How to keep pets warm and safe during the Winter cold snap
As we head into the depths of winter with cold weather and darker days, it’s important pet owners take some extra steps to help ensure their pets stay happy, healthy, and safe.
From preparing for long frosty walks to keeping small pets warm, Dr Karlien Heyrman, Head of Pets at Pets at Home, has shared her tips on everything you need to consider when you’re looking after pets in the colder weather:
- Invest in a winter coat
Whilst it’s fine to walk your dog in colder conditions, smaller dogs and dogs with shorter hair will feel the cold more and will benefit from a dog coat to help protect them from the elements, including wind chill and rain.
Remember that although winter gear may help keep your pet warm, some dogs won’t appreciate a coat even on the coldest of days. Only put them in clothing if they are happy to wear it, and always make sure they are comfortable before you set off.
It's also a good idea to keep an eye on your dog's behaviour during the walk. If they look distressed, are unusually quiet or if they are shivering, it may be time to head home and get them warmed up and comfortable. Once home make sure you dry any damp or wet areas of their fur.
- Take care of their paws
The salt and grit used on roads and pavements can not only irritate your pet’s paws and nose, but if the salt is licked off it can cause health issues. Always check your dog’s feet after a walk and rinse their paws to remove any snow, ice, or grit that has accumulated. There are also some great dog boots available that will help protect their paws from snow and road salt.
It’s important to keep the hair between their toes trimmed too, especially if it’s long, to help avoid any build-up of ice, salt, and grit. You can maintain this at home, but there are also walk-in treatments available at professional groomers such as Pets Grooming for a thorough winter nail clip and paw tidy, which includes a soothing paw and nose balm application.
- Stimulate your pet indoors
If the cold conditions are particularly bad, you may want to consider shortening your pet’s time outdoors and instead having some indoor fun.
There are lots of ways to entertain your pet at home such as interactive games and puzzles that stimulate them physically and mentally.
Or you could use the indoor time to try your hand at dog training, with lots of advice on shaking paws and rolling over available on Pets at Home.
Cats will likely choose to spend more time inside if it’s too cold but watch out for any weight gain as they’ll be exercising less. It’s also key to make sure they have a litter box they can use if needed.
- Keep them warm and cosy
Much like we appreciate getting cosy on the sofa on chilly evenings, your pet values a warm, comfy space to relax, especially when it is a little colder than usual.
Many cats love an igloo or radiator bed, while dogs might enjoy a cosy heated bed or a few extra blankets to snuggle into.
It’s particularly important for older pets with arthritis to keep warm as their joints will be more painful with the colder weather.
Whichever style your pet prefers, it’s best to regularly wash their bedding at a hot temperature to reduce the chance of fleas alongside maintaining their usual flea treatments. These tricky parasites thrive once the heating goes on in the house.
- Protect outdoor pets
Outdoor pets can be vulnerable to the cold and damp, so it’s best to try and bring rabbits, guinea pigs and their homes indoors when the temperature outside begins to drop. A well-ventilated shed or a spacious conservatory would be ideal.
If that isn’t possible, or if they’re not used to this environment change, raise their home off the ground to reduce damp, position it out of the wind and check that it’s well insulated. You can also use a thermal hutch cover to help protect from the wintery conditions but make sure that there’s still some ventilation, especially during the day.
Clean, dry straw, as well as extra newspaper or shavings on the bottom of the hutch, are great for your pet to make a cosy nest, so provide plenty during the winter months. There are also heat pads you can use – just make sure to remove the fleece cover as rabbits and guinea pigs may chew them.
Remember that winter is a difficult time for birds too, as it’s harder for them to find food. Consider welcoming wild birds into your garden with a bird feeder and bird seed.
- Watch out for antifreeze
Antifreeze is highly toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets. Unfortunately, they love the smell and taste, and just tiny amounts can be fatal, so make sure you mop up all spills straight away and keep it out of reach. This is particularly important for cats as they’re more likely to come across it while roaming.
- Stay visible in the dark
The shorter days that winter brings mean it’s likely you’ll be walking your dog in the dark – whether that’s in the morning or evening, or both.
It’s best to invest in a reflective lead, collar or harness to ensure both you and your pet are safe and visible to other pedestrians and cars.
As well as reflective clothing, it’s also a good idea to choose items with LED lights which will help you in areas that don’t have a lot of lighting.
A range of leads at Pets at Home also include improved locking safety clips for added security and peace of mind. These have been designed to assist with unlocking in low light conditions – perfect for dark winter walks.
Winter essentials from Pets at Home:
Pets at Home Fleece Lined Dog Coat Red: £14 – £17
This dog coat is the perfect accessory for your pet pal when out and about on adventures. The bright, red outer shell is shower resistant, while the inner fleece protects them from the wind and any chill in the air.
3 Peaks All Terrain Dog Boots: £20 – £22
These dog boots are easy to put on, fully adjustable and provide the perfect protection for your dog’s paws against snow, road salt, and any other weather conditions and terrains.
Pets at Home Reflective High Vis Padded Dog Coat: £14 – £16
Ensure your dog remains safely visible while on evening walks with this reflective high vis padded coat. From the bright yellow reflective body to the silver reflective belly band, this jacket is everything you need for your dog to be seen at your side.
Pets at Home Luxury Igloo Cat Bed: £21
Cats love to get cosy in small spaces, so what better than to snuggle up into this luxury igloo bed for a warm and cosy snooze.
Pets at Home Treat Tube Tower Dog Toy Yellow: £9.80
Keep your dog occupied and stimulated indoors on those super cold days with this interactive and entertaining treat tube tower toy.
Pets at Home Thermal Hutch Cover: £35
It’s important to keep your small animals’ homes dry and warm on wet and windy days, and this wind and showerproof thermal cover is the perfect winter addition.
Pets at Home Cable Knit Bone Dog Jumper Red: £10 – £12
This Pets at Home Cable Knit Bone Dog Jumper is a great way to keep your dog warm and stylish on frosty walks. It’s easy to pull over their heads and offers an extra layer of cosy comfort when needed.
Pets at Home High Energy Wild Bird Fat Balls: £10.49
These Fat Balls offer essential nutrients to help wild birds through the harsh conditions of autumn or winter.
