You know your dog inside and out, their funny habits, what they love and hate, even their little facial expressions. But things change as they get older. Winter, especially, brings new challenges for senior dogs.

With colder weather and shorter days, it’s more challenging for them. Icy sidewalks, stiff joints, and even the salt on the ground can hurt their paws. As their pet parent, you're their best protection from the winter blues. Let's look at how to keep your senior dog happy all winter long.

Blankets & Senior Dogs

Blankets are great for keeping your dog warm! My dog loved being piled under a mountain of them. But if your dog has trouble getting around, make sure the blankets aren't a tripping hazard. If they drag their feet or have trouble turning, blankets might get in the way. And, they can easily fall off during the night, which can wake both of you up.

A soft crate covered with blankets can make a cozy den for your senior dog. If you use thick blankets and cover them completely, it'll trap their body heat and stay nice and warm inside.

Minimize Their Time in Extreme Cold

Senior dogs are more likely to get hypothermia or frostbite in freezing weather. The American Kennel Club confirmed that most dogs should stay inside when it's really cold.

If you can't keep your dog inside all the time, dress them in a warm sweater or coat. Dog booties can protect their paws, too. When you're out, watch out for icy patches and things like metal covers that get cold. 

Look for signs of hypothermia – shivering, being sluggish, or frostbite (blue or white skin) and pay close attention to their ears and tail, since those areas freeze easily. If it's too cold to go outside for a walk, try playing games inside – fetch down the hallway, hiding treats, or even teaching them some new tricks.

Make Your Home Dog-Friendly for Winter

To make your home winter-ready for your dog, consider a few simple adjustments to ensure their safety and comfort. Slippery floors can be a hazard, so place carpets, large rugs, or non-slip mats throughout your home, paying special attention to areas near entrances where snow might be tracked in. This provides a stable surface for your dog to walk on. 

If you have stairs, using a baby gate to block them off will prevent accidents when you're not able to supervise your dog directly.

Protect Their Paws From the Cold

Protecting your senior dog's paws from winter's challenging conditions is key. Ice, snow, and road salt can get stuck between their toes and on their paw pads, causing pain and damage. To help prevent this, it's a good idea to keep the hair between their toes trimmed short – even with the paw pads. This prevents ice from clumping on their coat and hurting their paws

Before you head out for a walk, put some eco-friendly paw balm on their paws. This protects them from salt, ice, and cold pavement, and it also helps keep their paw pads soft and moisturized. The balm helps heal any little cracks or dryness and eases any soreness.

When you get back inside, gently wipe your dog's paws with a warm, damp cloth. Make sure to clean between their toes and pads to get rid of any salt, dirt, or other stuff that might be stuck there. This prevents further damage to their paws, stops them from licking up anything harmful, and keeps your house clean too.

Pay Close Attention

Cold weather can make any health problems your senior dog has worse. Try to avoid lots of stairs – if you can, carry your dog up and down to protect their joints. Watch them closely for any signs of pain or discomfort.

It's always a good idea to talk to your vet about arthritis or joint problems, especially during winter. They can give you extra advice and resources to keep your dog comfortable.

Winter is a challenging time for everyone, but especially for senior dogs, and keeping them comfortable and pain-free requires extra care. We've discussed minimizing stairs, watching for signs of discomfort, and the importance of consulting your veterinarian. 

But did you know you can also proactively improve your senior dog's joint health and make this winter more comfortable with proper nutrition?

Introducing Mobility PetMix

A specially formulated supplement designed to support joint function and general health. Mobility PetMix features tart cherries, a natural source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce pain and stiffness often associated with arthritis and age-related joint problems. 

The cold weather worsens these problems, making this healthy recipe an especially valuable addition to your senior dog's winter care routine. Our blend also includes other key ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, all known to support joint health. 

Mobility PetMix, along with a healthy diet and gentle exercise, can help ensure your senior dog enjoys a healthy and active winter. Keep in mind that veterinary consultation is recommended to understand your dog's individual needs.

At Healthy Dogma, we're committed to helping you provide the best possible care for your beloved companion. We help pet owners across the United States find the best, real-ingredient nutrition and supplements for their pets. Not only have dogs struggling with serious illnesses gained additional months or years of life, but pets with common issues like poor digestion, hot spots, allergies, arthritis, and more have also benefited from Healthy Dogma's healthy dog food, supplements, premium treats, and chews.