How to Keep Dogs and Cats Warm This Winter: Heated Beds, Shelters and Draft-Proof Doors
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When the first cold snap hits, our pets feel it too, especially short-haired dogs, seniors, kittens and the stray cat who keeps showing up on the porch. A few simple upgrades make a big difference: somewhere warm to sleep, a way in and out that doesn't let the cold rush in, and a coat for the dogs who need one.
Winter warmth gear for dogs and cats
1A heated house for porch, garage and outdoor cats
If a neighborhood cat has picked your porch, or your own cat spends time in the garage, an insulated shelter with a low-wattage heated bed gives them somewhere warm and dry to ride out a cold night.
Put it against the house, out of the wind, with the door facing away from the weather. Raise it off the ground on a pallet or bricks so it doesn't sit in snow or puddles.
2An outdoor-rated heated pad for shelters and dog houses
A pad built for outdoor use has a chew-resistant cord and a thermostat that keeps it gently warm rather than hot. Slide it into a dog house, garage bed or existing shelter.
Only use pads that say they are made for outdoor use outside, and keep the cord tucked away from teeth.
3A self-warming pad for crates and beds (no cord)
Self-warming pads have a reflective layer that bounces your pet's body heat back to them, with no electricity. They're an easy upgrade for a crate, a favorite chair or the cold spot on a tile floor.
Cats especially love them; expect a fight over who gets it.
4An insulated dog door that keeps the cold out
A single-flap dog door lets in a steady draft all winter. Three-flap doors trap pockets of air between the flaps and seal much better, so your dog can come and go without the house cooling down.
Measure your dog's shoulder height and width before picking a size, and check that the door fits your door's thickness.
5A wall-mount pet door for homes where the door can't be cut
If you rent a home with a steel or glass door, a wall-mount door with three flaps and a steel frame is another route. It also comes with a cover to lock it at night.
Wall installs take more work, so many people hire a handyman for the cut.
6A winter coat for short-haired and small dogs
Thick-coated breeds often handle the cold fine, but short-haired, small, very young and senior dogs feel it fast. A waterproof coat with a warm lining keeps their body dry on wet walks.
See our dog winter gear guide for boots, sweaters and more.
What to look for
- Pet-made heat. Heated pads should have a thermostat or low-heat setting and a chew-resistant cord.
- Indoor vs outdoor rating. Only use outdoor-rated pads and shelters outside.
- A way to cool off. Pets should always be able to move off a heated surface.
- Insulation over heat. Blocking drafts and lifting beds off cold floors often helps as much as adding heat.
- Right size. Measure your pet for doors and coats; too big lets heat escape, too small is uncomfortable.
Quick winter checklist
- Move beds away from drafty doors and off cold tile.
- Wipe paws after walks on salted sidewalks.
- Keep walks shorter on freezing days.
- Never leave pets in a cold car.
- Give outdoor and porch cats a dry shelter out of the wind.
Frequently asked questions
How cold is too cold for a dog to be outside?
It depends on the breed, size, age and coat. Small, short-haired, very young and older dogs get cold much faster. Watch for shivering, lifting paws or wanting to go back in, and keep walks short in freezing weather. Your vet can give advice for your dog.
Are heated pet beds safe?
Pick pads made for pets, with a thermostat or low-heat setting and a chew-resistant cord, and follow the maker's instructions. Make sure your pet can move off the pad if they get too warm.
How do I help a stray cat in the cold?
A dry, insulated shelter out of the wind helps most. Straw is the classic bedding for unheated shelters because it stays dry; blankets and towels can hold moisture. A heated pad made for outdoor use adds warmth. Local rescue groups often run trap-neuter-return programs and can advise.
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