Cold weather doesn’t just affect humans—it’s difficult for older pets, too. As dogs age, they’re prone to arthritis, mobility problems, stiff joints, and risk of injury, especially when the weather turns cold. Think: drafts in the home, snow in their yard, and icy conditions on their walks.

So, learning about cold weather pet safety is key for any dog owner who lives in colder climates, but especially if you have a senior dog. Let’s explore how the cold weather affects older dogs and what you can do to keep your dog more comfortable, safer, and happier. 

Cold weather is tough on senior dogs

There are certain factors that affect how well an older dog handles the cold weather. In this section we'll cover:

• Arthritis

• Circulation and metabolism

• Slips and falls

How cold weather affects arthritis in dogs

The meeting place for two bones is at the joint. Cartilage at the end of the bones should be smooth, and fluid between the joints serve to cushion the cartilage and reduce risk of bone-damaging friction. With good joint health, dogs can experience flexibility and mobility with ease.

As dogs age, cartilage can thin out and break down, causing pain and inflammation in the joints. Arthritis is a common reason that dogs suffer from chronic pain.

Did you know that arthritis in dogs worsens in cold temperatures? It’s true. In cold temperature, tissue between a dog’s joints becomes thicker, making it painful to move.

That alone can affect an older dog. But there are other risks aside from joint and mobility issues. 

Older dogs have more physical challenges, especially in cold temperatures. Remember VEG ER for Pets is open 24 hours if your dog seems in pain and needs urgent vet care.

The cold can create slower circulation and sluggish metabolism

As all pets age, they struggle to regulate body temperature. Dogs are more likely to have a problem regulating their temperature, since they tend to leave the house for longer periods of time. Daily walks and days in the yard can challenge an older dog to maintain proper temperature. Learn how cold is too cold for your dog in our blog. 

Older dogs experience increased risk of slips and falls in cold weather

Senior pet mobility really takes a hit in cold temperatures, because icy or slippery surfaces are dangerous for aging pets. Muscle pulls and tendon tears happen easily if a dog's legs become splayed while walking on an icy walkway. And brittle bones in older dogs means the risk of a bone fracture or break is higher, so maintaining a safe walking path is key. Try using pet-safe de-icer to clear stairs and driveways instead of regular rock salt or ice melt, which can be toxic to animals.

If your pet is near icy or snowy conditions, pet booties with gripping material on the soles and paw protection balm or wax are two ways to help protect your pet from. See our blog for more winter pet safety tips. 

Signs your senior pet may be struggling in winter

Older pets often show problems with mobility due to arthritis and joint pain, which increases in colder temperatures. Know when your dog is in pain or discomfort by reviewing the signs below.

Some signs your older dog is in pain

• Difficulty climbing stairs

• Difficulty getting up from a sitting or lying position

• Increased fatigue

• Limping

• Restlessness indoors or outdoors

• Shivering

• Stiffness, reluctance to move

• Whining

Tips for keeping older dogs safe and healthy in cold weather

When winter rolls around, all is not lost for older dogs. There are ways to help mitigate the pain and discomfort that comes with cold weather. Read on to see how to keep your dog warm in winter, indoors and outside.

Keeping your dog warm and cozy can help ease arthritis pain in their joints. Read on for more tips to help your dog stay warm and healthier in cold weather.

How to keep dogs warm indoors in winter

Your dog will spend a lot more time indoors during cold weather. There are a few steps you can take to help minimize discomfort they may be feeling.

• Set up warm, orthopedic bedding. Orthopedic beds are comforting for dogs with joint pain and arthritis. They’re designed to minimize stress on joints, which can be a relief after navigating the cold.

• Keep dogs off slippery floors. Coming in from a walk can mean that snow and ice are tracked into the home. This can create slippery spots on floor mats and bare floors.

• Brush off paws and shoes after coming in from inclement weather to avoid slips. Set up thick mats or throw rugs near your home’s entrances.

• Encourage gentle indoor activity. Light activity can help maintain a senior dog’s mobility. Don’t stretch them beyond their physical means, but some slow chasing around the living room or a pull toy challenge can help get your dog moving.

• Maintain a consistent warm temperature in the home. Fluctuations in heat sources can create additional problems. For arthritic dogs, varying temperatures will affect the fluid that lubricates the joints; making the fluid change from thinner in warmer temperatures to thicker when it’s colder. When joint fluid is thicker, muscles around the joints tighten, creating joint pain and stiffness. 

How to keep dogs warm outdoors in winter

Walks, potty breaks, and just a little activity in the brisk air is not bad for your aging dog, but every venture outdoors can be challenging. Here are a few ways you can help your beloved pet stay warm and maybe actually enjoy the outdoors in winter!

• Keep outdoor breaks short. A dog may want to find that  perfect spot to relieve themselves but in snow and ice, they may have trouble deciding where to go. Gently encourage them to go and bring them indoors soon after.

• Bundle up your dog. Pet sweaters, coats, or booties are a necessity in cold weather, even if it’s just a quick trip outside. Hypothermia sets in quicker than you think, and the warmer you keep your pup, the better!

• Watch out for winter-weather substances. Be mindful of salts and ice melt products, as well as antifreeze in your driveway and garage. Antifreeze is highly toxic.

Have a winter pet emergency kit ready

Winter brings pet parents a whole set of potential problems, whether your dog is a puppy or a senior - cold exposure, icy conditions, early darkness, and the risk of outages or delayed supplies can catch you off guard. Making sure you have a dedicated winter pet emergency kit will help your older pet stay warm, hydrated, visible, and secure, no matter the weather. 

Before you go out, make sure you have these helpful items ready to go: 

• Blankets or Pet-Safe Heating Pads

  A cozy layer can help your pet retain heat during cold snaps or power outages.

• Paw Balm

  Protect your pup from cracked, irritated paws caused by ice melt and frozen sidewalks.

• Reflective Gear

  High-visibility collars, vests, or clip-on lights help your pet stand out during low-light walks.

• Pet-Safe De-Icer

  Because regular salt can be toxic, pet-safe de-icer is the safer option for steps and driveways.

• Extra Food and Water

  Keep 3-5 days’ worth of extra food and bottled water in case of storms and outages.

• Portable Bowls

  Collapsible or travel bowls make feeding and watering your pet easy when you’re on the move.

• Pet First-Aid Kit

  Pack bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any prescription meds your pet might need.

• Carrier or Crate

  A sturdy carrier or crate keeps your pet secure and reduces stress in icy or unpredictable conditions.

• ID Tags and Microchip Info

  Winter chaos can lead to unexpected separation - make sure ID tags and microchip info are current and up to date.

  
  

VEG emergency vet hospital is open 24 hours to care for your senior pets

As your dog ages, you’ll want to set up senior pet checkups with your primary care vet. For emergency and urgent care needs, remember your nearby VEG vet hospital is always open with emergency vet care for dogs and all kinds of pets. Save us  to your contacts, and follow us on Instagram for more safety tips.