How to keep your dog warm and safe in winter

Most dogs enjoy a winter walk, but cold, wet weather brings risks, from cracked paws to poisoning and hypothermia. These simple steps will keep your dog comfortable and safe until spring.

Which dogs feel the cold most?

All dogs feel the cold, but some cope better than others. Breeds with thick double coats are better adapted to cold weather. The RSPCA says the following dogs are more at risk:

• puppies, whose ability to control their temperature isn't fully developed
• older dogs and dogs with health problems
• small dogs, which are closer to the cold ground
• dogs with short, thin or no fur, such as Greyhounds, Whippets and Chihuahuas
• dogs that aren't used to the cold

Dogs with arthritis may also find their joints stiffer and more painful in cold weather.

Keep your dog warm at home

• Keep your dog indoors. The RSPCA doesn't advise keeping dogs outside in any weather, and says leaving them out in the cold can be deadly.
• Aim for a comfortable temperature. The RSPCA suggests keeping indoor temperatures between 10°C and 25°C.
• Give them a warm bed. A raised bed keeps your dog off cold floors and out of draughts. Extra blankets help, especially for older dogs.
• Never leave your dog alone in the car, even with the heating on. They could develop hypothermia or overheat.

Keep your dog warm on walks

• Use a coat if your dog needs one. Puppies, older dogs, dogs with thin or short fur and dogs with health problems may need a coat for winter walks. Make sure it fits well and lets your dog move and go to the toilet normally.
• Consider dog boots. Boots protect paws from the cold ground, grit and salt. Introduce them gradually.
• Trim fur on the paws. Trimming the fur between the pads stops painful ice balls forming. For longer-haired dogs, keeping the fur on the back legs short helps too.
• Walk at warmer times of day, and keep walks shorter in very cold weather if your dog is struggling.
• Keep your dog on a lead near frozen water. Thin ice can break under a dog's weight.
• Take care on icy ground. Dogs can slip and injure themselves, especially older dogs with stiff joints.

After a walk

Dry your dog with a towel if they are wet. Then wipe or rinse their paws, legs and tummy with plain water to remove grit, rock salt and antifreeze. Check their paws for cuts, cracks and sore patches. PDSA suggests a thin layer of pet-safe paw balm to help stop pads cracking.

Winter poisons

Antifreeze and de-icer

Antifreeze and some de-icers contain ethylene glycol, and many screenwashes contain methanol. Both are highly toxic to dogs and cats, and ethylene glycol can cause fatal kidney damage. Dogs can be poisoned by licking spills or cleaning it off their paws. Store these products out of reach and clean up spills thoroughly. If you think your dog has swallowed any, contact your vet immediately. PDSA stresses that you shouldn't wait for symptoms to appear.

Rock salt and grit

Grit and salt on roads and pavements can irritate paws. If swallowed, rock salt can cause thirst, vomiting and lethargy, and in severe cases convulsions and kidney damage. Avoid gritted areas where you can, and wash your dog's paws after walks.

Signs of hypothermia and frostbite

Hypothermia

Hypothermia happens when a dog's body temperature drops too low, usually after time in freezing weather or with wet fur. The RSPCA lists these signs:

• shivering (which stops if the dog becomes severely cold)
• drowsiness and confusion
• pale gums
• loss of coordination
• collapse or loss of consciousness

Take your dog to the vet immediately. On the way, warm them gradually by wrapping them in blankets and warming the room or car. Don't put anything hot directly on their skin.

Frostbite

Frostbite usually affects the tail, foot pads, nose and ear tips. Signs include pale or blue-white skin, pain, blisters, blackened skin and licking or chewing the area. Move your dog somewhere warm, wrap them in blankets, don't rub the area, and contact your vet immediately.

Keep your dog busy indoors

If bad weather cuts walks short, make up for it with indoor games. Food puzzles, scent games, hide-and-seek with toys and short training sessions all help to keep your dog's mind busy.