How to Keep an Old Dog Warm and Comfortable in Winter

If your dog is with you now, most of what it takes to keep an old dog warm in winter is already at home: a bed off the floor and away from drafts, extra blankets, a non-slip rug where they get up, shorter walks when it's bitter out, and a little care for paws and skin.

To anyone here because their dog has died, we're so sorry. Our pet loss guides are here for you whenever you want them.

Older dogs tend to feel the cold more than younger ones, and the cold can be hard on stiff joints. This guide covers how cold is too cold for a senior dog, what winter does to sore joints, how to tell a chilly dog from one a vet should see, and what to know about heating pads, heated beds, and space heaters, plus paw care, skin care, extra sleep, and food through the colder months.

Key Takeaways

• Senior dogs have slower metabolisms, so they lose heat faster than younger dogs, PetMD explains. A short coat, some health conditions and medicines, and an underactive thyroid can add to the chill.
• For a dog who's with you now, start with a soft bed off the floor and out of drafts, with blankets to burrow into and water close by. VCA says very old dogs don't regulate their body temperature as well as dogs in their prime, and suggests sweaters for added indoor warmth.
• PetMD says many senior dogs can start to feel uncomfortable around 45°F (about 7°C). Washington State University's Dr. Linda Martin writes that most dogs should be in freezing temperatures for no more than 10 to 15 minutes before they can get somewhere warmer.
• Shivering, holding up a paw, and whining more than usual can all mean a dog is too cold. If your dog is with you now and is shivering or extremely lethargic after being out in the cold, the AVMA says to contact a vet.
• Cold weather seems to worsen arthritis symptoms, PetMD says, and non-slip mats or runners may help a stiff dog keep their footing. If your dog is with you now, a vet can discuss pain relief options, from prescription medicines to omega-3s and rehabilitation.

How to Keep an Old Dog Warm at Night

If your dog is with you now, give them a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts, as the ASPCA puts it. Add soft blankets they can burrow under, a nearby water bowl, and a non-slip rug or mat beside the bed for steady footing.

The bed or spot your dog already uses can be enough. A few small changes help:

• Move the bed away from the door, the window, and any spot where you feel a draft at floor level.
• If the bed sits on tile or wood, put it on a rug, or raise it a little on folded blankets.
• If stairs are hard for your dog, keep a second bed, if you have one, on the level of the house where they spend their evenings.

Give them a choice of spots, too. Pets may change their location based on their need for more or less warmth, the AVMA notes, so a few safe spots to choose from can help. A bed in a warm room and a blanket somewhere a little cooler give your dog that choice. Veterinary Emergency Group's advice for older dogs, if you can manage it: Maintain a consistent warm temperature in the home. It notes that temperature swings can create their own problems.

Then add layers. Texas A&M's Dr. Alison Diesel says extra bedding like blankets and towels will also keep your pets warm and cozy, and the same Pet Talk article recommends soft, warm bedding for a senior, arthritic, or frail pet. A loose blanket a dog can nose under works the same way on a smaller scale.

For a stiff dog, getting up is often the hard part. Placing nonslip mats or carpet runners on hardwood or tile floors may help your pet keep their footing, PetMD says. Right beside the bed is a good place for one.

Are Heating Pads, Heated Beds, and Space Heaters Safe for an Old Dog?

VCA doesn't recommend heating pads for keeping a pet warm, and calls a cozy nest of bedding and blankets in a sunny spot a much safer way to keep a pet snug. A pad can heat up over time, and VCA says burns are most likely in elderly, arthritic, or sick pets, who sleep deeply or have a hard time rising. If you use a heating pad, VCA's safety tips are:

• Use only the lowest heat setting.
• Cover the pad with several blankets so your dog isn't in direct contact with its hot surface.
• Keep the pad out of a closed crate or carrier, so your dog can move away if it gets too warm.
• Supervise your dog while the pad is on.

Heated dog beds are a little different. Dr. Jerry Klein of the American Kennel Club says a heated dog bed can be helpful for senior dogs, particularly those with arthritis or hip dysplasia. The AKC adds that a dog with mobility issues who can't get up easily could overheat or get burned, and suggests supervising any use, keeping the cord out of reach, and using a regular bed for overnight sleeping.

Self-warming beds have no cord or power source, so the AKC says there's less worry about overheating and you can use them 24 hours a day. If your dog can't get up on their own, a vet can suggest safe ways to keep them warm.

Sources of heat keep everyone comfortable, the Animal Medical Center in New York notes, but pets can easily tip a space heater over and start a fire, or get burned if they get too close. If you run one, we'd set it where your dog can't bump it or lie against it.

Does a Sweater Help Keep an Old Dog Warm?

Sometimes, yes. If your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by cold, consider a sweater or dog coat, the AVMA says. Age matters too. From VCA: The very young and very old don't regulate their body temperature as well as dogs in their prime and get chilly easily. Fit matters most.

A sweater should not be large enough to hang loosely or produce gaps, Texas A&M's Dr. M.A. Crist says, and one that's too tight can cause circulation problems or irritate the skin. If your dog pulls at it or seems uncomfortable, a warmer bed may suit them better.

For a coat worn outside, Small Door Veterinary's medical team says A good dog coat will cover your dog's neck, belly, and back, and that waterproof fabric matters because a wet dog gets colder much faster than a dry one. Take it off once you're back inside, since Small Door says a dog in a coat can overheat quickly indoors. A coat helps against hypothermia, Small Door notes, but not frostbite on the extremities.

A sweater indoors is different. VCA suggests waterproof jackets outside, using sweaters for added warmth indoors. For a thin or very old dog who feels the chill in the house, that can help, as long as it fits well and they seem comfortable in it.

Why Do Old Dogs Get Cold More Easily?

Senior dogs have slower metabolisms, so they lose heat more quickly than younger dogs, PetMD explains. That may be why an old dog looks for the warmest spot in the house. A few other factors can contribute.

• A short coat or short legs. Short-haired pets feel the cold faster because they have less protection, the AVMA says, and short-legged dogs may get cold faster because their bellies are more likely to touch snow-covered ground. A sweater can help, as covered above.
• A small, lean or clipped body. From VCA: Small dogs, like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers, lose heat very quickly from their tiny bodies. It also says lean breeds like greyhounds and whippets don't hold heat well, and that a dog groomed short loses their natural insulation.
• Some health conditions. The AVMA says pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances (such as Cushing's disease) may have a harder time regulating their body temperature. If your dog has one of these now, a vet can help you set limits for winter.
• Medicines. Older dogs may take medications that alter their ability to regulate their temperature and blood flow, Texas A&M's Dr. Stacy Eckman notes. If your dog takes medicine, a vet can tell you whether any of it affects how they handle the cold.
• An underactive thyroid. If your dog is with you now and seems to feel the cold more than before, a vet can check their thyroid. VCA lists cold intolerance (gets cold easily) among the signs of hypothyroidism in dogs, along with lethargy and weight gain without an increase in appetite. Our guide to hypothyroidism in dogs explains how vets test for it and treat it.

Do Thick-Coated Dogs Feel the Cold Too?

A thick coat helps, up to a point. Long-haired or thick-coated dogs tend to be more cold-tolerant, but are still at risk in cold weather, the AVMA says, and PetMD notes that even dogs with heavy double coats can get frostbite very quickly in winter.

If you have an older cat, our senior cat care guide covers what changes as they age.

Does Cold Weather Make Arthritis Worse in Old Dogs?

It seems to. Arthritis in dogs can happen at any time of year, PetMD says, but colder weather seems to make the symptoms worse, though the link isn't fully understood. One idea is that joint fluid thickens in the cold and doesn't flow as freely, which may lead to stiffness.

Texas A&M's Pet Talk says arthritis worsens in cold, damp weather and suggests handling a senior, arthritic, or frail pet gently on cold days.

Ice and slick floors make it harder. VCA notes that dogs with joint disease may be more prone to slipping and falling on ice and snow, and PetMD says dogs with arthritis may slip more, which causes them more pain.

How Can I Help My Arthritic Dog Through Winter at Home?

If your dog is with you now, warmth and footing do a lot of the work, and the free bed and rug changes above cover much of it. PetMD also suggests an orthopedic bed, and ramps or pet steps for dogs who have trouble getting onto couches or beds.

Keeping them moving helps too. Dogs with arthritis can benefit from regular, appropriate exercise, including walks, as long as they're comfortable, PetMD says, and it suggests considering shorter walks or indoor activities when the weather makes going out difficult or unsafe.

If getting up or getting around the house is harder in the cold, our guide to mobility aids for senior dogs and cats walks through harnesses, slings, ramps, and bedding, and how to choose between them.

Can Heat Help a Dog With Arthritis?

It can, with a vet's guidance. PetMD's Dr. Jamie Lovejoy writes that warm compresses can also be very useful in chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis, and that heat therapy works particularly well alongside rehabilitation exercises. Her safety points:

• Test it first. If you can't hold the compress comfortably against your cheek or wrist for at least 30 seconds, it's too hot to use.
• Keep a towel or cloth between the heat and your dog.
• Leave it on for only 10 to 15 minutes at a time, unless a vet recommends otherwise.
• Stop if your dog shows any signs of discomfort.

Dr. Lovejoy also notes that warm compresses don't help in every situation and should be used only under a vet's direction.

What Helps Arthritis Pain in an Old Dog?

If your dog is with you now, a vet can help you choose arthritis pain relief. PetMD names NSAIDs such as Galliprant (grapiprant) and notes that if those don't control the pain, a vet may suggest options like amantadine or gabapentin. PetMD also names supportive therapies, such as acupuncture, laser therapy, and physical rehabilitation, that can be used alongside other treatments. Families weigh these against their dog's age, health, and what they can manage, and a vet can help you sort through them.

PetMD says not to give a dog your own pain medicine, since some, such as ibuprofen, are toxic to dogs.

Please call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 right away if your dog has swallowed any of your medicine. A consultation fee may apply.

Supplements are one more thing to ask a vet about. A 2022 review of studies in dogs and cats with osteoarthritis found evidence of pain relief for omega-3-enriched diets, omega-3 supplements and cannabidiol, with the clearest results for omega-3s and weaker, less certain ones for cannabidiol (CBD), which the authors say needs more study. A vet can tell you which, if any, suit your dog alongside their other medicines. PetMD's senior winter guide suggests asking a vet before starting a joint supplement.

Our directory lists some acupuncture, laser, and rehabilitation providers under holistic and integrative care, and some come to your home. Our complete guide to senior dog arthritis covers signs, diagnosis, and treatment in more depth.

How Cold Is Too Cold for a Senior Dog?

PetMD says many senior dogs can start to feel uncomfortable around 45°F (about 7°C). For freezing weather, Washington State University's Dr. Linda Martin writes that most dogs, certainly those with thinner coats, should be exposed to freezing temperatures for no more than 10-15 minutes before having access to a warmer space. Coat, size, and health can move both numbers.

An exact dangerous temperature is hard to pin down, because what's too cold can depend on many different factors, from fur thickness and length to body mass, Texas A&M's Dr. Crist explains. The guideline Dr. Crist cites for indoor pets who aren't used to the cold is: don't leave them outside when the average daily temperature is below 45°F.

Wind and damp make a big difference. VCA warns that no matter the temperature, wind chill combined with dampness, rain, sleet or heavy, wet snow can be dangerous. A dry, still afternoon and a windy, sleety one aren't the same day for an old dog.

Can an Older Dog Stay Outside Overnight in Winter?

If your dog is with you now and usually sleeps outside, vet guidance is to bring them in when it's cold. PetMD's senior winter guide says not to leave any dog outdoors in winter, especially in freezing temperatures. The AVMA says cats and dogs should generally be kept inside in cold weather, and no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather. Its cold weather sheet adds that in extreme cold, even outdoor pets should stay inside.

For dogs who live outdoors, the AVMA's cold weather sheet says: Ensure outdoor pets have insulated shelter and unfrozen drinking water. Its web guidance adds that the bedding should be thick, dry and changed regularly, with the shelter floor raised off the ground.

Cornell's Dr. Brian Collins has a tip for the shelter: Straw works well as an insulator in dog houses. We'd keep it dry and swap it out when it gets damp, in line with the AVMA's advice on bedding.

How Do I Know if My Old Dog Is Too Cold?

If your dog shivers outside, their body is trying to warm up. Dr. Diesel says shivering helps generate body heat in cold climates. A shorter trip helps. Signs a dog is uncomfortably cold can include:

• Texas A&M's Pet Talk names excessive whining, shivering, appearing anxious, slowing down or stopping, and looking for a warm place to burrow as signs a dog may be too cold.
• PetMD adds that a dog may also hold up a paw, curl into a ball, or tuck their tail.
• Lifting their feet or seeming reluctant to walk. Cornell's Dr. Brian Collins says this may be a sign they're too cold on a walk.

Seeing any of these on a walk is a good cue to turn for home. For the signs Texas A&M lists, its advice is to bring your dog inside or wrap them in a blanket in a warm room.

What Are the Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite in an Old Dog?

Hypothermia is a drop in body temperature, often after time in the cold. A dog's normal temperature is around 101.5°F, give or take a degree, PetMD says, and older dogs are among those at greater risk. In a dog who's been out in the cold, PetMD lists the first signs as shivering, muscle stiffness, lethargy, and difficulty walking or disorientation, plus this one: Pale gums and cool body surfaces (ears, legs, feet, paws). Texas A&M's Pet Talk adds weakness and shallow breathing.

If your dog is with you now and has been shivering in the cold, Texas A&M's Dr. Eckman notes that shivering can stop as hypothermia goes on. That means stopping isn't always a sign they're warming up. Contact your veterinarian if your pet is shivering or extremely lethargic after being out in the cold, the AVMA says. If you don't have a regular vet, or can't get to one, call the closest clinic or emergency hospital and ask what they can do, including lower-cost options.

Texas A&M's Pet Talk names the ears and tail as places frostbite tends to show up, with red, swollen areas or pale, white ones as the signs, and Dr. Martin says dogs with hypothermia often get it on their paw pads and nose too. If you think your dog has frostbite, the AVMA says to consult your veterinarian immediately. Frostbite may not be fully recognized until a few days after the damage is done, the AVMA notes, so keep checking the ears, tail, nose, and paws for several days.

What Should I Do if I Think My Old Dog Has Hypothermia?

If you think your dog has hypothermia, PetMD says to get them to the nearest vet right away. These are its steps for warming them on the way:

• Move them somewhere warm.
• Wrap them in blankets, towels, or a coat. PetMD suggests warming the blankets first in a dryer if you can.
• Tuck warm water bottles beside them with a couple of layers of fabric between the bottle and their skin.
• Think warm, not hot. PetMD says not to use a heating pad here, since it can cause burns.

Winter Walks and Paw Care for an Older Dog

Shorter, more frequent walks usually work best for a dog you have now. When it's truly frigid, VCA suggests brief, frequent walks rather than long walks, and PetMD advises timing outdoor visits for warmer parts of the day or when the sun is out.

• Older dogs have less balance and slower reflexes, PetMD notes, and booties or socks with grip on the bottom can help prevent slips. The AVMA advises making sure booties fit.
• On icy days, a short leash can help. The ASPCA advises keeping dogs on leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. If your dog slips and seems sore or won't put weight on a leg, a vet can check for injuries.
• The AVMA suggests a well-fitting collar with up-to-date identification and contact information, and keeping microchip contact details current. The ASPCA also suggests an ID tag. If your dog is missing, call local shelters and animal services.
• Frozen ponds and lakes are best avoided unless they've been cleared by local authorities to be walked on by people, VCA advises.
• If snow lies between your door and your dog's usual bathroom spot, a shoveled or swept path saves them from wading through it or crossing ice. On your own steps and walkways, the AVMA suggests pet-safe de-icing products. If your dog takes fewer bathroom breaks in winter, PetMD suggests using pee pads inside.
• Winter walks often happen in the dark. High-visibility collars, vests, or clip-on lights help your pet stand out during low-light walks, Veterinary Emergency Group says.

On days when it's too cold or icy to go far, our guide to exercise for senior dogs and cats has indoor games and gentle ways to keep an older dog moving.

Paw Care in Cold Weather

Older paws have a harder time in winter. PetMD notes that senior dogs tend to have drier, rougher paw pads that are prone to cracking or inflammation in cold weather. Salt and ice melt make it worse. A simple routine for walk days:

• Trim long hair between the toes to keep ice balls from forming, as VCA and Cornell both suggest.
• Rub paw balm into the pads before a walk, as Cornell's Dr. Lauri-Jo Gamble suggests.
• VCA advises walking around spots of salt and ice melt if possible, since most of these irritate the pads and can cause serious illness if licked off the paws.
• After each walk, the AVMA advises: Wipe down or wash your pet's feet, legs and belly to remove packed snow, ice, salt and de-icing chemicals. Dr. Gamble suggests wiping the paws with a lukewarm washcloth.
• Check paws often. The AVMA says to look for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked or bleeding paw pads, and a vet can help if you find them.
• Keep nails trimmed. Dr. Gamble notes that winter walks mean less contact with concrete, so nails may need trimming more often.
• Noses dry out too. PetMD notes that aging reduces moisture in a dog's nose, and a nose balm can help.

Is It Normal for an Old Dog to Sleep More in Winter?

Some dogs sleep more in winter. PetMD's Dr. Sandra Mitchell writes that some dogs may also develop higher melatonin levels over the winter, which could cause them to sleep more than normal. A warm bed in a quiet spot can make those extra hours of rest more comfortable, and a blanket they can burrow into helps too.

If your dog is with you now and isn't eating, lacks energy, or seems uncomfortable or in pain, Dr. Mitchell suggests asking a vet for a complete health check. On days spent mostly indoors, she suggests challenging games such as food puzzles to give a dog's brain some exercise, while being careful not to overfeed. A sniff outside or a few minutes of gentle play are other easy options on cold days.

How to Care for an Old Dog's Skin and Diet in Winter

The ASPCA's winter skin advice: bathe less, humidify the air, and towel them dry. It notes winter's dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin. It adds that plenty of water to drink will help keep them well-hydrated and their skin less dry, so a nearby bowl helps.

For bathing a dog you have now, the ASPCA suggests bathing as little as possible during cold spells, since washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the risk of dry, flaky skin. A vet can also suggest a moisturizing shampoo if a bath can't wait. The ASPCA says never to shave a dog down to the skin in winter, though trimming a long coat is fine.

Should an Old Dog Eat More in Winter?

It depends on the dog. The ASPCA suggests feeding pets a little extra in winter, since they burn extra energy trying to stay warm, while the AVMA's news service notes that pets, like people, can pack on winter weight as their eating and exercise habits change. For a dog with arthritis, PetMD notes that weight management can matter more in winter, when lower activity and extra treats may lead to weight gain, and a vet can talk about weight as part of joint care.

Extra calories are a different story for dogs who live outdoors. Texas A&M's Dr. Crist says outdoor pets need significantly more calories in winter to stay warm. For an indoor senior, a vet can help you decide whether to change anything, especially if their weight is already shifting.

Dr. Diesel suggests checking outdoor water regularly so it doesn't freeze over.

Should My Senior Dog Have a Winter Checkup?

If your dog is with you now, due for a checkup, and you can get to a vet, PetMD says winter weather is a good reason to book it. Senior dogs have weaker immune systems, PetMD explains. Kennel cough, distemper, and canine flu aren't specific to seniors, but older dogs are more likely to catch them, it says.

PetMD suggests keeping your dog up to date on Bordetella, canine distemper, and influenza vaccines, and notes they're especially important in winter, when dogs may spend more time in close quarters with other dogs, like boarding or daycare. A vet can tell you which vaccines make sense for your dog's age and health.

A checkup is also a good time to ask about anything this guide raises:

• Whether any of your dog's medicines affect how they handle the cold.
• What temperature limits suit your dog. The AVMA's advice: If you need help determining your pet's temperature limits, consult your veterinarian. A vet can consider your dog's coat, weight, and health.
• Whether a joint supplement or a change in pain relief makes sense for your dog.
• Any new stiffness, shivering, or changes in appetite or weight.

What Winter Hazards Should I Watch for With an Old Dog?

If your dog is with you now, these are the main winter hazards to know about: antifreeze, ice melt, cold cars, fireplace and wood stove embers, space heaters, and long power outages. The heating section above covers space heaters, and the paw care section covers ice melt. For the rest:

• Antifreeze. The AVMA's advice: Clean up any antifreeze spills quickly. VCA notes that antifreeze tastes sweet to many animals and that a small amount can cause permanent kidney damage. It can help to store it tightly closed and out of reach.
• Car trips. The AVMA's advice: Limit car travel to only that which is necessary, and don't leave a dog alone in the car. A short errand can be easier on an older dog left at home.
• Fireplaces and wood stoves. Cornell's Dr. Collins warns that what's left in a wood stove or fireplace can burn pets if it still holds live embers, so let it cool before you clear it.
• Storms and outages. The AVMA says to have an emergency kit with what your dog needs in case of severe weather or a long power outage, and Veterinary Emergency Group suggests keeping 3 to 5 days' worth of extra food and bottled water for your dog. Include any medicines your dog takes.

Please call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 right away if your dog may have swallowed antifreeze, ice melt, or anything else that worries you. The ASPCA calls its line your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and a consultation fee may apply.

Why Is My Old Dog Shivering?

Cold, fear, and dreaming are the everyday reasons dogs shiver, Mar Vista Animal Medical Center says, and it notes these can usually be ruled out by providing a blanket or sweater, comforting a nervous dog, or waking a dreaming one. If a blanket and a warm room settle the shivering, cold was likely the reason.

Shaking that doesn't stop when your dog is warm and calm has other causes. In very old dogs, Mar Vista explains, weak muscles can tire and shake after standing longer than they'd like, and the shaking usually stops once they lie down and rest. Mild shivers are rarely a significant symptom, Mar Vista says, while more violent, involuntary tremors and twitches can have a nerve or muscle cause. If your dog is with you now and has stronger tremors or twitches that don't settle, a vet can look at what's behind them.

When an Older Dog Is Slowing Down

If your dog is with you now and is becoming less active, having trouble getting up, or moving differently, a vet can look at what's behind the change and what might help with comfort day to day, at home or in the clinic.

For some families, mobility becomes part of a bigger quality-of-life conversation, and a vet can talk it through with you. The HHHHHMM quality-of-life scale is one way families look at how a dog is doing across seven areas, including hurt, hunger, and mobility. Our directory lists providers who offer quality-of-life consultations, some in your home and some online, and our dog end-of-life resources are there if and when you want them.

Enjoying Winter With Your Senior Dog

If your dog is with you now, a bed off the floor, a blanket to burrow into, a rug where they get up, and a towel by the door cover a lot of what it takes to keep an old dog warm, along with a short trip outside if they're up for it.

Our senior pet care guides are there whenever you want them, from diet to mobility.

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