Winter Wellness: How to Keep Your Pet Happy and Safe in the Cold

Winter can be magical. Fresh snow, crisp air, and quieter streets. It can also be tough on pets in ways that are easy to miss, especially when the wind picks up or sidewalks turn slick. The good news is that with a few simple adjustments, you can keep winter walks safe, protect paws and skin, and make sure your pet stays comfortable and confident all season long.

Below are our favorite cold weather wellness tips, plus our inclement weather safety protocol for visits and outdoor time so you know exactly how we approach winter care.

Cold Weather Walking Tips

Winter walks do not have to stop. They just need to be smarter.

• Adjust the walk, not the routine

• Most pets still benefit from consistent movement and sniff time. 

• In cold weather, think shorter and more frequent instead of one long outing. 

• A 10 to 20 minute sniff focused walk can be more satisfying than a longer march that leaves your dog shivering.

Start with a warm up

• Before heading outside, give your dog a minute or two to get the body moving. 

• A few treat tosses, a quick “find it” game, or a couple of easy cues like sit, touch, and spin can warm muscles and reduce stiffness, especially for seniors.

Choose safer surfaces

• Snowy trails can be fun, but ice is a different story. 

• If your neighborhood has patches of glare ice, stick to plowed sidewalks and avoid steep hills. 

• For dogs who pull, this is the season to use your safest walking setup and keep the pace slow and steady.

Keep sniffing and keep it positive.

• Cold air can make some dogs rush and some dogs hesitate. 

• Let your dog set the pace, keep the leash loose when possible, and reward calm choices.

• Winter is not the time to battle through a walk. 

• It is the time to build comfort and confidence.

Coat Care and Paw Care

Some dogs are built for winter. Others are absolutely not. 

• Does your dog need a coat?

• Short coated breeds, small dogs, seniors, puppies, and dogs who are lean or have medical conditions often need a well fitting coat or sweater to stay comfortable.

A good winter coat should:

• Cover the chest and core.

• Allow full shoulder movement.

• Stay snug without rubbing.

• Keep the belly area protected if your dog is low to the ground.

If your dog starts shivering, lifting paws, tucking the tail, or trying to turn back quickly, that is your dog saying, “I am done.”

Protect paws before and after

Winter sidewalks are rough on paw pads. Ice, sand, and salt can cause dryness, cracking, and irritation.

Simple paw protection options:

• Dog boots that fit well and stay on.

• Paw wax or balm applied before walks.

• Regular nail trims to improve traction.

After every winter outing:

• Wipe paws with a towel or grooming wipes. If your dog does not like their paws touched, have them walk back and forth on a towel..

• Check between toes for packed snow or ice balls.

• Dry thoroughly, especially between pads.

• Watch for redness, licking, or limping that starts after walks.

Pro tip: Keep a small towel by the door and make it part of the routine. Most pets do best when it is quick, calm, and predictable.

Salt and Ice Hazards

Deicers and ice melt are a big winter risk. Many products can irritate paws and some can be harmful if licked off.

What to watch for on walks

• Sidewalks with heavy salt piles at corners and crosswalks.

• Slushy areas where salt collects.

• Driveways where ice melt was just applied.

How to reduce risk

• Rinse or wipe paws immediately after the walk.

• Use boots or balm when your dog is sensitive.

• Choose pet safer ice melt at home when possible.

• Keep dogs from eating snowbanks near roads, since they can contain salt and other contaminants.

Also keep an eye out for antifreeze spills in parking areas. Antifreeze is extremely toxic, and even small amounts can be dangerous.

Hydration Matters in Winter Too

Many pets drink less in cold weather, even though winter air can be dry and indoor heat can dehydrate.

A few easy hydration boosters:

• Offer fresh water in multiple spots around the home.

• Add a splash of water to meals, especially for kibble fed pets.

• Use a pet fountain if your cat loves running water.

• Bring water on longer outings, even in winter.

If your dog is panting indoors, has dry gums, or seems sluggish, hydration might be part of the picture.

Recognizing When It Is Too Cold

There is no single temperature that works for every pet. Wind, moisture, coat type, size, age, health, and even personality all matter.

It may be too cold for your pet if you notice:

• Shivering, trembling, or tense body posture.

• Lifting paws repeatedly or refusing to walk.

• Slowing down dramatically, trying to turn back, or seeking shelter.

• Ears and paws feeling very cold to the touch.

• Whining, stress signals, or sudden behavior changes outside.

For some pets, even a short outing in cold wind can be uncomfortable. For others, the cold is fine but ice underfoot is the deal breaker. We always prioritize the pet in front of us and adjust in real time.

Extra caution pets

Use a more conservative approach for:

• Puppies and seniors.

• Small dogs and short coated breeds.

• Pets with arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, or respiratory issues.

• Dogs who are recovering from injury or illness.

When in doubt, shorten the outing and add indoor enrichment later. It is a wellness win either way.

Our Inclement Weather Safety Protocol for Visits and Outdoor Time

We take winter safety seriously for pets, clients, and our team. Here is how we manage visits when conditions are snowy, icy, or otherwise unsafe.

1. We monitor weather and road conditions proactively. Management keeps an eye on:

• Forecast changes, storm timing, and wind conditions.

• Plowing status and road safety.

• Temperature and ice risk windows, especially early morning and evening.

When needed, we adjust schedules earlier so pets can get outside before conditions worsen.

2. We prioritize the essentials during storms. When weather is actively unsafe, our priority is:

• Potty breaks and basic care needs.

• Feeding, medication, and fresh water.

• Quick wellness checks and comfort time.

Long walks may be shortened, swapped for yard time, or replaced with indoor enrichment depending on conditions and each pet’s needs.

3. We keep outdoor time safe and fear free. During inclement weather, we may:

• Choose the safest route and avoid untreated hills and icy sidewalks.

• Keep walks shorter and more sniff focused.

• Use traction conscious pacing and avoid rushing.

• Provide extra time indoors for calming activities and companionship.

If a pet is showing stress, cold discomfort, or mobility concerns, we pivot to what keeps them comfortable and safe.

4. We follow a clear property safety check. Our team does a quick visual check for safe access points, including:

• Clear path from street or driveway to the door.

• Reasonable traction at steps and walkways.

• Ice hazards near entryways.

If the property appears untouched during a storm and we cannot safely access the home, we will contact you right away. Safety comes first, always.

5. We communicate quickly when adjustments are needed. If weather impacts your visit, we will message you with:

• Any shortened walk or modified outdoor plan.

• Notes about conditions, like heavy ice, unplowed areas, or salt exposure.

• Any concerns observed, such as paw irritation or shivering.

We keep communication practical and timely so you are never guessing.

6. We protect pets on arrival and departure. In winter, we commonly include:

• Paw wiping and drying.

• Quick checks for ice balls, redness, limping, or sensitivity.

• Towel down for wet coats and belly areas.

• Calm indoor decompression time after cold exposure.

7. We protect our team so we can keep showing up. Our pet care providers follow winter safety practices like:

• Allowing extra travel time between visits.

• Avoiding risky driving routes when conditions are severe.

• Wearing appropriate traction footwear and winter gear.

• Making judgment calls when conditions become unsafe.

If conditions are truly hazardous, we may need to delay, adjust, or reschedule visits. We will always communicate, and we will always prioritize safe, consistent care.

A Few Easy Winter Upgrades That Make a Big Difference

• Keep a paw towel and wipes by the door.

• Use a reflective leash or light for darker afternoons.

• Consider boots or paw balm for salt sensitive dogs.

• Add indoor enrichment on the coldest days, like food puzzles, sniff games, or short training sessions.

• Keep your pet’s coat and harness fit checked. Winter layers can change fit and rub points.

Winter Can Still Be Your Pet’s Favorite Season

With the right plan, winter is not something to “get through.” It can be a season of cozy routines, fresh air in small doses, and plenty of enrichment inside. If you ever want help adjusting your pet’s winter routine, or you need support during storms and icy weeks, we would love to help.