Pet winter essentials (UK)

Does your pet really need winter kit?

Plenty of pets get through a UK winter with nothing new at all. A healthy dog with a thick double coat, or an indoor cat with a warm bed, may need very little. Winter kit matters most for:

• Small, short-haired or thin-coated dogs, such as whippets, greyhounds, chihuahuas and many terriers.
• Puppies, older pets and pets with health conditions such as arthritis.
• Dogs that have been clipped short.
• Rabbits and guinea pigs living outdoors.

If you're unsure, watch your pet. Shivering, lifting paws, hunching or being reluctant to keep walking are signs they're feeling the cold. Your vet can advise on your pet's age, breed and health.

Choosing a dog coat

A good dog coat should fit snugly without rubbing, especially under the front legs, and should cover the back and chest. To size one:

• Measure back length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
• Measure chest girth around the widest part of the ribcage.
• Measure neck where a collar sits.

Compare those numbers with the size chart; letter sizes vary between brands. A waterproof outer with a fleece lining suits most UK walks. Make sure your dog can move, sit and go to the toilet normally, and check the fastenings work with their harness. Take the coat off indoors so they don't overheat.

Warm beds and resting spots

Older dogs and cats in particular appreciate a raised or well-padded bed away from draughts and cold floors. Bolster beds that let a pet curl up and lean against the sides are popular in winter. Self-warming beds and pads, which reflect a pet's own body heat, need no electricity. If you use an electrically heated pet pad, choose one designed for animals, with a chew-resistant cable and low surface temperature, and follow the instructions.

Paws, grit and salt

Rock salt and grit on pavements can irritate paws, and dogs may lick it off. After walks on gritted roads, wipe or rinse paws and the belly with lukewarm water and dry them. Check for cracks and cuts, and trim long fur between the pads where ice balls form. Some owners use a paw balm; ask your vet if your dog's pads are sore.

Being seen on dark walks

In winter, many walks happen before sunrise or after dark. A reflective or light-up collar, lead or harness helps drivers and cyclists see your dog, and a head torch or reflective jacket helps them see you. Rechargeable clip-on lights are inexpensive and easy to move between harnesses.

The big winter hazard: antifreeze

Antifreeze and some screenwash are extremely toxic to cats and dogs, and even small amounts can be fatal. Store them sealed and out of reach, clean up spills straight away, and check your car for leaks. If you think your pet has swallowed or licked antifreeze, contact a vet immediately, even if they seem fine.

Cats and cars

Outdoor cats often look for warmth, including under car bonnets. On cold mornings, knock on the bonnet or check under the car before starting the engine. Make sure your cat can get back indoors easily, and consider an indoor litter tray for older cats who don't like going out in bad weather.

Rabbits and guinea pigs

Outdoor hutches need extra protection in winter. Raise them off the ground, shield them from wind and rain with a cover that still lets air through, and add plenty of extra dry bedding, such as straw. Check water bottles at least twice a day, because they can freeze; insulated bottle covers or a spare bottle help. Guinea pigs are especially sensitive to cold and damp, and many owners move them into a well-ventilated shed or indoors for the coldest months. Never house animals where car exhaust fumes can build up.

Food, weight and exercise

Many pets are less active in winter and can gain weight, while very active outdoor dogs may burn more energy. Ask your vet before changing how much your pet eats, and adjust treats first. Indoor games, puzzle feeders and short training sessions keep dogs busy on days when long walks aren't practical.

Older pets and arthritis in cold weather

Cold, damp weather can make stiff joints more noticeable in older dogs and cats. You might see your pet slower to get up in the morning, reluctant to jump onto the sofa or into the car, or lagging on walks. Small changes help:

• Several shorter walks rather than one long one, keeping to softer, less slippery ground where you can.
• A thick, supportive bed away from draughts and cold floors, ideally one that's easy to step into rather than climb.
• Non-slip rugs or mats on laminate and tiled floors, where older pets often slip.
• Ramps or steps for getting into the car or onto a favourite chair.
• A coat on cold walks for thin-coated or older dogs, so muscles stay warm.
• Keeping weight in check, because extra weight puts more strain on joints.

Don't give pets human painkillers. Some common medicines are toxic to cats and dogs. If you notice stiffness, limping or changes in behaviour, talk to your vet, who can check for arthritis and suggest suitable treatment.

Fireworks season

Bonfire Night and New Year often bring fireworks, which many pets find frightening. Walk dogs before dark on busy nights, keep cats indoors with a litter tray, close curtains and put on the TV or radio to mask bangs. Give your pet a quiet den where they can hide, and don't force them out. Make sure microchip details are up to date, as frightened pets sometimes bolt. If your pet becomes very distressed every year, speak to your vet well before the next season about longer-term help.

Quick checklist

1. Decide whether your pet needs a coat, based on breed, age and health.
2. Measure for a snug-fitting coat.
3. Provide a warm, draught-free bed.
4. Wipe paws after gritted walks.
5. Add reflective or light-up gear for dark walks.
6. Store antifreeze safely.
7. Protect hutches and check water twice a day.

For a fuller guide to cold-weather care, including ice, heaters and signs a pet is too cold, read how to keep pets warm and safe in a UK winter.