, constipation, and even obesity in dogs.
1. Shift Walks to Daytime
With less daylight and lower early morning and evening temps, I take dogs out around noon or early afternoon when it’s warmer and sunnier. A brisk 30-minute walk is enough.
2. Indoor Games Supplement Activity
On stormy or windy days, I create indoor obstacle courses using cushions, or hide toys around furniture to encourage playful movement and mental engagement.
3. Don’t Forget Joint Support
Older dogs often get stiff in the cold. Before activity, I gently massage their knees and shoulders. I also offer snacks or supplements containing glucosamine to help maintain joint flexibility.
4. Illness Prevention: Don’t Let Cold Air Turn Into Health Problems
Once autumn hits, dogs are more likely to get colds, coughs, dry skin, and increased eye or nasal discharge. These are all classic signs of “seasonal transition syndrome,” and prevention is much better than treatment.
1. Dogs Can Catch Colds—Know the Signs
If a dog starts sneezing, coughing, has a runny nose, or seems sluggish, don’t assume it’s just dust. Mild symptoms may resolve with rest, warmth, and hydration. But if they worsen, see a vet—never give human cold medicine.
2. Dry Skin Causes Itching and Dandruff
When temperatures drop, many dogs start scratching and shedding more, with redness or flaking. I reduce bathing frequency to about once a month and use a pet-safe moisturizing spray afterward. Supplements like fish oil and vitamin E can also help.
3. Parasite Control Still Matters
Don’t assume fleas and ticks disappear in cold weather. Indoor heating keeps them active. I continue monthly deworming and regularly wash bedding and toys to keep the environment clean.
4. Keep Eyes and Nose Clean
Cold wind and temperature shifts can trigger tear stains or dry nasal skin. I gently wipe around the eyes and nose with pet wipes to prevent buildup or cracking.
5. Emotional and Mental Health: Cold Weather Blues Are Real for Dogs Too
Dogs are incredibly sensitive to their surroundings. Fewer daylight hours and limited outdoor time can lead to boredom, anxiety, or even depression.
1. Increase Playtime and Attention
With more time indoors, I make sure to play with my dog daily—fetch, hide-and-seek with toys, or basic obedience training. Even 10 minutes a day makes a big difference.
2. Maintain a Steady Routine
Colder weather can make us lazy, but dogs thrive on routine. I stick to fixed feeding and walking times to give them a sense of structure and stability.
3. Use Music or Scents to Create Calm
I sometimes play soft music indoors or use pet-safe essential oil diffusers to create a peaceful vibe. This is especially helpful for sensitive or older dogs.
The Key to Avoiding Mistakes Is to Pay Attention
Dogs can’t speak, but they tell us how they feel through subtle changes: walking more slowly—maybe joint pain? Eating less—maybe digestive issues? Refusing to leave the bed—maybe it’s just too cold?
There’s no one-size-fits-all winter care guide. Every dog, every home, and every situation is unique. Over the years, I’ve made plenty of mistakes—feeding overly fragrant human broth, dressing dogs in clothes that were too tight, using a humidifier for too long and causing dampness—but each trial brought me closer to understanding what dogs truly need.
This winter, I hope every dog stays warm and healthy, and every owner learns to go from “worried it’s cold” to “confident they’re comfortable.” When it comes to dogs, comfort is love in the simplest, purest form.