---
title: "Dogs in winter: how to take care of them"
description: "\"Some breeds of dogs thrive in harsh winter temperatures, others need to be kept warm and dry. Read what the vet has to say...\""
---

[Almo Nature Blog ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb)

# [Dogs in winter: how to take care of them](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/dogs-in-winter-how-to-take-care-of-them)

 Written by [Almo Nature](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/author/almonature) | Nov 25, 2015 11:00:00 PM

Dogs in winter, [just like cats](https://www.almonature.com/en/reads/how-to-take-care-of-cats-in-winter/?hsLang=en-gb), adapt to the changing temperatures. **Dr Maria Grazia Calore**, veterinary doctor and expert in pet behaviour, illustrates the physical and behavioural changes that can be seen in man's best friend during a cold snap, and provides us with some tips to care for our beloved pups. ** **

### **Brrr, it's freezing!**

Unlike [the more sleepy domestic feline](https://www.almonature.com/en/reads/do-cats-dream-the-secrets-of-their-sleep/?hsLang=en-gb), a dog does not abandon its dynamism when the cold weather sets in. In fact, it is best not to generalise: for example, a dog that lives outside will probably have a larger appetite as it will need more calories to maintain a stable body temperature.Generally, **a large dog breed** with a thick undercoat and long outer coat will react well to a drop in temperature: he will be more lively and will revel in all the elements the cold snap brings. By contrast, **a smaller or short-coated dog** will probably suffer more with the arrival of cold weather: it may become more lazy and be reluctant to go out or it may show discomfort by [shivering](https://www.almonature.com/en/reads/why-dogs-tremble-the-behaviour-explained/?hsLang=en-gb), which is physiologically useful to raise the body temperature. In particular, **puppies** or [senior dogs](https://www.almonature.com/en/reads/the-oldest-dog-in-the-world-the-story-of-maggie/?hsLang=en-gb) will find it more difficult to maintain a constant body temperature, and because of this they are at risk of hypothermia, or in extreme cases, death. ** **

### **Some tips to help our four-legged friends**

What can we do to better face the winter with our dog? We can give those that feel the cold more a **waterproof coat** for walks and **ensure they sleep indoors**. Also, we should remember to **dry well their fur** well when they come back in from a walk as any moisture left in the coat increases heat loss. In addition, it is preferable to take them for a walk during the warmest part of the day or by opting for **shorter and more frequent trips out**. Also, don't subject our friends to **sudden changes in temperature** between the inside and outside to prevent them developing a cough or a runny nose. And if it snows, don't forget that many dogs have **particularly sensitive paws** and the salt used to prevent roads from freezing irritates their skin: in these cases, it's not a bad idea to use shoes. ** ** **Photo Credits: Elena Shamilova**

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