How to take care of your pets in winter: A complete guide to shopping for your furry friend to keep them warm and safe

Is the winter chill bringing your pets down? Here are the perfect picks to keep them warm and healthy this winter.

Pets are like our babies; when winter sets in, they struggle with the cold just like we do. Have you ever noticed your furry friend shivering in the cold or burrowing into their blanket, reluctant to play or step outside? Like us, pets feel the harsh effects of the chilly weather, which can leave them vulnerable to conditions like hypothermia, dry skin, or even frostbite. Their usual energy might wane as they try to stay warm, seeking comfort in cosy spots around the house. Ensuring their well-being during winter requires extra attention, from providing proper bedding to safe heating options. You can help your pets stay snug, active, and happy throughout the cold months with a few thoughtful adjustments.

What are the risks pets face during winter?

Cosy winter vibes: Find the perfect solution to keep your pets warm during the cold season. (AI generated)

By Neha Ravi Khandelwal

Neha Khandelwal
Content Lead, HT Travel | Travel & Lifestyle Journalist
With over 10 years of content writing experience, Neha Khandelwal is a lifestyle journalist and the Content Lead at HT Travel. She specialises in destinations, hotels, aviation, luggage, travel gear, and practical guides that help readers plan smarter and travel better. Her work combines first-hand experience, expert insights, and extensive research to create stories that are informative, useful, and easy to follow.

Career Journey & Experience
Neha began her writing career as a freelance journalist in 2010 before entering mainstream media with The Times of India in 2022. She later joined Hindustan Times, where she has written extensively across travel, lifestyle, home, and consumer trends. Her professional background extends beyond journalism. Before moving into digital media full-time, she spent nearly a decade in interior design, managing residential projects from concept to execution. She also trained in visual merchandising with Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons and worked with women-led startups across design and operations. These experiences continue to shape her storytelling, especially in how she evaluates hotels, design-led stays, hospitality spaces, and travel experiences.

A naturally curious learner, Neha has completed beginner certifications in pottery, scuba diving, baking, creative writing, and other creative pursuits. She has read more than 2,000 books, trained in Bharatanatyam for 8 years, and ghostwritten a book on Ladakh tourism.

Subject Expertise
Travel is at the heart of Neha's work. She covers destinations, hotels, airlines, luggage, packing strategies, travel accessories, and emerging travel trends through a mix of reporting, product testing, and conversations with industry experts. A frequent traveller herself, she approaches every trip with a journalist's curiosity and a planner's mindset, focusing on experiences that readers can realistically recreate. From choosing the right cabin bag to decoding hotel openings and destination trends, her writing prioritises practical advice over promotional claims. Her background in interior design also gives her a distinct perspective on architecture, hospitality design, boutique hotels, luxury stays, and thoughtfully designed spaces.

Education & Professional Background
Neha holds a Master's degree in Interior Design. Her early experience in interior design, visual merchandising, and design operations gives her a unique understanding of aesthetics, functionality, and user experience, adding depth to her coverage of hotels, resorts, and travel spaces.

Editorial Philosophy
"As an avid, research-driven traveller, my goal is simple. To answer the questions you actually have before booking a trip. I cut through the promotional noise with honest reporting and expert insights. Making travel planning seamless, smart, and reliable so you always know where to go next."

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During the Indian winter, pets face risks such as hypothermia from chilly temperatures, frostbite on exposed areas like ears and paws, and dry, itchy skin due to lower humidity. Cold winds and damp environments can also cause discomfort. Reduced outdoor activity can impact their physical and mental health.

Pet friendly heaters

Keeping pets warm during winter often involves using heaters. However, traditional space heaters pose risks like burns and fire hazards. Pet-friendly heaters offer a safer alternative.

• Ceramic heaters are compact and equipped with safety features like tip-over protection. They distribute heat evenly and are suitable for pets of all sizes.
• Radiant heaters provide warmth directly to nearby objects and are great for pets with joint discomfort.
• Micathermic heaters heat quickly and evenly without exposed elements, making them safe for curious pets.

Safety tips:

• Always supervise pets around heaters.
• Place heaters out of reach and use models with safety features like automatic shut-off.
• Use a timer to prevent overheating.

Top recommendations for heaters:

Warm beds for pets

Comfortable bedding is vital for regulating a pet’s body temperature.

• Sherpa-lined beds are plush and retain heat well.
• Orthopaedic beds with heating elements cater to older pets and those with joint pain.
• Self-warming beds use the pet’s body heat for warmth, making them energy-efficient.
• Cosy caves and igloos appeal to cats and small dogs, offering warmth and security.

Top recommendations for warm animal beds:

Winter apparel for pets

Short-haired and small breeds often need extra warmth.

• Sweaters and coats help retain body heat.
• Boots protect paws from ice, snow, and harmful chemicals.
• Hoodies provide added warmth and style for pets comfortable with clothing.

Top recommendations for winter clothes for your pets:

Additional tips for keeping pets warm

• Add blankets to their beds.
• Limit outdoor time during extreme cold.
• Wipe paws after walks to remove ice and irritants if in snow prone areas.
• Adjust food portions to provide more calories for energy.
• Consult a veterinarian for pets with special health needs.

Caring for pets during winter requires thoughtful measures to address the season's challenges. With the right products and practices, you can ensure your furry friends stay warm, happy, and healthy throughout the colder months.

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Pet care in winter: FAQs

• How can I tell if my pet is too cold?

  Look for signs like shivering, curling up tightly, lifting their paws off the ground, or seeking warmth in unusual places. A cold pet may also appear lethargic or reluctant to go outside.

• Do pets need extra food during winter?

  Yes, pets may require slightly more calories in colder months to maintain their body heat, especially if they are active outdoors. Consult your veterinarian to adjust your diet appropriately.

• Is it safe to leave a heater on for pets?

  Pet-safe heaters with tip-over protection and automatic shut-off features are generally safe. However, it’s best to supervise pets around heaters and place them in a secure spot.

• What type of clothing is suitable for pets in winter?

  Sweaters, coats, and booties are ideal for short-haired or small breeds that are more sensitive to the cold. Always ensure the clothing fits well and allows freedom of movement.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

 

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