Winter Tips for Older Pets
- Gwen M
- Nov 18
- 2 min read
I have a senior pet, how do I care for them over winter?
Cold weather brings new challenges, but small tweaks help keep them happy and comfortable. Here are some Winter Tips for Older Pets:
Keeping Older Pets Warm
Add blankets or extra bedding to keep their joints warm.
Avoid draughty areas; move beds or use pet-safe draught excluders.
Create warm hideaways or dens for cats who like their own space.
Mobility and Comfort
Older joints stiffen in cold weather. Gentle indoor movement helps.
Short, calm play sessions indoors.
Avoid slippery or frozen surfaces; these worsen pain and increase injury risk.
Outdoor Safety
Keep older animals dry. Wet fur drops their body temperature fast.
Bring outdoor pets indoors or into sheltered, insulated areas.
Keep cats indoors overnight.
Provide outdoor shelters if they won’t tolerate confinement.
Salt and grit dry out and crack paws.
Avoid walking on them.
Rinse paws after walks and apply pet-safe paw butters
Some breeds (e.g., whippets) or very thin pets need a winter coat
Consider veterinary-approved boots for dogs.
Danger Areas
Antifreeze is highly toxic.
Even small amounts can be fatal.
Clean spills immediately and be aware of neighbours using it.
Watch for signs of hypothermia: shivering, lethargy, cold ears/paws, confusion.
When to Involve Your Vet
Your vet can help your pet stay comfortable during winter with:
Senior health checks (especially heart, joints and weight checks)
Weight and diet advice (keeping them lean helps their joints)
Joint supplements
Pain relief if needed, including monthly arthritis injections
Final Thought
Winter doesn’t have to be hard on older pets. A few simple changes (warm bedding, protected paws, gentle movement and regular check-ups) go a long way.
For more tailored advice, speak to your vet who can guide you through specific needs for your pet’s age and health.
Download and print the full PDF handout here:
Informative and an easy read, thank you!