Like humans, dogs often have very different feelings about winter. Some pups love frolicking in the snow and chasing snowballs, while others prefer to say inside and cozy up by the fire. Whether you have a chihuahua or a husky, winter will likely change how they interact with nature. In this article, we will explore what you can do to keep your dog cozy and warm during the cold winter season!
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Pups and the Cold
The majority of dogs have a somewhat complicated relationship with the cold, as well as the elements. Depending on their fur length, breed, size, and personality, they will feel one way or the other about the cold a lot of the time. This looks a little different for every dog, but it is important to remember that even the pawrents of cold-loving doggos need to be careful when the temperatures stop dropping.
Exposure to cold can cause some seriously dangerous outcomes for dogs of all sizes, shapes, and breeds. Every year, animals die from exposure after being placed in extreme temperatures, sometimes even by the most loving of pawrents. Knowing how to keep your pup warm this winter season is very important, and there are several action steps that you can take to protect them when the nights get cold and the snow starts falling from the sky.
How to Keep Your Doggo Warm
Keeping your dog warm is a process that every pawrent has to figure out for themselves to a certain extent. Every pup is unique, and that means that they will all have different thresholds for cold. As their pawrent, it is your job to continuously check their comfort levels and make accommodations as needed. With a little time and effort, you will find a foolproof winter plan that is perfect for your favorite floof. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to consider.
Yes, There Are Winter Dog Jackets
Very Soft and Breathable
PUFFER DOG JACKET
Striking bold and rich colors let the world know your pup is coming through in this beautiful Puffer Dog Jacket, perfect for those long winter walks. Now you can keep your pup warm without overheating!
Doggie fashion has never been more prominent, and the industry is coming up with some truly amazing changes. For some dogs, the cold is simply unacceptable. These pups don’t want to feel the cold wind blowing through their fur. They might end up dreading potty time or seem miserable on your regular walks. When your pup really can’t handle the cold, dog jackets are the way to go.
Dog jackets come in all sorts of amazing designs that you will love. The market is growing, and doggie fashion experts everywhere couldn’t be happier. Our two most popular doggie jackets, the Puffer Dog Jacket with a detachable hood and the Metallic Bubble Dog Jacket are adorable coats. They'll keep your dog warm against the cold while also instantly elevating their fashion and style.
Our doggie jackets are ideal for anyone who is looking to keep their cold-hating pup warm and comfortable when they do need to go outside. They do an excellent job of protecting against the wind and the chilly air. Even better, they can offer a barrier to keep fur dry on those snowy days!
Don’t Forget the Dog Hoodies
Some dogs are not interested in big puffy coats because they already have their own, and we completely understand that. Recognizing that not every pup needs a full-on jacket, we opted to create a hoodie as well to provide a little comfort and warmth without going too over the top with it. Dog hoodies are a fun and fashionable way to give your dog more support against the cold winter air.
Warm, Stylish
Personalized Dog Hoodie
Ready to put your pup's name on it? Grab this adorable dog hoodie and add their name and number. Savannah loving her Neutral Gray hoodie. Also available in Ebony and Blush.
Our Personalized Dog Hoodie was made to act as a simple barrier that allows your dog a little extra support against the wind—and it has their name too! This fun design is perfect for active dogs who don’t want to be cold but are prone to run a little hot after a fair bit of running around. Ideal for dogs that just want a pop of fashion or a little bit of warmth, dog hoodies are another great way to keep your pup comfortable this winter.
When in Doubt, Buy a Blanket
When winter rolls around, most of us know that it is officially blanket season. Though blanket season starts in the fall, as the temperatures continue to drop, the need for blankets just goes through the roof. Most of us have our own designated blankets, so why wouldn’t we get them for our dogs too?
If you have a dog that is allowed on the furniture, you can just leave some blankets out for your furry friend to enjoy. Any pup that wants to use one will likely find a way too, but sometimes it helps to normalize this behavior with your dog by placing a blanket near or on them in some way so they start to see how it works.
For parents that try to keep their pups in a more designated space, you can always invest in fluffy dog blankets instead. Pet stores have a surprising number of blanket options available, or you can just gift a regular blanket to your pup instead. Giving them their own blanket can help them to feel more comfortable, particularly at night.
Heated Doghouses
When winter strikes, there are plenty of dogs that still like to spend a little time outside. Though you want to limit how much time your pup spends outside, you can also make them more comfortable while they are out there—and heated doghouses can offer this.
A heated doghouse gives your pup a chance to play outside and hang out in their own private space away from the family. Our doggos love us, but they need a break every once in a while too. We get it. A heated doghouse can give your pup a way to enjoy some fresh air without necessarily being exposed to the elements. These little doggie getaways are becoming more popular, and there are plenty of options available to suit different styles and needs.
Leave the Heat On
One wonderful way to be truly considerate of your pet is to always leave the heat on when you leave the house. This is one mistake that so many parents make, but it really can go far in animal comfort. If you get home and realize that your house feels a little cold, remember that your pet has just been sitting in it.
When you leave the heat on to support your pup, you don’t need to turn it up extra high. Just make sure that it is a comfortable and neutral temperature so your pup can feel warm and cuddly while they wait for you to get back home. This one simple step can make a huge difference for your doggo, so remember to always turn up the temperature before heading out on a cold winter day. They will appreciate the effort, we promise.
Keep Beds and Crates Away From Windows
A lot of pet owners leave beds and crates near windows so that their pups can look outside. If you have the kind of dog that loves to lounge in their bed and watch the world go by, this might not be the best choice—but if your pup’s hangout spots are placed near windows by chance, it can be a good decision to move them away in winter.
A distinct winter sensation occurs when you place your hand on the cold glass from inside a warm building. Most of us have done this on occasion or even drawn little shapes on the glass, but it is important to remember that the cold seeping through that glass can be difficult for your pet, particularly in truly cold places.
Moving your pet's bed away from the window on really cold nights can help so much with their overall comfort. Though they might not mind the occasional chill when they are running and playing, this changes fairly quickly when they are sleeping. Particularly for older doggos with arthritis, being too close to the cold window can result in a lot of discomfort. Some doggos even stop sleeping on their beds for this reason.
Protect the Paws
When navigating cold temperatures as a pawrent, few things are more important than the paws. Every year, countless animals injure their paws in the cold—and there are a surprising number of ways for this to happen. Having a committed plan to keep your pet’s paws safe, particularly during bouts of inclement weather, is very important.
There are several ways that the cold can harm their poor little paws. Cold, in general, can damage their paws just like it can our fingers and toes. Our pets should not be out on really cold surfaces without some kind of protection. In addition to the cold itself, pets can scuff, scrape, and tear their paws by walking on ice and snow. These are not friendly surfaces, and it is important to remember that even trained animals that traverse the snow have notable protection for their feet.
Keeping your pup’s feet safe is a matter of finding the right protection—and it is important to understand that your pup might not love it at first. There are two primary ways to protect paws in winter. The first is boots, which can come with protective features designed to keep paws warm and safe from the elements.
The second option is with a paw product or cream. There are several brands that make creams and products, and they can help in different ways by adding a little extra dose of protection. Some are designed to place a waxy barrier over the paws themselves to protect them from the snow. Others are meant to be applied after to heal any cracks and soothe the paws.
Shovel an Area for Them
An excellent and easy way to show your pet that you care is to always shovel out an area for them to go to the bathroom when they are in the yard. This is even more important in homes with small doggos. Going to the bathroom in the snow can be incredibly uncomfortable for pups, and a lot of them struggle to do it. We can understand why they might not want to squat into the snow, so it is nice for pawrents to help. Giving your pup a designated space can protect their paws and keep them from getting too cold while they handle their business.
Keep Pets Inside
A very important rule of pet ownership is that it is never okay to leave pets outside during inclement weather. Even doggos that love the snow should be watched and limited so that they don’t end up hurting their paws or getting too cold. Every pup will have a different threshold for how much cold they can enjoy, but pets should never be left in the cold for long spans of time, even if they want to be.
Don’t Overheat Your Pup
Even though there are plenty of reasons to worry about keeping your pup warm, it is important to remember that you don’t want your pup to overheat either. Make sure that you take active steps to keep your pup from overheating. This means keeping a reasonable temperature in the home if you have a doggo that is sensitive to heat, but it also means taking clothes off your dog when they are indoors, making sure they have a cool bed if you keep the heat on consistently, and just checking in on their comfort as a whole. Look out for signs of discomfort or dehydration, particularly for extremely fluffy dogs in homes where the heat is always on.
The Takeaway
Winter is a beautiful season, but the cold can be dangerous for dogs of all kinds. Small dogs, older dogs, and even extremely fluffy dogs can all find themselves battling with discomfort when this season rolls around. As their pawrent, it is up to you to ensure that your pup stays comfortable whether they need an adorable jacket or a nice heated doghouse to hang out in for a little bit every day. Pay attention, and before long, you and your dog will have a set routine for winter!
Until next time, thank you for reading!
About the author: Gabrielle is the loving pawrent to adorable pups Willow and Dilla. Growing up surrounded by dogs, she always dreamt of having her own. Willow and Dilla came into her life and changed everything. Now, she's crazy about pampered pooches, and her perfect day involves dancing with her husband, dressing up her furbabies, and cuddling them to sleep. For Gabrielle, life is all about spreading love and joy with her adorable canine companions by her side.
