Quick winter checklist for your dog

Use this as your daily reference.

• Limit long exposure to cold, foggy or windy weather
• Give a warm, draft free sleeping spot
• Protect paws from cold ground, ice, salt and rough surfaces
• Keep skin and coat healthy with the right grooming and nutrition
• Support joints, immunity and gut health with balanced daily dog nutrition
• Keep your dog hydrated and active, even on indoor days
• Watch for early signs of hypothermia or frostbite

Think about your dog today. Which of these areas feels weakest right now for them?

Why winter feels different for your dog

Your dog does not feel cold exactly the way you do. Their experience depends on:

• Breed and coat type
• Age
• Body weight and muscle
• Existing health issues
• Where you live and how cold your floor and house get

Short haired, toy and brachycephalic breeds, like Pugs, usually feel cold faster than huskies or mountain dogs. Puppies, seniors and dogs with arthritis or heart, kidney or endocrine disease also struggle more with winter.

So two dogs in the same home can have very different winter needs.

How to tell if your dog is feeling cold

Vets describe hypothermia as starting when a dog’s body temperature drops below about 98 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. You will not check this with a thermometer every day, so focus on behavior and body language.

Common signs that your dog is too cold include:

• Constant shivering or trembling
• Curled up very tight with tail tucked
• Lifting paws off the ground and tiptoeing on cold floors
• Moving slowly and reluctant to walk or play
• Whining at the door to come in
• Cold ears and body surface when you touch them

If your dog looks uncomfortable, they are uncomfortable. Trust that instinct.

Step 1: Set up a warm, safe home base

Your dog’s main winter job is to stay warm without burning too much energy. You can make this easy with a few changes.

Simple home tweaks:

• Place their bed away from windows, doors and direct draughts
• Add a thick, washable bed or mattress with side bolsters
• Use an extra fleece layer or thermal blanket on very cold nights
• Keep their sleeping area dry and clean
• Use rugs or runners in corridors where the floor is cold

If you live in a very cold city, consider:

• Elevated beds that lift your dog off tiled or marble floors
• A second bed in the room where the family sits most often

Ask yourself this simple question. If you had to sleep in your dog’s exact spot for one night, would you be comfortable?

Step 2: Make winter walks safe and enjoyable

Most dogs still need daily walks in winter. The goal is shorter, smarter and safer outings.

You can:

• Walk during the warmest part of the day when possible
• Use a light, well fitted dog sweater for small, short haired, senior or thin dogs
• Keep walks a bit shorter on very cold or windy days
• Choose routes with less standing water, mud or ice
• Dry your dog fully when you get home, especially paws, belly and ears

Pay attention during the walk:

• If your dog slows down or keeps lifting paws, head home
• If they seem full of energy and relaxed, they are coping well

Walking is not only exercise. It is also mental health, sniffing and routine, which matter a lot in winter.

Step 3: Protect your dog’s paws

Cold ground, road salt and small stones can all hurt paws. Many animal welfare groups now highlight winter paw care as a key part of seasonal safety.

You can protect paws with a simple routine.

Before walks

• Trim long fur between the paw pads so ice and small stones do not get stuck
• Apply a thin paw balm or petroleum jelly layer as a barrier
• Use booties for dogs who tolerate them, especially on rough or salted roads

After walks

• Wipe paws with a damp cloth to remove salt, chemicals and dirt
• Dry between toes carefully
• Check for cracks, cuts, redness or your dog licking one paw more than others

If your dog suddenly stops during the walk and licks a paw, kneel down and check. A small ice ball or tiny cut can hurt more than you expect.

Step 4: Support joints, skin and immunity with winter nutrition

Cold weather often makes stiff joints and mild arthritis feel worse. At the same time, some dogs may need a little more energy to stay warm, especially if they spend longer time outdoors.

This is where daily dog nutrition matters.

Key winter nutrition goals:

• Keep a balanced diet for dogs, suited to age, size and lifestyle
• Support joints with omega 3 fatty acids and joint support nutrients
• Keep digestion steady with natural probiotics for dogs
• Offer vitamins for puppies and seniors only after checking the total diet
• Maintain a healthy weight, not too thin and not overweight

Many vets use calorie guidelines based on body weight to set the right daily intake and then adjust by watching body condition over time.

Where Vettofit fits in

If you already use Vettofit Nutri-Topper as a daily dog nutrition topper, winter is a good time to stay consistent. Its formulation focuses on skin and coat health, gut support, joint comfort and immunity, which are key during cold months when outdoor time and sunlight drop.

You can:

• Mix the Nutri-Topper with regular dog food
• Use it to enhance home cooked diets so they stay balanced
• Pair it with vet recommended joint supplements if your dog has arthritis

Curious how a topper can fit into your dog’s winter diet without changing everything at once? Discover how Vettofit Nutri-Topper supports winter skin, coat, joint and gut health in a simple, daily way.

Step 5: Grooming that actually helps in winter

Many pet parents feel confused about bathing and trimming during winter.

A few simple guidelines help.

• Brush often and bathe less
• Use a gentle, dog specific shampoo when you do bathe
• Dry your dog fully with a towel and then air or low heat
• Avoid shaving the coat very short during peak winter
• Keep ears clean and dry, since damp ears get cold faster

Regular brushing spreads natural skin oils and helps reduce dry, flaky skin. If you notice a lot of dandruff, itchiness or hair loss, speak to your vet and review both grooming and nutrition.

Step 6: Keep your dog active and happy indoors

Shorter, colder days often mean fewer long walks. Your dog’s mind still needs work.

Simple indoor ideas:

• Five to ten minute training bursts during the day
• Lick mats or slow feeders with balanced food or vet approved treats
• Sniff games where you hide small food pieces around a room
• Gentle tug, fetch in a hallway or low impact play on a mat
• Short puzzle toys, especially for puppies and high energy breeds

One Vettofit dog parent in Gurugram shared a simple routine. Every evening, they spend ten minutes on find it games in the living room before dinner. Their dog now looks forward to this time as much as the walk.

What small game could you add to your dog’s winter evening today?

Special care for puppies, seniors and dogs with health issues

Some dogs need extra attention in winter:

• Tiny and toy breeds
• Short haired breeds like Beagles and Dachshunds
• Puppies below one year
• Senior dogs
• Dogs with arthritis, hip issues or previous injuries
• Dogs with heart, kidney, thyroid or respiratory disease

For these dogs you can:

• Use warm clothing more often on cold days
• Keep walks shorter and flatter
• Help them on and off beds or sofas so they do not slip
• Place non slip mats where they often walk
• Watch closely for limping, stiffness or heavy panting

Work with your vet to adjust any joint supplements or daily multivitamin supplement for dogs during winter. The goal is comfort and ease, not just getting through the season.

One small winter habit you can start today

Pick one area from this list. Warm sleeping spot, paw care, better nutrition, indoor play or grooming.

Change only one thing this week for your dog. Watch how they respond. Notice their comfort, mood and energy.

Your dog cannot say thank you in words. You will see it in their eyes, their relaxed sleep and their happy trot on a cool morning walk.

For more everyday pet parenting support, stories and science backed tips, explore more expert tips at vettofit.com .