Winter Dog Advice

The best winter dog advice to help guide you through the chilliest months

As the weather turns colder, it’s essential to make sure our four-legged friends stay safe, warm, and happy. At Jerry Green Dog Rescue, we care deeply about the wellbeing of every dog, regardless of if they’re already part of your family or waiting for their forever home.

Whether you’re preparing your own pet for frosty walks or looking to adopt a dog, we share our best winter dog advice to help guide you through the chilliest months:

Do Dogs Feel Cold in Winter?

A common question we hear is “Do dogs feel cold?” The answer is yes, dogs in the winter can feel the cold just like humans, especially puppies, older dogs, small breeds, and those with thin coats. Just like us, dogs lose heat when temperatures fall, and dogs in cold weather need extra protection.

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A birds eye shot of a person from the torso down giving a Golden Retriever dog a tickle under the chin. The dog is in a relaxed sitting position looking up at the person and is wearing a grey and black hooded jumper

How Cold is Too Cold for Dogs?

While each dog is different, a general rule is:

Below 7°C – Many dogs begin to feel uncomfortable.

0°C and below – Risk of hypothermia or frostbite, especially for thin-coated dogs.

-6°C and below – Dangerous for most breeds.

A black longhaired cross breed dog stood on rocks looking to the right wearing a blue hooded jumper

How to Tell if Your Dog is Cold?

If you’re wondering, ‘how do I know if my dog is cold?’, look for these common signs:

Shivering or trembling

Curling up tightly

Lifting paws off the ground

Seeking warmth or clinging to you

Whining, anxious behaviour, or reluctance to move

If you spot any of these behaviours, warm your dog up as soon as possible.

How to Keep Dogs Warm in the Winter

Keeping dogs cosy as temperatures drop is essential. Some easy ways include:

Use a dog coat or dog jumper
Puppies, seniors short-haired, or small dogs benefit from coats for dogs or a snug dog jumper. These help maintain body heat during walks and make walking dogs in cold weather much safer.

Provide a winter dog bed
A thick, insulated winter dog bed lifts your dog off cold floors. Add blankets for extra warmth on frosty nights.

Keep them dry
Wet fur loses heat quickly, towel your dog after rainy walks and avoid letting them lie on damp surfaces.

Limit time outdoors when it’s freezing
Dogs in cold temperatures shouldn’t stay out too long. Let them explore, play, and exercise, but bring them inside before they become chilled.

A ginger and white Rough Collie type dog laid in snow wearing a pink jacket looking to left of camera shot

Winter Safety: Ice, Dark Nights and Cold Water

Winter brings hazards that dog owners often overlook.

Dogs on ice & frozen water

Never let your dog walk on frozen ponds, lakes, or rivers. Ice can crack unexpectedly, and dogs and ice water are a dangerous combination.

Walking in the dark

In winter, many wonder “What time will it get dark?” Sunset can creep earlier each week, so prepare for low-light walks with:

High-visibility dog coats
Reflective leads and collars
A torch or LED clip-on lights

This keeps both you and your dog safe on evening walks.

A black and white speckled Collie type dog looking directly at camera in outdoor Autumn setting in a relaxed standing position wearing a black and red puffer jacket

Winter is a Lovely Time to Welcome a Rescue Dog

At Jerry Green Dog Rescue, many wonderful dogs are looking for their forever homes this winter. If you’re wondering how do you adopt a dog, our friendly team will guide you every step of the way.

How to adopt a dog from Jerry Green Dog Rescue

Visit our website or one of our dog rescue centres.
Browse our available dogs or speak to the team.
Let us help match you with the right rescue dog for your lifestyle.
Meet your potential companion and complete adoption checks.

Our dog rescue shelters are full of loving dogs eager to start a new chapter.

Adopt a Dog

An action shot of a black Labrador type dog in mid-air catching a snowball thrown by a woman in the shot who is wearing winter outerwear in a snowy woodland setting

Give a Rescue Dog a Warm Winter

At Jerry Green Dog Rescue, we believe every dog deserves warmth, comfort, and love, especially during winter. By following this winter dog care advice, you’ll help ensure your pet stays safe and cosy throughout the season.

If you’re ready to make a difference in a dog’s life this winter, consider meeting the beautiful dogs waiting for their forever homes at one of our centres.

A warm home could be the best gift you ever give.

Adopt a Dog

A Golden Retriever dog looking at top left of camera angle to the left in front of a Christmas tree which is blurred in the background with coloured lights

Looking to Adopt a Dog?

Meet the dogs waiting for a forever home, a warm home could be the best gift you ever give

Adopt a Dog