When the temperature drops, some dogs barely notice, while others start shivering the moment they step outside. Small breeds, short-coated dogs such as whippets and Staffies, puppies and older dogs usually feel the cold the most.
The good news is that keeping your dog warm through a British winter doesn't need anything complicated. It's mostly a handful of good habits and a few well-chosen bits of kit. Here are ten that make a real difference.
1. Choose a coat that suits your dog
Not every dog needs a coat, but small, thin-coated, young and senior dogs usually benefit from one. On drizzly days a padded coat with a water-resistant outer keeps the wet and the wind off their back; on dry, crisp days a soft fleece is often enough.
Look for a fastening that's quick to do up, such as snap buttons or a buckle, so getting ready for a walk doesn't turn into a wrestling match.
Shop the Padded Winter Dog Coat
2. Get the fit right
A coat that's too small rubs under the legs; one that's too big lets cold air in and slides around. Measure three things with a soft tape:
- Chest: around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs.
- Neck: around the base of the neck, where a collar sits.
- Back length: from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
Go by chest size first. If your dog is between sizes, choose the larger one. Every coat we sell has a size guide with measurements in centimetres.
3. Don't forget the neck
Long-necked breeds such as whippets, greyhounds and lurchers have very little coat around the neck and shoulders. A coat with a tall roll neck covers the whole neck on breezy days, without needing a separate snood that can slip off.
Shop the High-Neck Fleece Dog Coat
4. Lift their bed off cold floors
Tiled, stone and laminate floors get cold in winter, and draughts run along the floor. Move your dog's bed away from outside doors and draughty windows, and choose a bed with a thick, padded base and raised sides, so they're not lying directly on the cold floor.
5. Give them somewhere to curl up
Most dogs naturally curl into a ball when it's chilly. A round donut bed with a raised rim lets them tuck in and rest their head, and long, soft fur makes it feel snug. Add a blanket they can burrow into for an extra layer.
6. Dry them off after wet walks
A damp coat makes dogs feel the cold much faster. Keep an old towel by the door and give them a good rub down after rainy walks, paying attention to their legs, belly and paws. Hang their coat up somewhere warm so it's dry for the next walk.
7. Be seen on dark evenings
With sunset before 5pm, plenty of winter walks happen in the dark. A harness or coat with reflective trim catches car headlights, and a small light on the lead or collar helps too. Stick to well-lit routes where you can, and keep your dog close near roads.
Shop the Padded Reflective Dog Harness
8. Adjust walks, and check their paws
On very cold days, two or three shorter walks are often better than one long one, especially for small, young or older dogs. Road salt and grit can be harsh on paws, so wipe their feet with a damp cloth when you get home, and check between the pads for little balls of ice if your dog has long fur.
9. Keep the water flowing
Dogs still need plenty of fresh water in winter, and central heating dries the air indoors. Outdoor bowls can freeze, so keep water inside and top it up often. Many pets like moving water, so a gently flowing fountain can make the water bowl more inviting.
Shop the Stainless Steel Water Fountain
10. Know the signs they've had enough
Shivering, slowing down, lifting their paws, tucking their tail or trying to turn for home are all signs your dog is cold. Head inside, dry them off and let them warm up somewhere comfortable, away from draughts.
If your dog seems weak, unusually sleepy or keeps shivering even once they're warm and dry, call your vet for advice.
The short version
Match the coat to your dog, get the fit right, keep their bed off the cold floor, dry them after wet walks and make sure they can be seen in the dark. A few small changes and your dog will be just as happy on a frosty January morning as on a summer's evening.
