Autumn–Winter Care for Pets: Helping Dogs and Cats Weather the Cold and Dry Air

How Dogs and Cats Change as the Seasons Shift

As autumn deepens and winter approaches, subtle but important changes begin to appear in the bodies of dogs and cats. Wider swings between daytime warmth and chilly mornings and evenings can aggravate joint pain and dry out the skin. Senior animals and short-haired breeds are especially vulnerable to the cold, and may need adjustments to the timing and length of their walks, as well as to their living environment.

In cats, a once–nimble climber who suddenly stops jumping onto the cat tower may be signaling the onset of arthritis. Indoors, heaters that keep humans comfortable can leave the air parched, setting the stage for itchy skin and other dermatologic trouble. A humidifier, along with small efforts to encourage more water intake, can make a meaningful difference.

Autumn and winter are, in many ways, the critical seasons for health management. This is the time to pay just a bit closer attention, so that you don’t miss the early, quiet signs of change in your dog or cat — and to offer the kind of everyday care that keeps them comfortable through the colder months.

Keeping Pets Warm: Simple Fixes at Home and on Daily Walks

As winter settles in, warmth becomes the first priority for household pets. Indoors, blocking the chill that seeps up from the floor can go a long way. Laying down carpets or pet mats helps insulate the space where animals actually sleep and lounge. For small dogs, who are prone to getting their bellies cold, a soft, fluffy blanket can be more than a comfort — it’s a layer of protection.

Senior dogs, in particular, benefit from a bit of planning around their time outdoors. Shifting walks to the warmer hours of the day and shortening outings on especially frigid days can strike a better balance between preventing overexposure to the cold and avoiding a lack of exercise.

For cats, the focus is often vertical. Favorite perches — a cat tower, a table, a windowsill — may become harder to reach as joints age or the cold stiffens movement. Placing a low chair or stool between the floor and those higher spots creates a “step” that softens the impact on joints and makes daily acrobatics more comfortable.

Skin Care and Diet in the Dry Season

Autumn and winter, when the air turns dry, are peak seasons for skin and coat troubles in dogs. Flaky, itchy skin, dandruff and a dull, brittle coat can all be signs that dryness is taking a toll. Cutting back on how often you bathe your dog, and choosing shampoos or grooming sprays with moisturizing ingredients, can help restore balance.

Diet plays a role, too. Foods or oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids can support the skin’s barrier from the inside out, adding a layer of “internal” hydration to complement what you do on the surface. The most effective strategy is a dual one: caring for the skin both “outside and in.”

At the same time, too much of a good thing can backfire. Over-brushing, especially with slicker brushes or tools designed to pull out loose undercoat, can irritate the skin and make existing problems worse. In dry months, a gentler touch often serves dogs best.

Seasonal Joys: Finding Warmth in the Colder Months

The cold months can make time with a dog feel even more precious. The crunch of fallen leaves underfoot and the crisp scent of winter air offer fresh stimulation for canine senses on everyday walks. Indoors, sharing a heated mat and simply relaxing together can turn into a small daily ritual of warmth and connection. Many cats, too, are devoted fans of a cozy hot mat.

Senior pets, however, require extra care. Lying in the same position for too long on a heated surface can lead to low-temperature burns, a risk that is easy to overlook. Winter-only wardrobes — charming sweaters, coats or seasonal accessories — can also add to the fun, especially when it comes to taking photos. Just be sure that any accessories are secure and not small enough to be swallowed.

By treating the cold not as an enemy but as a backdrop, families can turn autumn and winter into seasons of “warmth care” — tending both to the body and the bond they share with their animals.

In Closing: Warmth, Moisture and Affection

Caring for dogs and cats in autumn and winter comes down to three essentials: noticing subtle changes in their condition, protecting them from the cold and guarding against dryness. By fine-tuning the indoor environment, paying attention to diet and skin care, and building in extra moments of closeness, families can help their animals stay warm and comfortable through the season. It is the accumulation of these small, everyday efforts that shapes a healthy, happy winter.

Located in Tsukishima — a high-rise island neighborhood near Ginza in central Tokyo — our clinic aims to be a truly foreigner-friendly veterinary practice. We want international pet owners to feel welcome bringing us any concern, no matter how small, and we are continually working to make our services easier to access and understand.

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.anima-ah.com/