Cold weather can worsen existing ailments such as arthritis.¹ Some diseases make it more difficult for the affected animals to regulate their body temperature. This applies to those with diabetes, kidney and heart disease and hormonal disorders.^2,3 It is therefore extremely advisable to have your dog examined by a vet before winter sets in and to get advice on how to make your four-legged friend 'winter-proof'.

Cold tolerance varies greatly among animals. Depending on age, health, coat density, height, activity level, and nutrition, some dogs get cold more quickly than others.⁴ Be aware of this and change your daily routine accordingly. Dog walks may need to be shorter to minimise weather-related health risks. It is better to go for a few short walks throughout the day than one long walk if the cold is not manageable for your dog. 

Always keep a close eye on your four-legged friend. Stop the walk at the first sign that they are cold. These signs include trembling, cold legs, lifting the legs more often, a hunched posture with the tail tucked in or even whining/whimpering. 

For dogs that are sensitive to the cold, appropriate clothing may be necessary. Treat your furry friend, who gets cold quickly, to a suitable and comfortable item of clothing. A warm jumper or coat that covers the entire back and, if possible, the stomach, is a good choice. The item of clothing must not hinder the animal's movement or negatively influence their body language. Please remember that the animal may need some time to get used to the clothing. Have an appropriate selection of jumpers or coats so your four-legged friend always has dry clothing available.

For older animals and those with joint problems, walking on smooth, slippery surfaces is difficult. They can slip and injure themselves. If necessary, use non-slip dog shoes.

Make sure to also be careful around bodies of water such as lakes. If the surface is not completely frozen solid, your dog could fall through the ice. To be on the safe side, keep your dog on a lead when you’re near bodies of water. 

Along with the ears and tail, the paws are one of the body parts most susceptible to injury and frostbite during winter.

Keep your four-legged friend's paw pads supple to avoid painful cracks. Special paw protection ointments are very helpful. Trim the fur on the paws and between the toes. This will prevent ice clumps from forming there, which can cause pain.

Wash the paws thoroughly after each walk. This will remove salt, grit and sand and prevent your dog from licking the substances off and upsetting their stomach.

Dog shoes also serve a good purpose. They prevent slipping (see above), protect the paws from harmful substances such as road salt and keep them warm. Make sure they fit well so that adequate heat regulation is possible, and bruising or friction is avoided.

Keep in mind that a dog's fur should not be trimmed during the cold season. The longer and thicker the fur, the better for the animal. However, the fur should be brushed more often. In winter, the skin dries out more quickly. Brushing once a week helps to remove dead skin cells and distribute the natural oils better.

Diet can be tailored for two types of winter dogs: those that love to be outside in the cold and those that prefer the cosy warmth of the house and are not as easily motivated to go for a walk. The former need more nutrients because they burn more calories than normal to stay warm outside. The couch potatoes need less so that they don't put on winter fat.

Our tip: Strengthen your dog’s immune system with a balanced diet. Vitamins, fats, proteins and minerals are essential in a dog's diet.⁵ Dogs should also drink plenty of fresh water, which helps prevent the skin from drying out.

The first few kilometres in an ice-cold car are not only unpleasant for you. Dogs (especially old and sick or young and thin ones) that travel with you must be well protected against the cold. To do this, the basket or box can be lined and covered with blankets (but of course ensure there is adequate space to breathe). Also, make sure that your furry friend does not stay in the car for very long if you need to park as the interior temperature will drop significantly.

Cats that are used to going outside in the summer should still be allowed to go outside in the winter. Their fur will be thicker, and they will be able to cope better with the cold.

Cats that spend time outside eat more in winter to regulate their body temperature.⁶ Make sure that they are offered enough food and that the wet food does not freeze. It is better to feed small portions several times a day. 

If your cat spends a lot of time outside during the winter, it's beneficial to offer your cat an additional shelter. This could be a cosy space in the shed or garage, provided with lots of thick blankets. The walls should be insulated so that the room is windproof and stays warmer. Set up sleeping places on a raised level so that your outdoor cat is protected from the cold coming from the ground.

If you don't have a shed or a similar structure, consider using thermal kennels. They are usually raised, insulated, waterproofed. Some are heated. Make sure to use them following the provided instructions.

Please also remember that if you have a garden pond then cover it. This will prevent your cat from falling through a thin sheet of ice.

If you have an adventurous cat that likes to come home very late then make sure that they are able to access the house at night preferably through a cat flap.

The early onset of darkness during winter can pose a greater danger as your cat can easily be overlooked by cars on the street. In this case, it may be a good idea to let your cat outside only during the day and try to keep them indoors after dusk.

To keep your indoor cat comfortable in winter, make sure they have a warm spot to snuggle up, like near a radiator. Ensure the radiator's temperature is pleasant and that the area has good ventilation. You can also provide a cat blanket or hammock on the radiator to create a cozy resting place.

To prevent flaky fur, avoid setting the radiator's heating too high, as dry air can affect your cat's skin. Regularly brushing your cat helps stimulate blood circulation in the skin, which can keep their fur healthy.

You can maintain good humidity by hanging ceramic bowls of water on the radiator and ensuring to air out the rooms every 2-3 hours. This will help prevent the dry air that can be uncomfortable for your pet.

For both indoor and outdoor cats, ensure all your cat's vaccinations are current and up to date, particularly against winter illnesses⁷.

Small animals such as guinea pigs and rabbits will adapt to outdoor living by developing a protective winter coat, which helps them deal with colder temperatures.

The enclosure should be well-equipped to offer protection from the cold and be windproof. Using suitable insulation material for the floor and walls is also very helpful. 

In winter, small animals require more calories to help them generate body heat and stay warm. Make sure to also give them lots of high-quality hay.

Water can freeze quickly in winter, so it’s essential to check the water supply several times a day and change it if necessary to ensure that the animals stay hydrated.