Chances are, you've had plenty of time to learn all about your dog. You've gotten to know their quirks, their likes and dislikes and their unique behaviors and facial expressions. But now your dog has aged, and it's time to relearn their needs as a senior. For pet parents who experience cold winters, that means helping older dogs in snow.
As temperatures drop and days shorten, new challenges arise for aging dogs. Senior dogs in winter face challenges ranging from slippery steps and floors to frigid temperatures, arthritis and joint problems, paw damage from salt and more. As a pet parent, you play a major role in keeping your dog comfortable, safe and healthy in the winter months. Let's explore a few ways to start helping older dogs in snow and ensuring their overall comfort in colder temperatures.
Limit Their Exposure to Extreme Temperatures
Just like people, dogs have a more difficult time regulating their body temperatures as they age. In the winter, senior dogs are at an increased risk of hypothermia, frostbite and other cold-weather illnesses. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), it's best to keep most dog breeds inside in extremely cold conditions. Consider turning to exercise alternatives to keep your dog stimulated and active. Playing fetch down a long hallway, hiding favorite treats or toys for your dog to seek out and even brushing up on training (yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks!) are all great ways to keep your senior pup's mind and body working.
In situations where staying inside is not possible, helping older dogs in snow requires extreme caution. Consider such measures as dressing your dog in a warm outer layer, like a jacket or winter coat. If you can train your dog to get comfortable wearing booties on their feet in colder months, do so. While outside, avoid walking your dog over risky areas such as black ice, thin ice and metal manhole covers. And keep your eyes peeled for the telltale signs of hypothermia: intense shivering, lethargy and frostbite. Check for frostbite by looking for bluish or white coloring on affected areas of skin. Earflaps and the tips of your dog's tail are especially vulnerable to frostbite, so when you're helping older dogs in snow, pay special attention to these areas.
Adapt Your Home for the Season
According to the AKC, "As our dogs age and their bodies change, they become more sensitive to outside conditions. Senior dogs, regardless of breed, are more susceptible to hot and cold weather." Try putting a coat on your dog when you walk them on colder days and adding a blanket to their bed during the nighttime to make sure your furry friend stays safe and warm.
Consider adapting your home for the winter months to ensure your dog has everything they need to navigate through the home safely, get warm fast and feel comfortable and content. One way to do this is to lay down carpets, large rugs or non-slip mats on ordinarily slippery floors. Be sure to include floors by the entryways of your home where you may track snow. This ensures that your dog always has a stable surface to walk on. Block off any stairs with a gate to ensure that your dog can't trip down (or up) them when they're unattended.
Additionally, create a space near a heater or fireplace to lay a special bed where your dog can spend some time during the day. Consider an orthopedic dog bed to help reduce the impact on your pet's bones and muscles. If you think your pet could benefit from one, purchase a waterproof cover in case your dog has an accident.
Tasty Tips
Protect Their Feet
Your senior dog's paws are incredibly susceptible to damage and pain during the winter months. You'll need to take extra caution to protect them from the ice, snow and salt that can get stuck between their toes and the pads of their feet. The AKC recommends keeping the hair between your dog's toes trimmed level with the paw pads. This will prevent ice balls from forming on these tufts of hair and causing pain and damage to your pup's feet.
Before walking outside, consider applying a paw balm to your dog's paws. Paw balm can not only protect your dog's feet from the damaging effects of salt, ice, freezing pavement and snow, but it can also help to moisturize the pads of your dog's feet. This added moisture effectively repairs any damage done while reducing soreness.
Before you bring your dog back inside, consider gently rinsing their paws with warm water and a soft cloth. Make sure to clean between your dog's toes and pads to work out any small particles that might be stuck. This will help prevent damage to their paws and ensure they don't accidentally consume harmful substances. It will also prevent your dog from tracking any salt or other chemicals into the house.
Be Extra Cautious and Consult Your Veterinarian
Senior dogs in winter are especially susceptible to the elements, and you may find underlying health issues are agitated by cold weather. If you have a senior dog, consider altering some of your usual routines. Avoid going up and down stairs as much as possible — or, if you can, carry your dog to help protect their joints. Pay extra close attention to their behavior to ensure they aren't exhibiting any obvious signs of pain or discomfort.
It's also worth talking to a trusted vet about arthritis and joint problems that may develop or worsen in winter. Your vet can provide you with additional resources and tips to keep your pet safe and comfortable.
Winter is a harsh season for people and dogs alike. And for senior dogs, it is a critical time for special care and attention. By taking the right steps to protect your dog and winterize your home, you can ensure this winter is your pet's best.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Large Breed Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Beef recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Chicken & Zucchini Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Entrée Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day one
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Large Breed Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a large bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light with Liver Dog Food
Low calories & L-Carnitine help promote ideal body weight, support healthy mobility & maintain heart function
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Entrée Can Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Hearty Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Related articles
How to Tell If Your Dog Has an Upset Stomach & How to Treat It
Learn how to recognise if your dog has an upset stomach or sensitive stomach issues, how a veterinarian might treat it and how nutrition can help.
Risks of Overfeeding Your Dog
Learn how overfeeding your dog can lead to dangerous consequences for his health. Keep your dog happy and healthy with a balanced nutrition.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
You know your furry friend loves peanut butter, but is it good for him? Learn the details about this snack and when it's safe for your dog.
My Dog Doesn't Bark: Is Something Wrong?
Barking is a normal behavior for most dogs, so you might be concerned if your dog isn't barking. Learn some causes why dogs don't bark.
Side Effects of Rabies Vaccine in Dogs
Learn about common side effects of rabies vaccine in dogs, as well as less common reactions that indicate you should bring your dog to the veterinarian.
Recognizing Dog Obesity, Causes and Signs
Do you think you might have an overweight dog? Learn the signs of dog obesity, as well as causes, potential effects and tips for prevention.
Canine Influenza Vaccine: What You Need to Know
While canine influenza is a newer condition, it can be troublesome for your pup. Learn about dog flu symptoms & which types of dogs should get vaccinated.
Helping Your Puppy Behave While Eating
Learn how to help your puppy learn good behaviors by starting with proper table manners. Follow these helpful feeding tips.
Fostering a Puppy: A How-To Guide
First-time foster parents: Learn about the process of fostering a puppy or dog, including how to prepare, challenges & rewards that come with it.
Going to the Beach: How to Prepare Your Pup
If you're thinking of taking your dog to the beach, you'll want to plan ahead. Learn some essential supplies to bring, as well as tips to keep him safe.
Are Cucumbers and Zucchini Safe (& Healthy) for My Dog?
Learn helpful information on whether cucumbers (and zucchini) are a safe & healthy snack for your dog.
Managing Dog Hot Spots and Acral Lick Granulomas
Dog hot spots are a common skin disorder in pups. Learn how these hot spots can turn into an acral lick granuloma and how to manage it if it does.
Dog Breeds That Can't Swim & Why
Learn why some dog breeds are not strong swimmers, which specific breeds might struggle in water, and water safety tips if you have one of those breeds.
Service Dogs Helping Other Dogs: Two Real-Life Stories of Pups Helping One Another
While service dogs play a huge role in helping people, they can also help other dogs with special needs. Read two true stories of these remarkable dogs.
Tips for Helping Your Dog's ACL Surgery Recovery
Learn how you can help your dog recover from ACL surgery, including tips for their activity, medications and nutrition.
Luxating Patella in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment & More
Luxating patella in dogs, or kneecap displacement, is a common orthopedic disease. Learn the different stages of this condition & how it's usually treated.
Safety Tips for Walking Dogs at Night
Learn helpful safety tips for walking your dog at night, including how to stay visible and special considerations to keep in mind when walking after dark.
Why Do Dogs Chase Cars? (& How to Get Them to Stop)
Learn why many dogs are fascinated with chasing cars, why this behavior can be very dangerous, and training tips to help your dog to avoid this behavior.
Common Health Concerns to Look for in Puppies
Watch out for these 6 common health issues that puppies may develop in their first year of life. Learn all the symptoms so you can provide the best care.
Dwarfism in Dogs: Types, Health Concerns & Breeds It Affects
Learn about dwarfism in dogs, including types of this condition, breeds that are prone to developing it & general effects dwarfism has on a dog's health.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.