Old Dog Products

Quality of life & the last chapter

Do Older Dogs Feel the Cold More? How to Keep a Senior Dog Warm

By The Old Dog Products team · Published

Not veterinary advice. This article is general information to help you care for your dog at home. It isn’t veterinary advice and can’t replace an exam. If you’re worried about your dog, call your vet.

If your old dog has started shivering on walks or burrowing under every blanket in the house, you’re not imagining it. Many dogs do seem to get cold more easily as they get older, and elderly dogs often feel the cold in ways they didn’t at five. The good news: a few small changes at home make the winter months much more comfortable for your senior dog.

Emergency: Call your vet or an emergency vet now if your dog is weak, slows down or stops moving, or collapses after being out in the cold, or you think they may have hypothermia or frostbite. Warm your dog gently (blankets, a warm room) on the way. Frostbite can be hard to spot and may not show fully for a few days, so if you suspect it, call your vet. (Source: AVMA)

If you only have a minute

  • Older dogs and aging dogs with health problems can find it harder to stay warm, especially small, thin or short-coated dogs and dogs with some health conditions.
  • Keep your dog indoors, shorten walks in very cold weather, and use a dry coat if they feel the cold.
  • Check and wipe paws after walks.
  • Give a thick, draft-free bed they can get on and off easily, and a choice of warmer and cooler spots.
  • Shivering, whining, slowing down or weakness outside means bring them in now.

Do older dogs get cold more easily?

Often, yes. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says a pet’s cold tolerance varies with coat, body fat, activity level and health, and that very old pets, like very young ones, may be more affected by temperature extremes. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or hormonal conditions such as Cushing’s disease may have a harder time regulating their body temperature.

Breed and build matter too. Short-haired dogs feel the cold faster, and short-legged dogs get colder because their bellies sit close to snow and wet ground. Thick-coated breeds cope better but are still at risk in freezing weather (AVMA).

If your dog suddenly seems much colder than usual, or feels cold to the touch, mention it to your vet. A change like that is worth a check, because your dog may have something going on that your vet can help with.

Does cold weather make arthritis worse in dogs?

The AVMA notes that cold weather may worsen some conditions, such as arthritis, and that arthritic and elderly pets can find snow and ice harder to walk on and are more likely to slip. If your dog seems stiffer in the cold, mention it to your vet. They can check for pain and suggest options. For everyday ideas, see our guide to arthritis home care for senior dogs.

7 ways to keep your senior dog warm in the winter

1. Keep them inside and keep walks short in extreme cold

The AVMA advises keeping dogs inside in cold weather and shortening walks when it’s very cold. No dog should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather. When it’s cold outside, go out with your dog for potty breaks, keep it brief and bring them straight back in.

2. Use a coat or sweater if your dog feels the cold

A sweater or dog coat helps a short-coated dog or one who seems bothered by the cold. Keep a spare: a wet coat can make your dog colder (AVMA). Some dog owners also use insulated overalls or ear covers for very cold days. Pick a style that’s easy to put on an older dog without lifting stiff legs too much.

3. Look after their paws

Check paws often for cracked or bleeding pads, and for ice balls between the toes. Trimming the fur between the toes can help. Booties are an option if they fit properly. After every walk, wipe your dog’s feet, legs and belly to remove de-icing salt and other chemicals they might lick off (AVMA). If you think your dog has licked or swallowed de-icer or antifreeze, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply).

4. Choose a warm, easy-access dog bed

Raise the bed off cold floors and keep it away from drafts and doorways. A thick memory-foam bed that’s easy to get on and off works well for many older dogs. Add a washable blanket they can burrow into. The AVMA also suggests giving pets a choice of sleeping spots, so they can move somewhere warmer or cooler as they need.

5. Use heated beds and mats safely

A self-warming or low-heat bed can make resting more comfortable in cold weather. With any heated bed, use a pet-specific product, check the temperature, and make sure your dog can move off it. This matters most for dogs who can’t shift position easily. The AVMA warns that heated pet mats can still cause burns, and that space heaters can burn pets or be knocked over, so keep heaters out of reach.

6. Keep the house comfortable

Keep your dog’s resting area warm and draft-free, especially for short-haired breeds. Don’t leave an older dog in a cold car, even briefly. Cars cool down fast, and old, thin or ill pets are especially at risk (AVMA).

7. Watch for signs they’re too cold

  • Shivering, whining or seeming restless
  • Slowing down, stopping, or looking for somewhere to burrow
  • Stiffness or unusual tiredness after time outside

Bring your dog in and warm them gently. Weakness or collapse after cold exposure, or any sign of frostbite, is an emergency: call your vet or an emergency clinic.

Frequently asked questions

Can old dogs regulate their body temperature?

Most can, but some older dogs, and dogs with certain health conditions, may find it harder (AVMA). Watch how your dog copes and ask your vet what temperature limits make sense for them.

How do I know if my dog is warm enough?

A dog who is warm enough is usually relaxed, not shivering, and not hunting for a warmer spot. Curling up tightly, shivering or burrowing can mean they’d like more warmth.

Should I worry about my dog being cold?

A little chill on a short walk is normal. Keep an eye out for the warning signs above, and call your vet if your dog seems weak, stops moving or you suspect frostbite.

At what age is a dog considered senior?

There’s no single cut-off; it varies with size and breed. AAHA’s senior care guidelines set out how vets assess and care for senior pets, and your vet can tell you when your dog reaches that stage.

When to see your vet

  • Your dog suddenly feels the cold much more than before
  • Stiffness or limping that’s worse in cold weather
  • Cracked, bleeding or sore paw pads
  • Any sign of frostbite, even days after cold exposure

A winter wellness check is a good idea for older dogs anyway. With a little planning, your dog can stay warm and comfortable this winter.

Sources

Products mentioned

Products don’t treat any condition. They can make the home safer or easier. Ask your vet what suits your dog.

  • FurHaven ThermaNAP self-warming mat (S). View on Amazon

    Check your dog often and make sure they can move off the mat.

  • Mora Pets self-warming mat. View on Amazon

    Check your dog often and make sure they can move off the mat.

More picks in our product guide: Beds & resting.