A Day In The Life of A Dog in Winter: A Pooch's Point of View

As a pup, winter is an interesting time of year for me. On the one paw, it means new smells, crunchy leaves, and a cosy time with my pet parents! But on the other paw, winter brings cold air and shorter days, which means that my daily routine in the winter can be a little different compared to the rest of the year.

So, from morning to evening, let me take you through my perfect day as a dog in winter, complete with some tips from the top dog (that’s me!) to help you humans make sure your furry friends are getting the care and comfort they deserve.  

Morning – Waking Up Warm 

In the winter, temperatures drop overnight, so when it comes to looking after a dog in cold weather, it’s important to make sure we wake up in a cosy, comfortable space. The room I sleep in is nice and warm, with a soft, insulated bed tucked away from any drafts. Raised beds and those with thermal layers are great for helping to retain heat and keep me warm all night!  

Waking up warm is especially important for my puppy, senior and short-haired friends who feel the cold more than I do. For older dogs in the cold, they can suffer from stiff joints and might need a little extra support in winter and time to stretch in the morning before heading outside.

Morning Walk – Braving the Chill 

Even in cold weather, a walk is still an important part of the day for us dogs. It gives us a chance to get some exercise and mental stimulation. But when walking dogs in the cold weather, there are a few precautions to take so we can make the most of it. 

Here are some of my tips for the paw-fect winter walk: 

• Paw protection – The ice, grit and other debris outside in winter can irritate our paws. After our walk, it’s important to check our paws and wipe away anything that could cause irritation. If your pup likes wearing boots, you can use these for extra protection! 

• Winter coat – For short-haired and small dogs in winter, a well-fitted coat or jumper can help them keep warm. Just remember to avoid anything too tight or restrictive that could be uncomfortable. 

• LED collars – With the darker winter mornings, reflective gear like an LED collar can help us and our humans stay visible and safe. 

• Shorter walks – If I’m shivering, lifting my paws, or am reluctant to walk, this is my way of telling you I’m feeling the chill. A shorter walk and an indoor play session can still give me enough exercise and mental stimulation in the winter.

Breakfast – Winter Nutrition

Now on to my favourite part of the morning, breakfast! The chilly days can affect our energy and appetite, so food becomes extra important for dogs in the cold weather. Active dogs may need some extra chow to keep their energy up, while those of us who aren’t as active may need less. But no matter what, it's important to keep an eye on our weight and energy levels to make sure we’re staying healthy and happy.

The warm indoor air from the heating can also make us feel thirstier, so don’t forget to keep fresh water within paws reach. On those colder mornings, my humans heat my wet food up a little to give me a bit more warmth to start my day. 

If you’re unsure of the right diet for your pup, it’s a good idea to check with other humans at a vet clinic. They can tell you about the right diet and portions to give your pup for their needs.

Afternoon – Indoor Activities

With shorter daylight hours, dogs in winter may spend more time indoors, but that doesn’t mean we should be bored. I like to keep myself busy by playing with my treat-dispensing puzzle toys, snuffle mats, or DIY scent games. 

My pet parents also use our indoor time to practice my skills and teaching me fun new tricks! This quality time helps my humans and I strengthen our bond, plus I get plenty of mental stimulation. 

After my midday play session, I often get a bit sleepy. I like to head to my calm space in the house to relax. For older dogs in winter, orthopaedic beds or warmed spots can offer extra support during winter to make sure they’re comfortable. As for me, I love napping in my safe space near the ADAPTIL Calm diffuser. It plugs into the wall and fills the air with calming messages, bringing me reassurance and comfort, no matter the season. 

Evening – Walk and Winding Down

Evening walks in winter can be peaceful, but also chilly and dark. When my humans and I go for a stroll, we stick to well-lit routes and keep it short if it’s icy or really cold. 

As the day draws to a close, I settle into my evening routine. I enjoy a meal, followed by some gentle grooming before cosying up on the sofa with my humans. 

And that’s the end of my paw-sitively lovely day as a dog in winter! These tips can help keep us happy and healthy through the colder months. For your own canine companion, remember to keep their routine engaging, and always be there to reassure them when they need it.

For more tips on caring for dogs in the cold weather, keep exploring the ADAPTIL blog online. Here you’ll find advice, more blogs from our resident pooches and other resources for pet parents. You can also sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with our latest posts.