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Senior Dogs and Winter

Senior Dogs and Winter
by
December 17, 2025
in Humane Education Column
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By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice Chair

With this last cold spell and snow, I noticed that my nine and a half year-old Gracie was moving about more carefully in the backyard. Although she loves exploring her territory, guarding it from potential intruders, she chose to scout her land quickly and then return to the door, ready to come in to be wrapped in a warm towel, rubbed down, and dried off.

It made me realize Gracie is now a senior dog and not as tolerant of winter conditions.

According to the ASPCA, “when temperatures dip into the twenties, it becomes risky for all dogs, regardless of their age. However, senior pets are particularly vulnerable to the cold. Unlike their younger counterparts who are more resilient, older pets have less tolerance for the cold and are at a higher risk of developing hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related illnesses and injuries.”

An older dog’s ability to regulate body temperature often weakens due to a slower metabolism. The immunization system is also likely to be less strong. These two conditions can make our canine seniors more susceptible to winter illnesses and increase the chances of heart, circulation, and respiratory issues.

Frigid weather can also be hard on old bones and joints. Dogs already dealing with arthritis and stiff joints are likely to become stiffer and achier. Pets who have shown no signs of arthritis may become stiff when it’s colder out. This stiffness may make them more likely to slide on ice, lose control, and injure themselves.

Exposure to extreme cold for too long can lead to hypothermia, and in the worst cases be fatal due to organ failure.

All dogs, no matter how thick their coats, can be susceptible to frostbite in sensitive areas of their body, such as paws, ears, nose, and tail. If those areas become wet, they are even more vulnerable to frostbite.

Winter can be tough for our senior pets, but there are ways to make it more comfortable for them.

Bundle them up when they go outside in dry, clean sweaters or water-proof coats that adequately cover their bodies without restricting movement.

If they will allow it, put on boots. If not, when they come in, clean their paws thoroughly, especially between the pads. Remember salt and other deicer compounds can harm paws, and if dogs lick their paws, there is a chance they could be poisoned.

Limit outdoor time. Shorten walks, and watch that they are not over-exerting. Clear paths for your seniors so they are not sliding on ice.

If your furry pals get wet, dry and warm them immediately by rubbing them down with warm towels from the dryer.

Check eyes and ears. Cold, dry weather can dry out eyes and in some breeds predisposed to eye irritation, cause cornea scarring. Low temperatures and high moisture can increase the incidence of ear infections. Keep ears clean and see a veterinarian if problems develop.

Inside give your senior buddies warm places to nestle. Add extra blankets to their beds, keep them clean and in a warm spot in the house but not near a space heater that could burn them or get knocked over causing a fire. Warming beds and heating pads are well-loved by many senior arthritic dogs.

Limiting outdoor time for your senior buddies and vigilantly observing them should prevent both hypothermia and frostbite.

Gracie’s advice for the wintertime is to find fun activities inside, provide extra snuggling and belly rub time, and keep a warm bed by the patio door because watching is almost like being outside.

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