How Well Does Your Dog Cope With Cold?
Not all dogs handle winter equally. Nordic breeds such as the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Norwegian Elkhound, and Greenland Dog were developed specifically for sub-zero temperatures. Their thick double coats trap warm air close to the skin and shed snow effectively. For these breeds, a brisk January walk across a snowy park is genuinely enjoyable, not a hardship.
Mediterranean breeds tell a very different story. Greyhounds, Whippets, Podencos, Ibizan Hounds, and other short-coated or lean-bodied dogs have almost no insulating fat or undercoat. Even temperatures around 5°C can cause shivering, reluctance to walk, and in vulnerable individuals, hypothermia if exposure is prolonged. If you have relocated from Spain, Italy, or southern France to the Netherlands, Germany, or Scandinavia, your dog may need substantially more winter support than you expect.
Small breeds and puppies also feel the cold more acutely than large, well-muscled adults, regardless of coat type. Pay attention to behavioural cues: shivering, hunching the back, lifting paws repeatedly, or attempting to turn back home are all signals that your dog is uncomfortably cold.
Dog Coats and Boots: When Are They Actually Necessary?
Dog coats are not merely a fashion accessory. For short-coated, lean, elderly, or unwell dogs, a well-fitted coat genuinely extends the time they can spend outside comfortably. Look for waterproof outer layers with fleece lining for central and northern European winters. Zooplus stocks a wide range of sizes from extra-small for toy breeds through to XL for large dogs, and fitting guides help you measure correctly before purchasing.
Dog boots are more divisive. Most dogs resist them initially, and many never fully accept them. However, they provide real protection in two specific situations: heavily gritted or salted urban pavements where paw damage is a genuine concern, and prolonged off-lead running in deep, icy snow where repeated contact can cause cracking between the toes. If you do use boots, introduce them gradually at home and reward patience generously.
Paw Care in Winter: A Critical Priority
Road salt and chemical de-icers are among the most underappreciated winter hazards for dogs. These substances cause chemical burns on paw pads, and dogs frequently ingest them when licking their feet after walks. After every outdoor excursion on treated surfaces, wash your dog's paws with lukewarm water and dry them thoroughly, paying attention to the spaces between the toes.
Ice balls can accumulate between the toes of longer-haired breeds, causing discomfort and sometimes splitting the skin. Trimming the fur between the pads before winter reduces this problem significantly.
Paw balm applied before and after walks helps maintain pad suppleness and prevents cracking. Several veterinary-approved balms are available through Zooplus and other EU pet retailers. Cracked or bleeding pads should be assessed by a vet, as they can become infected if left untreated.
Adjusting Walks and Exercise in Extreme Cold
Shortening walks during very cold spells is not laziness — it is responsible care. For vulnerable dogs, multiple shorter outings are preferable to one long exposure. Avoid exercising dogs on frozen lakes or rivers, which can crack unpredictably. Early morning and evening temperatures are typically the coldest, so midday walks are preferable in winter if your schedule allows.
If your dog is reluctant to go outside in very cold weather, do not force prolonged outdoor time. Their threshold is communicating something real about their comfort level.
Indoor Mental Enrichment During Winter
Reduced outdoor time can lead to boredom, frustration, and destructive behaviour. Compensate with structured indoor enrichment. Puzzle feeders and snuffle mats engage scent-driven problem solving and tire dogs out surprisingly effectively. Short training sessions reinforce obedience and provide mental stimulation. Hide-and-seek games using treats or favourite toys utilise natural search instincts. Lick mats with spreadable food such as natural peanut butter or wet food provide calming, sustained engagement.
Senior Dogs and Arthritis in Cold Weather
Cold, damp conditions are well established as triggers for increased pain and stiffness in arthritic dogs. If your older dog is slower to rise in the morning, reluctant to use stairs, or noticeably less mobile in winter, a veterinary review of their pain management plan is warranted. Sleeping surfaces matter too: an orthopaedic memory foam bed positioned away from draughts and cold floors makes a meaningful difference. Keeping the home at a consistent, comfortable temperature helps arthritic dogs remain mobile and comfortable throughout the season.
Antifreeze: A Lethal Winter Hazard
Ethylene glycol, the active ingredient in most vehicle antifreeze products, is highly toxic to dogs and cats. It has a slightly sweet taste, which makes it attractive to animals. Even a small quantity can cause fatal kidney failure within 72 hours. Keep antifreeze stored securely, clean up any spills immediately, and be alert to puddles beneath parked vehicles when walking in car parks or driveways. If you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze, seek emergency veterinary care immediately — this is a time-critical emergency.
Winter Diet: Do Active Dogs Need More Calories?
Dogs who maintain high activity levels throughout winter — working dogs, sled-sport participants, or dogs that spend significant time outdoors — may require a modest calorie increase to sustain body condition and support thermogenesis. However, most companion dogs that exercise less in cold months actually need slightly fewer calories to avoid winter weight gain. Monitor your dog's body condition score monthly and adjust portions accordingly, rather than applying a blanket increase. Consult your vet if you are uncertain about your individual dog's needs.
Car Safety in Cold Weather
The danger of leaving dogs in hot cars in summer is widely understood. The risk in winter is less publicised but equally real. A parked car in cold weather functions like a refrigerator, dropping to ambient temperature rapidly. Dogs left inside can develop hypothermia, particularly small breeds or those without significant insulation. Never leave your dog unattended in a cold vehicle. If you must stop briefly, bring your dog inside with you whenever possible.
A Winter-Ready Routine
Winter dog care requires small but consistent adjustments rather than dramatic changes. Attend to paws after every winter walk, ensure appropriate coverage for cold-sensitive breeds, keep older dogs warm and monitor their mobility, store hazardous chemicals securely, and stay alert to your individual dog's signals. With the right preparation, both you and your dog can enjoy the colder months comfortably and safely.