With winter now here, it’s important to consider how colder temperatures and shorter days can affect your pet’s comfort and wellbeing. Taking a few simple precautions can help ensure pets stay safe, warm, and healthy throughout the season.

Winter care for dogs

• Smaller dogs, those with short or light coats, and older dogs may feel the cold more easily. A well-fitted coat or jumper can provide extra warmth on walks, as long as it doesn’t restrict movement or feel uncomfortable.

• After winter walks, gently clean your dog’s paws to remove ice, grit, or salt that may become trapped between their toes. Make sure their paws are thoroughly dried afterwards.

• A warm, comfortable bed is essential during colder days. Position it in a familiar, draft-free area and add blankets for insulation. Heated pads placed beneath bedding may help soothe stiff or aching joints.

• Daylight hours shorten in the winter, so this is when reflective collars or small flashing lights can improve visibility, especially during early morning or evening walks.

Winter care for cats

• Many cats prefer to stay indoors during cold weather, but if your cat goes outside, ensure they can always access the house with a cat flap. If outdoor access isn’t possible while you’re away, keeping your cat indoors can prevent them from being exposed to extreme cold – check out our selection of cat beds for cosy days in.

• As with dogs, reflective accessories can help improve visibility in low-light conditions, particularly if you live near roads or in busy areas.

• Antifreeze poses a serious risk to cats, as it has a sweet taste but is highly toxic. Store containers securely, clean up spills promptly, and prevent cats from licking residue from vehicles. Pet-safer antifreeze options containing propylene glycol are also available.

• Cats often seek warm, sheltered places in winter. Always check sheds, garages, and enclosed spaces before closing them, and tap your car bonnet before starting the engine to ensure no cat is sheltering underneath.

Winter care for small pets

• Small animals benefit from plenty of bedding or hay during cold weather, which helps them stay warm and comfortable.

• Pets such as hamsters and mice should be kept away from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

• Outdoor rabbits are generally hardy, but their hutches should be positioned in a sheltered area, protected from wind and rain. Additional insulation, such as a cover or tarpaulin, can help. During extreme cold, bringing them indoors may be advisable.

• Insulating water bottles with towels, bubble wrap, or purpose-made covers can help prevent freezing overnight.

General winter wellbeing

It’s normal for some pets to be less active during winter. Encouraging indoor play and providing enrichment toys can help keep them mentally and physically stimulated. If your pet tends to gain weight, you may wish to review portion sizes during this period.

Finally, warmer indoor environments can allow parasites such as fleas to remain active year-round. Maintaining regular flea and tick prevention throughout winter helps keep your pet comfortable and protected.