How to look after dogs and cats in cold weather

Cold weather has marked the arrival of 2025, with snow and ice warnings in place for much of the country.

Many of us will be opting for our thickest coats and gloves when we venture outside. But what about our pets?

Like humans, animals can be at risk of hypothermia if they become too cold.

Veterinary charity PDSA advises giving dogs and cats extra blankets for their beds over the winter months and a few extra spaces to curl up around their home.

Raised beds can keep older dogs away from draughts, while cats may like high-up dens.

The charity also recommends extra playtime for pets to make sure they keep active if they are spending less time outside. Indoor toys can help.

Dogs still need walks during cold weather. Usually, their fur will keep them warm.

But some dogs, particularly those with shorter fur, will need extra help staying warm on their walkies.

“For most dogs, their own lovely fur coat is insulation enough, but those with thin fur, or who are unwell, very old or young, may benefit from a good winter coat,” PDSA Veterinary Nurse Gemma Renwick said.

“Look for something well-fitting, waterproof but with a comfy lining.”

As the temperatures drop, plan for shorter, more frequent walks rather than one long distance hike daily and f your dog gets wet, always dry them off with a towel as soon as you get home.

Any build-up of salt, grit, dirt or snow can be painful – so be sure to check and rinse their paws.

Smaller pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets can also feel the cold.

The PDSA says a sudden drop in temperatures can be a shock to the system for the animals, and advises moving them if they live in hutches outside.

Dr Burke says: “A shed or car-free garage is ideal for protecting them from the draught, rain or snow. A cooler room is better .

“If you don’t have that, maybe a room where you can turn the radiators off where it’s a bit cooler – not a big jump from the outdoor to indoor temperature.”

If there is no other option, the charity advises placing a blanket or piece of carpet over their outside living quarters.

Our feline furry friends love to roam the outdoors, but ideally they should stay inside overnight during cold weather.

But if your pet is determined to explore despite the snow and cold, the PDSA advises you ensure they can get back inside through a cat flap, or have warm shelter they can go to.

During the day, cats should be given the choice to go out if they’re used to going outside.

The charity also says it is a good idea to provide your cat with litter trays inside, even if they always like to toilet outside. This gives them the option of keeping warm indoors.

Chickens and hens are incredibly resilient and will cope with a bit of cold weather just fine, the British Hen Welfare Trust says.

However, the charity has advice to keep the cold at bay in extreme conditions.

These include ensuring your birds have shelter and any hen houses are insulated.

Check water regularly to make sure it hasn’t frozen and if you have a larger hen house, pop a cardboard box on its side in the coop for your hens to sleep in.

Finally, ensure you are as predator safe as possible by checking boundaries regularly. Fence posts may become loose in wet weather, giving foxes or badgers an easy target to dig at.