How to keep pets happy and healthy all winter

Winter is a great excuse to slow down, cozy up, and spend extra time with the animals we love. But shorter days and colder temperatures also mean pets may need a little extra support to stay happy, healthy, and entertained. The good news? Keeping pets comfortable and engaged in winter can be simple and even fun. Check out these tips to skate through the cold weather with pets.

Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous, even for animals with thick coats. Cold temperatures increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia, especially on sensitive areas like paws, ears, and tails.

If your pet goes outside for bathroom breaks or supervised play, keep outings short and dry them off when they come back in. Wet fur makes it harder for pets to regulate their body temperature.

Hydration matters year-round. And even though some pets will lick ice or snow, that won’t be enough to meet their hydration needs. (Plus, ice and snow can be contaminated and cause an upset stomach.) So make sure fresh, unfrozen water is always available. If you use bowls outdoors, choose plastic instead of metal, which can freeze quickly and be uncomfortable, or even dangerous, for pets.

Many dogs (and cats), especially those with short coats, appreciate a cozy sweater or jacket for winter walks. Boots can also protect paws from ice, snow, and chemical de-icers. If your dog lifts their feet, whines, or suddenly decides the walk is over, cold paws may be the culprit.

After walks, wipe paws with a damp towel to remove salt or ice-melting chemicals that can irritate skin or cause stomach upset if licked.

Older pets and those with arthritis may feel the cold more acutely. Stiff joints, slippery sidewalks, and chilly air can make winter outings uncomfortable. Stick to shorter walks, move at their pace, and focus on gentle indoor activity when it’s especially cold.

When outdoor adventures are limited, indoor fun becomes the name of the game. For dogs, try nose work — one of the easiest activities to keep their minds and bodies busy. Hide treats or kibble around the house and let your dog’s sniffer lead the way. You can increase the challenge over time by hiding treats under cups or inside puzzle toys.

Cats enjoy food puzzles too, which tap into their natural hunting instincts and slow down fast eaters.

Even if it’s too cold to be outside, an outdoor view can still provide endless entertainment for pets. For cats, try window perches that can turn winter birds and squirrels into live-action cat TV. You can also re-create outdoor textures indoors using shallow containers filled with sand, sticks, or cat-safe grasses, giving cats a chance to dig, roll, and explore. Plus, cardboard boxes can become tunnels, forts, or castles with just a little imagination.

Not every dog wants to romp in the snow, and that’s OK. A short car ride can be a thrilling change of scenery, full of new sights and smells. Even a walk in a new neighborhood can feel like a big adventure.

Birds enjoy gentle misting or showers year-round. But in the winter, misting can be especially helpful to encourage preening, which distributes birds' natural oils on dry skin. It helps to keep birds busy and allows them to spread their wings, vocalize, and enjoy the moment.

Music can also lift winter spirits, adding a soundtrack to the cold days when the windows are closed. Birds are natural performers, and many enjoy bobbing, singing, or chatting along to different tunes.

Winter doesn’t have to mean cabin fever for you or your pets. By focusing on warmth, safety, and fun, you can turn the colder months into a season of comfort, play, and connection.

With a little creativity and a lot of love, your pets can stay healthy, happy, and thoroughly entertained until spring makes its grand return.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.