How to prepare your pet for the colder months

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, it’s important to make sure our pets are ready for the colder months ahead. From thicker coats to warm bedding and adjusted routines, a few small changes can help keep your pet healthy, happy and comfortable all winter long.

Whether your pet is a dog, cat, horse or small pet, here’s how to prepare them for winter safely.

Winter advice for dogs

Dogs are often very active members of the household, so it’s important to get them winter-ready – no matter how old they are.

Walks & Exercise

Walks will still be on the agenda throughout the winter, but wind, rain and potentially snow and ice can be potential hazards for your pooch. Wrap them up in a nice, snug coat and be sure to have a towel ready to dry their fur, particularly their ears, to prevent infection. Taking the time to dry your pet will also allow you to check their paws for snow, grit or dirt between their toes that might get trapped. 

Keep your dog away from patches of salt or grit on pavements as eating these substances can be dangerous – and irritate their delicate paws if they walk on them. Consider getting a hi vis lead, collar or coat to keep them as safe as possible on those dark mornings and nights. Make sure you take care on frozen paths, and avoid frozen ponds or lakes, which can pose a serious risk for your dogs. Consider purchasing paw balm or protective boots to prevent cracked pads.

Warmth & Comfort

Help keep them warm and cosy at home with thicker bedding, especially if they sleep in a separate area such as a kitchen or utility room where you might have wooden or tiled flooring. Small dogs with thin coats will really benefit from extra blankets or a more insulated winter bed. Insulated dog beds can be useful, or raising the dog bed off the floor can provide added heat and comfort.

Diet & Hydration

If you find that your dog is a bit more sedentary, it’s worth adjusting their food. If you’re unsure, consult your vet, as you want to be certain that you aren’t under- or overfeeding them. With all that warmth comes a need to stay hydrated. If your home is suddenly warm from central heating or a roaring fire, make sure your dog has plenty of fresh, cool water that they can easily access. 

Tips & Tricks for Cats

Cats are known to roam and explore, but as the temperature drops, it’s important to safeguard your feline companions.

Encourage indoor comfort

Prevent your cats from developing frostbite and hypothermia in cold weather by encouraging your cat to spend more time indoors, particularly at night when temperatures can really drop. If your cat is an outdoor cat, usually, provide them with cat toys and feeders to keep them busy, a warm and cosy place to sleep and a clean litter tray for them to use.

Keep microchip details up to date

Make sure your cat is microchipped and your details are up to date, so if they don’t come in one night and find warmth elsewhere and wander too far, it’s much easier for you to be reunited. 

Extra care for older cats

Senior cats and those with arthritis may find the cold harder to manage. Keep their bed, toys, food, and water in easy reach, and add extra soft bedding to help ease their joints during chilly spells. A self-warming or heated cat bed can also provide extra comfort for older felines.

Protect paws and prevent hazards

If it snows or ice is forecast, you can keep their paws healthy by checking them whenever they come inside after a trip outside. It’s best to keep them indoors if possible, but if your cat is curious, then just gently wipe any salt, grit or ice residue from their paws and fur when they return.

It’s also important to keep your cat safe from antifreeze, which is commonly used in the winter for defrosting cars. Unfortunately, even the smallest amount of antifreeze can be fatal, so if you have it around the house, car or garage, ensure it’s stored safely and out of reach. 

Protecting your horse in winter

Shelter and Protection

Every horse copes differently with colder weather, depending on their breed and environment. Before winter sets in, check that their shelter is waterproof, insulated, and free from draughts or leaks.

If your horse is stabled, ensure good ventilation without exposure to harsh winds. Leaving your horse’s coat to grow naturally can also help maintain warmth; rug them only when it’s really necessary.

Feeding & Hydration

Horses typically need more calories in colder months to maintain body condition. Consider increasing forage gradually or speak to your vet for tailored feeding advice. Check that water sources don’t freeze. Using insulated or heated buckets can help.

General Winter Care

Cold, wet conditions can increase the risk of mud fever and thrush, so keep your horses’ legs and hooves clean and dry. A consistent grooming routine helps distribute natural oils that protect against the chill, and regular checks ensure any skin issues are caught early.

Don’t forget visibility reflective gear on you and your horse helps keep you safe on darker rides.

Top tips for small pets

Having a small pet, such as a rabbit or guinea pig, that lives outdoors year-round means that you need to get them as winter-ready as you would in your home!

Warmth & Shelter

Small pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, need just as much protection from the cold as larger animals. Move outdoor hutches to a dry, sheltered area, ideally raised off the ground and away from direct wind or rain. Ensure good ventilation but no draughts; dampness can quickly lead to illness.

A wet floor or wind through your pet’s hutch will cause discomfort and illness, so keeping them sheltered is one of the best things you can do to get them ready for winter. Provide extra bedding to keep them warm and keep on top of hutch cleaning too – this will be an opportunity to ensure there’s no water leaking into the hutch.

Bedding & Insulation

Provide plenty of hay, straw, and newspaper for warmth, avoiding blankets that could be chewed and cause blockages. Use thermal hutch covers or microwaveable heat pads to help maintain temperature during frosty nights.

Check daily that the hutch is clean and dry, with no leaks. Avoid giving your rabbit blankets, as they are prone to chewing them, which can cause blockages.

Food, Water & Routine Checks

Visit your small pets daily to monitor their food and water levels. Bottles can freeze in low temperatures, so test them regularly. Keep them well-fed with extra hay and fresh vegetables to maintain body heat, and ensure they still have some daylight exposure to regulate their routine.

Relocation

If possible, consider relocating your pets to a secure shed, garage, or indoor space during the winter. Before relocating them, check for hazards like electrical wires, heaters, or escape gaps, and create a dark, cosy sleeping area with hiding spots.

Spend time interacting with your small pets daily; it keeps them social and helps you spot any signs of discomfort early. Groom your pets regularly to avoid skin inflammation or infection.

Phil’s top tips:

• Winter can be a tricky time for getting fresh air and exercise for many of us, but it’s important to make sure our indoor pets get outdoors as much as they like – it’s good for us and them!
• It’s easy to overheat a house in an attempt to keep cosy, but remember that our pets have thick furry coats and might become too warm too quickly. Try to keep the heating at a comfortable temperature, always have fresh water available and ensure your pet is groomed regularly to remove excess hair. 
• Consider investing in a hi vis collar for your dog or cat so they’re safer when they go out on walks or for a wander during the winter months, particularly as the dark mornings and evenings set in. This will ensure they’re visible to motorists and cyclists even on the most miserable of days!