Winter Pet Care Tips: How to Keep Your Pets Safe and Warm This Winter

As Melbourne’s winter chill sets in, it's essential to adapt your pet care routine. Cold weather can affect your pet’s comfort, health, and overall well-being. Whether you have an active dog, a cosy indoor cat, or a pet who spends time outside, knowing how to care for a pet in the winter is key to protecting them from seasonal risks.

Why Winter Care for Pets Matters

Winter presents a unique set of challenges for pets. The drop in temperature can lead to joint stiffness, dry skin, and reduced energy, particularly in older animals. Pets with short fur, lean body types, or underlying medical conditions often feel the cold more.
​
It is important to ensure your pet’s indoor or outdoor environment is warm, dry, and comfortable. Simple adjustments to your home and routine can significantly improve your winter experience and reduce the risk of illness or injury.

How to Care for a Pet in the Winter

​During winter, your pet’s basic needs remain the same, but your approach should shift slightly. Make sure your pet has a warm sleeping area away from draughts and cold flooring. Bedding should be thick and insulated, ideally raised off the ground to avoid contact with the cold surface.

You may also need to adjust your pet’s diet depending on their activity level. Outdoor pets often burn more calories staying warm, while indoor pets may be less active. If you’re unsure whether to modify their food intake, a quick check-in with your vet can help you make the best decision.

It’s important to be aware of behavioural signs that your pet might be too cold. Shivering, seeking out heat sources, or hesitating to go outside can all indicate that they’re feeling the effects of the winter chill.

How to Keep Outdoor Pets Warm in Winter

If your pet spends time outside, providing adequate shelter is crucial. A well-insulated kennel or enclosure that protects against wind and rain can help your pet retain body heat. The shelter should be raised off the ground and lined with dry, absorbent bedding. Avoid using blankets that can become damp; straw or hay is often a better option as it insulates well and resists moisture.

Limit outdoor time during extreme weather and always ensure your pet has access to fresh, unfrozen water. If the temperature plummets or the weather is particularly wet and windy, bring your pet indoors for safety and comfort. The question of how to keep outdoor pets warm in winter comes down to combining physical protection with limited exposure and close monitoring.

Grooming and Paw Care

Winter grooming plays a vital role in keeping your pet comfortable and healthy. A well-maintained coat acts as a natural barrier against the cold, while clean and protected paws prevent irritation or injury.

Here are key grooming and paw care tips:

• Brush your pet regularly to distribute natural oils and prevent matting, which can reduce insulation.
• Trim fur between paw pads to minimise ice buildup that can cause discomfort or injury.
• Keep nails short, as long nails can lead to poor traction and exposure to irritants.
• Apply paw balm to protect against cracks and dryness. Choose a pet-safe product without toxic ingredients like tea tree oil.
• Clean paws after walks to remove salt, gravel, and de-icing agents that may cause irritation or be ingested.

Indoor Comfort

Indoor pets also benefit from winter adjustments. Place beds in warm, quiet areas of the house, away from draughty doorways or cold tiles. Some pets, particularly older dogs and cats, may appreciate a heated pet mat or a thermal blanket to ease stiff joints.

It's also important to keep pets active during winter. Shorter days and bad weather can reduce outdoor time, but you can use indoor games, puzzle feeders, or short play sessions to keep them mentally and physically engaged. This helps prevent weight gain and boredom-related behaviours.

Caring for Senior Pets: Supporting Ageing Joints in Winter

Cold weather can be especially tough on senior pets, particularly those with arthritis or mobility issues. As temperatures drop, joint stiffness tends to increase, making movement more uncomfortable for older dogs and cats. That’s why tailored winter care for pets should always include special attention to ageing animals.

Here’s how you can support senior pets through winter:

• Provide extra warmth and cushioning: Orthopaedic or memory foam beds can relieve pressure on sore joints. Place bedding in warm areas of your home, and consider using heated pet mats (with a thermostat) for extra comfort.
• Keep them moving: Gentle, low-impact exercise helps maintain muscle strength and flexibility. Short, frequent walks or indoor play sessions are ideal.
• Monitor stiffness or limping: If your pet seems reluctant to get up, climb stairs, or walk, speak to your vet. They may benefit from joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medications, or alternative therapies.
• Use ramps or non-slip mats: These help pets avoid slippery floors and reduce the need to jump onto furniture or into cars, lowering the risk of injury.​​

Understanding how to care for a pet in the winter means recognising that older pets may require more help than usual. Stay alert for subtle signs of pain and schedule regular vet check-ups to manage arthritis proactively.

​Hazards to Watch For

Cold weather brings certain seasonal dangers that every pet owner should watch for. Here are common winter hazards and how to avoid them:

• Antifreeze poisoning: Even a small amount can be fatal. Store it securely and clean up spills immediately.
• Frostbite and hypothermia: Ears, tails, and paws are most vulnerable. Watch for shivering, sluggishness, or cold skin.
• De-icing salts and chemicals: These can irritate paws and be harmful if licked. Always rinse your pet’s feet after walks.
• Heaters and fireplaces: Curious pets may get too close. Use barriers and never leave them unsupervised near heat sources.
• Reduced daylight and visibility: Darker days can make outdoor walks more hazardous. Use reflective collars or vests for safety.

Book a Winter Check-Up Today

Need expert guidance on winter care for pets? Book a consultation at Ripponlea Veterinary Hospital or give us a call. We're here to help you with personalised winter pet care tips and year-round support for your furry friends.