How to keep your dog warm in winter

Are you wondering how to keep your dog warm in winter? If so, you’re not alone. Many dog owners worry that their four-legged friend will feel the chill when the temperatures plummet. Fortunately, there are ways to help dogs stay warm and cosy when the winter weather arrives. Read on to find out more. 

Top tips for keeping your dog warm

Keep an eye on your dog during the winter months. Even though they might have a big coat of fur to help keep them warm, they can still feel the cold. This won’t just make them uncomfortable but it could cause health problems, ranging from joint stiffness to frostbite and hyperthermia. To help avoid these issues, read our top tips on how to keep your dog warm in winter.  

Provide them with a cosy place to sleepHow do I keep my dog warm in the winter?

Dogs need a warm and cosy place to sleep when it’s cold outside. At this time of year, a cold floor simply won’t cut it. A self-warming bed is a good idea, particularly if your pooch has thin fur or sleeps in an area of the house that’s not very warm. A layer of insulating material is incorporated into the cushion of the bed and reflects the infrared radiation (i.e. their body heat), back to them to help keep them warm. 

Consider a dog coat 

Whilst most dogs have sufficient fur to keep them warm outside in winter, some dogs can benefit from wearing a coat or sweater. Protective clothing can be particularly useful for smaller dogs since they often find it more difficult to hold on to body heat. Short-haired dogs or those that originally lived in a warmer climate may also require clothing to keep warm. Keep the temperature in mind when deciding whether to dress your dog in cold weather wear. If it’s 7°C or warmer, a coat or sweater is probably unnecessary. They’re also unlikely to need one if they’ll only be outside for a few minutes.

Protect your dog’s paws with booties 

If your dog spends a lot of time outside in winter, fitting them with boots is a good idea. Their paws are sensitive to extreme cold, with snow and ice increasing the risk of frostbite and causing their skin to become chapped and cracked. Additionally, salt and chemicals which have been spread on the ground at this time of year can cause burns to your dog’s paws, which can be very painful indeed. 

Boots can protect their paws from any sharp or otherwise dangerous objects hidden in the snow too. Keep in mind that whilst booties can be useful during the winter months, not all dogs are happy to wear them. They can take some time for dogs to adjust to as well. We recommend letting your dog wear them around the house first. You could encourage them to wear them by giving them treats as a reward.  

Install an insulated outdoor dog house

If your dog tends to spend long periods outdoors in the winter, it could be worth investing in a good-quality dog house. Some dogs can tolerate the cold weather quite well, particularly if they are larger in size and have longer hair. However, providing them with protection from the elements is a good idea. A dog house should be insulated throughout, including the walls, floor and ceiling. 

We also recommend that it is elevated off the ground as this will help it to stay drier and warmer during periods of bad weather. Make sure you choose a dog house that’s made to a high standard from robust materials. This will ensure that it doesn’t allow moisture in and withstands strong winds without falling down. 

Keeping your dog warm in the winterDog grooming in Sheffield and Rotherham

Winter can have a major impact on your dog’s coat, with the wet weather causing it to become muddy and matted more easily. With this in mind, it’s important to get them groomed regularly. Whilst you may assume that letting their fur grow longer will give them extra protection against the cold, it can actually have the opposite effect. Fur that’s matted won’t keep them warmer and it can also leave them uncomfortable and in pain.

Your dog’s nails are also likely to need more attention into winter since they may wear down less as well as collect salt whilst they’re out walking. At this time of year, the ice and snow can create a barrier between your dog’s feet and the harsh surfaces. The reduced friction means the nails aren’t worn down as much, ensuring they need to be clipped more regularly. Not cutting your dog’s nails when they grow too long can cause all sorts of problems for your pooch. The tendons in the feet could become injured and deformity could even occur in serious cases. 

For dog grooming in Sheffield and Rotherham, look no further than Jaycliffe Pets. We can groom dogs of all breeds, using our skills, knowledge and expertise to make them look and feel their very best. We’ve built up a great reputation over the years, becoming widely renowned for our professionalism and affordable prices. More and more people are choosing us for dog grooming in the South Yorkshire area. 

Contact us

If you’re still not sure how to keep your dog warm in winter, why not ask one of our friendly team for advice? We’re experts in helping dogs of all breeds and sizes stay warm once Jack Frost arrives. You can reach us by calling us on 01709 645 046 or by sending us a message via the website. We’ll aim to get back to you as soon as we can with the answers to your questions.