Winter Care for Pets in North India

Winters in the North Indian plains and hills are cold enough to matter, especially for short-coated dogs, puppies, seniors and any animal that sleeps outdoors.

Who needs a coat

Short-coated and thin breeds, small dogs, puppies, seniors and any dog with arthritis. Double-coated breeds generally do not, and over-dressing them causes overheating.

Bedding off the floor

Stone and tile floors pull heat out fast. Raise the bed and add a thick blanket. For outdoor dogs, a dry, draught-free shelter matters more than a warm one — wind and damp cause more suffering than cold air alone.

Seniors get stiffer

Arthritis pain reliably worsens in cold. Keep walks shorter but more frequent, and if your dog struggles to rise on cold mornings, ask your vet about pain management rather than assuming it is just age.

Heating hazards

Room heaters cause burns in pets that curl up too close, and coal or gas heaters in closed rooms are a carbon monoxide risk for animals sleeping at floor level. Keep ventilation and a barrier around any heat source.