Although winter isn’t quite here yet, the weather has gotten cooler, and you may be noticing your old dog isn’t tolerating the cold like they used to.
Even dogs that once thrived in the snow, like double-coated dogs and arctic breeds, may become more sensitive to the cold in their golden years.
Luckily, there are many things we can do to help keep a senior dog warm during the winter months.
From outfitting your dog with a warm sweater to creating a cozy bed, here are 10 ways to keep your senior dog comfortable when the temperatures drop.
Last Updated: Oct 30, 2023
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Do Dogs Feel the Cold?
There is a common misconception that because dogs have fur, they don’t feel the colder temperatures.
While some dog breeds thrive in the snow and ice, this isn’t true for all dogs.
Some dogs are more susceptible to cold weather, including those with shorter fur, senior dogs, and young puppies.
10 Tips for Keeping Old Dogs Warm in Winter
1. Outfit Them with Warm Clothing
While I don’t like when people dress their dogs up like dolls, sweaters, and coats can keep a senior dog warm on even the coldest days!
There are many styles, so it might take some trial and error to find the one your dog is most comfortable in and is easiest to put on.
I prefer coats with a Velcro tab under the neck and stomach.
Not only are these coats comfortable for my dogs, but they are the easiest to put on and take off due to the simple Velcro closure.
For those in really cold climates, leggings and one/two-piece outfits cover more of your dog’s legs than a regular sweater.
While I love buying my dogs sweaters and coats because they wear them so frequently, they can be costly.
One solution is to try going the DIY route by sewing or crocheting dog coats.
I’m no expert, but it was surprisingly easy. If you’re newer to these crafts, you can try following a video like this one that I used:
After I figured the pattern out, I was able to get a bit creative. Sometimes, the body was one color and the collar another.
Occasionally, I would put 2 different color yarns together and crochet the coat with that, choosing one of the colors to make the collar.
You can also add sequins or buttons to make your dog’s coat unique.
Who knows, people may love your new coats enough that you can start your own business making made-to-order dog coats for other senior dogs needing a little warmth.
Helpful Tip: If it is safe to put a coat or sweater in the dryer, why not put it on low for a couple of minutes so it’s nice and warm for when your dog goes out?
I’m stating the obvious, but I’m afraid I have to these days – be careful it’s not too hot so they don’t get burned or made to feel uncomfortable in any way.
2. Consider Where Your Dog Spends Their Time
Where does your dog sleep at night? Where do they curl up during the day?
Ensure no draft or cold air comes from windows, doorways, or vents nearby the areas where they spend their time.
If you don’t tend to keep the heat on at night, a small portable heater is an excellent option for keeping dogs warm in winter.
3. Add a Blanket (or Two)
I know plenty of people who like to keep their bedroom windows open in the winter. If that sounds familiar, you may need to take extra steps to keep your senior dog warm at night.
Try placing a blanket or two on your dog’s bed so that they can snuggle into it when they are cold.
Another option would be to choose a burrowing-style dog bed. These beds have an attached blanket your dog can curl up under for added comfort and warmth.
A sweater may also help, but make sure it’s not a hoodie or something with strings they could get tangled up in.
4. Keep the Bed Warm
Add an electric pad to your dog’s bed. Or, if that option makes you nervous, use a self-heating mat.
A hot water bottle will also work well, but don’t let it touch their skin directly. You can wrap it in a towel to offer some protection.
5. Elevate Your Dog’s Bed Off the Cold Floor
Hardwood, concrete, and tile floors can be cold in the winter.
If your dog’s bed is on that type of flooring, try adding a layer of insulation underneath with carpet squares, towels, or blankets.
You can also purchase an elevated dog bed that will help to keep your senior dog warm while also making it easier for your dog to get in and out of bed (even if they are living with arthritis).
6. Consider Temperature When Grooming
Do you have a dog you usually shave down or keep clipped very short?
Even if you like the appearance of that short fur, you may want to consider letting their hair grow out a little longer.
This can offer an added layer of insulation to keep them feeling warmer.
7. Limit Time Outside During Colder Weather
Consider limiting the time they spend outside, especially during extreme cold temperatures.
If your dog spends a lot of time in the yard, set up some sort of shelter and insulate it with straw so they have a warm place to go.
It doesn’t matter if you build it yourself or purchase a ready-made doghouse. The main thing is that it offers protection for dogs in the snow.
It should have an overhang so snow and rain do not get in and a sloped roof to prevent snow build-up.
If your dog normally lives outside, maybe you can make an exception and bring them in to join the family when it’s cold out.
I know quite a few senior dog parents have mentioned their older dogs seem to like spending outside, even in the winter.
If they are genuinely happier, make sure you do everything you can to keep them warm.
Helpful Tip: Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water, even when they are spending time outdoors in the winter.
This can be challenging as the water in their bowl will freeze as the temperature drops.
You can buy heated electric bowls that will prevent water from freezing if you have access to an outside power source.
A DIY method is to set up a tire in a spot that gets the sun but is still close to their shelter.
Inside the tire, put a layer of rocks. Place a wide bowl or shallow pail in the middle, then add more rocks around the outside until they almost reach the rim.
The tire and rocks should retain some of the heat from the sun and keep the water from freezing for a few hours.
However, you still need to check at least twice a day to make sure your dog has access to drinkable water.
8. Don’t Let Your Dog Out if They Are Wet
I’m sorry if some of what I say is obvious to you. There are many first-time dog parents who may benefit from this information.
Just like people, dogs can become chilled much faster when they are wet.
If you do give your dog a bath at home during the winter, make sure they are completely dry before they go outside.
If your dog lets you use a blow dryer, a very low setting is best.
If not, you can towel drying can be a great bonding time. But you may need to wait for a little, even after toweling your dog off, for the remaining dampness to dry up.
9. Protect Their Paws During Winter Walks
If there is snow and ice where you live, you may need to consider paw protection.
Booties will protect your dog’s paws not only from the cold and snow but also from any salt used to clear up the roads and walkways.
Does your dog refuse to wear booties? You can try using dog leggings from Walkee Paws.
If all else fails, paw wax will at least protect your dog’s paws from salt.
10. Be Cautious Around Frozen Lakes
Looks can be deceiving and deadly! Don’t try to cross or walk on frozen lakes or ponds because they may not actually be frozen.
Keep your dog on a leash around frozen lakes unless they remain right by your side.
Final Thoughts – How to Keep a Senior Dog Warm
There is something heartwarming about the combination of dogs and snow, watching them run and play in the winter wonderland.
But it’s important to remember that senior dogs may be more sensitive to temperature changes.
Consider winter weather gear like coats, sweaters, and booties to keep your dog warm and cozy when spending time outdoors.
Limit outside time during extreme temperatures.
Most importantly, pay attention to your dog’s body language. They will let you know if they feel cold, allowing you to address it quickly.
Do you have tips and tricks for how to keep a dog warm? Sharing helps others, so tell us your go-to solutions in the comment section below.
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I couldn’t agree with you more, Hindy! Especially the smaller your dogs are and the shorter hair they have, the more important it is to ensure they stay warm. My parents have Miniature Pinschers and they starts shivering from coldness very easily. Even with warm clothing they start shivering from coldness during cold winter days if they stay outside for too long. Usually they will try to avoid wearing clothes but clothes are necessarily to keep them warm when it’s cold outside.
Hello Matthew, thanks for the comment. My dog Red is part Min Pin and she also shivers quite easily. Maybe it’s a breed thing!! When it’s really cold out she wears a sweater and a coat. I took her to Canada in the winter, and that was a nightmare. It was a struggle to get her outside at all. I can relate to what your parents are experiencing.
Some great tips to consider!
It is getting colder and I see that smaller dogs especially are in a need of some warm clothing. I was at the Tompkin Square Halloween Dog Parade in NYC this weekend with my kids and saw quite a few little dogs shivering and shaking because they were in thin outfits for the parade. Luckily, they had thoughtful owners and they came prepared with blankets to wrap them!
Thanks for sharing the 10 tips on keeping your senior dog warm this winter.
Hi Dinh, I appreciate you taking the time to comment. You have to wonder why some people don’t put sweaters or coats on their dogs, especially if they’re elderly. We feel the cold, so why do we think they’re unaffected (unless of course we’re talking about dogs who were bred to handle the cold). My dog Red doesn’t have much fur, and as she gets older she really feels the cold. She wears a sweater in the house at certain times of the year otherwise you see her shivering.
Hey Hindy, great advice, i feel like i have been abandoning my dog with your tips on how to treat him well 🙁 but i have to say your article has woken me up, i love the paw protection he will look so cute with them 🙂
Hi Gino, thanks, glad you liked the article. I’m pretty sure you’re doing a great job but in case you’re not, lot’s of help available here!! They do look cute in the booties, but none of my charges ever cared for them.
These are great ideas for keeping your dog warm in the winter. Using a heating pad or hot water bottle in their beds never occurred to me. I’ve seen doggy sweaters but because I live in the desert putting a sweater on them has never been a thought. But I crochet so I could make one of my own.
Great ideas Hindy. Thanks.
Hi Rawl, thanks! When you have a senior dog, your life seems to revolve around finding ways to make them comfortable. I crochet a little, nothing fancy, but found the easiest video on youtube and I’ve been stockpiling for winter. If you’re interested in the link, let me know.