Is Your Dog Ready for Winter? How to Keep Them Warm and Comfortable

October arrives and with it the first proper cold snaps of the year. The mornings get darker, the walks get shorter for some dogs, and the central heating goes on for the first time in months. All of this affects your dog more than you might think.

The good news is that most of what dogs need in winter is straightforward. Understanding which dogs feel the cold most, how to tell if your dog is genuinely cold, and how their grooming needs shift in colder months goes a long way toward keeping them comfortable through to spring.

Which dogs feel the cold most?

Not all dogs are equally equipped for cold weather, and it is worth knowing where yours sits on that spectrum before temperatures drop properly.

How to tell if your dog is actually cold

Dogs do not shiver dramatically the way humans do, which means it is easy to miss the signs that they are uncomfortable. The most common signals are shivering or trembling during or after walks, reluctance to go outside or standing very still once out there, hunching the body with the tail tucked, lifting paws off cold ground, and seeking warmth by pressing against radiators or burrowing under blankets.

If your dog shows any of these regularly, they are telling you something. It is worth listening before the coldest months set in.

Does winter change your dog's grooming routine?

It does, in a few practical ways. Cold outdoor air is dry, indoor heating is even drier, and the combination has a real effect on your dog's coat and skin. Double-coated dogs grow a thicker winter undercoat which needs regular brushing to stay healthy and to prevent matting. Short-coated dogs lose the slight protection they had in summer and may benefit from a coat or jumper on very cold days.

One of the most common winter grooming mistakes is bathing your dog and then not drying them thoroughly before they go outside. A damp dog in cold air loses body heat rapidly and is far more uncomfortable than a dog with a slightly dusty coat. Either dry them completely with a towel and warm dryer, or use a dry shampoo on days when a full bath is not practical.

Paws in winter: the one area most owners overlook

Winter is tough on paws. Cold surfaces, frost, and grit from gritted paths all dry out the pads and cause cracking. Salt used on pavements and roads is particularly harsh, and if your dog licks their paws after a walk on a gritted surface, they ingest it too.

A quick paw clean after every walk removes salt and grit before it causes irritation. Follow up with a small amount of paw cream on particularly cold or frosty days to keep the pads supple. It takes two minutes and makes a meaningful difference to your dog's comfort through the colder months.

Four practical things to do this October

Winter is not something to dread for dog owners who are a little prepared. A few simple adjustments to your dog's routine now means a much more comfortable few months ahead for both of you.