Winter Care for Dogs and Cats: Signs Your Pet Needs Extra Support
Cold mornings, damp weather and shorter days can make existing changes in mobility, energy, digestion and general wellbeing much easier to notice. Here is how to recognise when your dog or cat needs a little extra support this winter.
There is something very familiar about winter in a home with animals. The dog suddenly claims the warmest patch of sun, the cat moves closer to the heater, and everyone seems rather reluctant to leave a comfortable bed in the morning.
A little seasonal slowing down is not necessarily a concern. But winter can also make underlying changes in your pet’s joints, skin, digestion, energy and comfort more obvious.
I often hear from people who first notice that their dog is hesitating on the stairs once the weather turns cold, or that their older cat has quietly stopped jumping onto a favourite chair. Sometimes the change is subtle enough to be dismissed as age, laziness or simply disliking winter.
The truth is that pets rarely tell us they need support in obvious ways. More often, they tell us through small changes in movement, behaviour, appetite, grooming and their usual daily routines.
Cold weather can make existing concerns more noticeable, but persistent stiffness, lethargy, coughing, digestive changes or loss of appetite should never automatically be blamed on winter or old age.
1. Your dog or cat is moving more slowly than usual
Reduced mobility is one of the most common changes people notice during winter, particularly in senior pets, large dogs and animals already experiencing joint changes.
It might begin with something small: your dog takes an extra moment to stand up, chooses not to jump into the car or no longer follows you upstairs quite so enthusiastically.
Cats can be even more difficult to read. They rarely make a fuss about discomfort and often adapt their routines so quietly that the change is easy to miss.
Signs to watch for in dogs
- Taking longer to rise after resting.
- Hesitating before using stairs.
- Slowing down on walks.
- Difficulty getting into the car.
- Slipping on tiles or floorboards.
- Avoiding the couch or bed.
- Stopping more frequently during exercise.
- Licking a particular leg or joint.
Signs to watch for in cats
- Jumping less often or choosing lower surfaces.
- Using several smaller jumps instead of one.
- Hesitating before entering the litter tray.
- Sleeping in less elevated locations.
- Becoming sensitive around the hips or back.
- Grooming less thoroughly.
- Developing a matted coat near the hindquarters.
- Withdrawing from normal play or interaction.
Cold weather does not create arthritis overnight, but reduced activity, long periods of rest and cold floors can make existing stiffness and mobility changes feel more noticeable.
If you would like a more detailed explanation of joint changes, you can also read our guide to dog arthritis symptoms, treatment and natural joint support .
Place a thick, supportive bed away from cold tiles, outside doors and draughts. Add a non-slip mat beside the bed so your pet can stand without their feet sliding underneath them.
What kind of joint support may be helpful?
Different products support different parts of your pet’s mobility and comfort.
Mobility Joint Support provides daily nutritional support for joints, cartilage and connective tissue, with hydrolysed collagen, rosehips, turmeric, ginger and Australian beef bone broth powder.
Joint Support provides targeted herbal support for normal joint function, circulation, flexibility and comfortable everyday movement.
Pain Support offers additional herbal support for everyday comfort, relaxation and mobility.
Persistent limping, reluctance to move or obvious pain needs veterinary assessment. Supplements can complement a broader wellbeing plan, but they do not replace prescribed pain relief or veterinary treatment.
2. Your pet looks stiff after sleeping or resting
A pet that struggles for the first few steps after getting out of bed, then appears to loosen up as they move, may be showing signs of joint or muscle discomfort.
This can become more obvious in winter because pets tend to spend longer resting and may be less active overall.
The important thing is not to mistake that initial improvement after walking for proof that everything is fine. A pet can still be uncomfortable even if movement gradually becomes easier.
Begin winter walks with a gentle warm-up
Avoid taking a stiff dog directly from a warm bed into fast running, sharp turns or repeated ball chasing.
Start with five to ten minutes of slow, relaxed walking. Let your dog sniff, move at their own pace and gradually warm up before increasing activity.
For cats, encourage gentle movement with low toys, short food trails and easy access to favourite resting places. A stable step or ramp can be much kinder than expecting an older cat to make a large jump.
Several short periods of comfortable movement throughout the day are often more manageable than one long walk or a sudden burst of strenuous activity.
3. Your pet is sleeping more or seems less interested in life
Most of us understand the appeal of a winter sleep-in. However, there is a difference between enjoying an extra hour in a warm bed and becoming noticeably less engaged with normal daily life.
Changes worth paying attention to include:
- Sleeping considerably more than usual.
- Showing less interest in walks or favourite toys.
- Taking longer to respond when called.
- Falling behind during exercise.
- Hiding, withdrawing or avoiding interaction.
- Appearing weak, flat or unusually quiet.
- Eating less or becoming more selective with food.
- No longer greeting family members as usual.
Reduced movement can also create a frustrating cycle: the less a pet moves, the more muscle strength they may lose. Weaker muscles provide less support for the joints, which can make movement feel more difficult again.
For older dogs and cats experiencing several age-related changes, Seniors Support provides broad herbal support for healthy ageing, vitality, cognitive function, circulation and general wellbeing.
If your pet seems suddenly or persistently lethargic, please arrange a veterinary check. Pain, anaemia, heart disease, kidney concerns, thyroid changes and other medical conditions can initially look like ordinary winter tiredness.
Is your pet simply enjoying a warmer, quieter day, or are they no longer interested in activities that normally make them happy? A meaningful change in their usual personality or enthusiasm deserves attention.
4. Your pet is seeking heat or appears unusually cold
Curling up in a sunny spot is normal. Shivering indoors, refusing to move away from a heater or seeming uncomfortable despite being inside may suggest that your pet needs more help staying warm.
Animals that may feel the cold more readily include:
- Senior dogs and cats.
- Very young puppies and kittens.
- Small or short-coated breeds.
- Underweight animals.
- Pets with reduced mobility.
- Animals recovering from illness or surgery.
- Pets with certain hormonal or metabolic concerns.
How to keep your pet warm safely
Offer a soft, supportive bed away from cold floors and draughts. Raised beds or thick bedding can provide useful insulation, especially in homes with tiles or floorboards.
A properly fitted coat can help a short-haired, elderly or thin dog during outdoor walks. Check that the coat does not rub behind the front legs or restrict shoulder movement, and remove it promptly if it becomes wet.
Only use heating products specifically designed for pets. Choose a low-temperature or thermostatically controlled option with a protected cord, and always make sure your pet can move away from the heat.
Never place a hot-water bottle directly against your pet’s skin, and do not leave one with an animal that may chew or puncture it.
Older pets, animals with reduced sensation and pets that cannot reposition themselves easily are particularly vulnerable to overheating or burns.
5. Your pet is gaining weight during winter
Winter weight gain can happen surprisingly quickly when walks become shorter, outdoor play decreases and extra treats somehow find their way into the daily routine.
Even a small amount of excess weight can place additional pressure on the joints and make movement more difficult, particularly for a dog or cat already experiencing stiffness.
Check body condition, not just the scales
As a general guide, you should usually be able to feel your pet’s ribs without pressing through a thick layer of fat, see a waist from above and notice a gentle abdominal tuck from the side.
Breed, body shape and medical history all matter, so ask your veterinarian to assess your pet’s ideal body condition if you are unsure.
To help prevent winter weight gain:
- Measure meals rather than estimating portions.
- Include treats in your pet’s total daily food allowance.
- Use part of their normal meal for enrichment games.
- Choose smaller rewards during training.
- Maintain gentle, regular movement.
- Monitor weight every two to four weeks.
- Adjust feeding gradually if exercise levels have changed.
Hide a few small pieces of your pet’s normal food around one room or use them for a short training session. Your pet still enjoys the reward while gaining gentle movement and mental stimulation.
6. Your pet is licking more, or their skin and coat have changed
Increased licking is not always an allergy, and it is not always boredom. Sometimes a dog repeatedly licks a particular paw or joint because the area is uncomfortable.
Other possibilities include dry skin, trapped moisture, irritation between the toes, a hidden wound, environmental sensitivities or changes in the skin’s normal microbial balance.
Common winter skin changes
- Dry or flaky-looking skin.
- A dull or untidy coat.
- More noticeable matting.
- Red or irritated paws.
- Dampness inside skin folds.
- A stronger skin or ear odour.
- Repeated licking or chewing.
Simple things that can help
- Dry paws thoroughly after wet walks.
- Check between the toes and paw pads.
- Keep bedding clean and dry.
- Brush gently and regularly.
- Avoid strongly fragranced human shampoos.
- Check skin folds for trapped moisture.
- Ask your veterinarian about persistent irritation.
If your pet is experiencing ongoing skin sensitivity, Skin Allergy Support may be considered as part of a broader skin and wellbeing routine.
If you are noticing itchy paws, ear odour or persistent dampness within skin folds, our guide to yeast concerns in dogs explains some of the patterns worth discussing with your veterinarian.
Skin that is red, hot, swollen, painful, weeping or strongly odorous may need prompt assessment. Repeated licking of one joint or paw should also be investigated rather than simply covered up or ignored.
7. Your pet’s digestion seems unsettled
Winter itself does not automatically cause digestive problems. However, seasonal changes in activity, water intake, diet and routine can all influence how comfortably your pet’s digestive system is functioning.
Some pets drink less when the weather is cooler. Others receive more table food, spend longer indoors or become less active, which can contribute to changes in normal bowel habits.
Signs to keep an eye on include:
- Increased wind or noisy digestion.
- Changes in stool consistency.
- Constipation or straining.
- Reduced appetite.
- Grass eating or lip licking.
- Licking floors, carpets or furniture.
- Increased sensitivity to new foods.
- Mucus in the stool.
Try to maintain consistent meal times, introduce dietary changes gradually and make fresh water easily available in several locations.
Probiotic Gut Support combines probiotics, prebiotic inulin, bovine colostrum, papaya, Australian beef and bone broth powder to support normal digestive function and a balanced gut environment.
A small amount of comfortably warm water mixed through your pet’s normal meal can make food more appealing and help increase moisture intake, provided it suits your pet’s individual dietary needs.
Ongoing vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort, repeated constipation or refusal to eat should be assessed by your veterinarian.
8. Your pet seems sensitive to winter air or indoor heating
During winter, many homes become more enclosed, with heaters running and less fresh air circulating. Dust, fireplace smoke, scented candles, aerosol sprays and dry indoor air can all make the environment feel less comfortable for sensitive pets.
A mild, occasional throat-clearing sound after excitement is very different from persistent coughing, noisy breathing or difficulty getting comfortable.
Supportive steps at home include:
- Keeping living areas well ventilated.
- Reducing exposure to smoke and strong fragrances.
- Keeping bedding clean and free from excessive dust.
- Avoiding direct exposure to heater vents.
- Using a well-fitted harness instead of pressure on the neck where appropriate.
- Seeking veterinary advice if coughing becomes recurrent or persistent.
Immune Support provides herbal support for normal immune function, everyday resilience and general wellbeing during seasonal or environmental changes.
Throat and Lung Support provides herbal support for normal respiratory function, throat comfort and airway wellbeing.
Laboured breathing, open-mouth breathing in a cat, blue or pale gums, collapse, marked weakness or a cough that is persistent or worsening requires prompt veterinary attention.
9. Your pet seems restless, bored or emotionally flat
Winter can change nearly every part of a pet’s normal routine. Walks may be shorter, outdoor play may disappear for a few days, and there is often less variety in their environment.
Some pets respond by pacing, following you everywhere, barking more or struggling to settle. Others become unusually quiet, withdrawn or less interested in interaction.
Possible signs include:
- Pacing or difficulty relaxing.
- Increased vocalisation.
- Following family members constantly.
- Destructive chewing or scratching.
- Repeated licking.
- Waking during the night.
- Clinginess or increased sensitivity to noise.
- Hiding or appearing unusually flat.
Try to keep meals, walks, toileting breaks and quiet play at reasonably consistent times. Predictability can be especially helpful for older animals and pets that are sensitive to changes in routine.
Stress Support is designed to support calm behaviour, relaxation and emotional balance when your pet’s usual routine feels a little unsettled.
Divide part of your pet’s normal meal between several small pet-safe bowls and place them around one room. Keep everything easy to reach for older pets so the game stays enjoyable and gentle.
A warm winter meal can be both comforting and practical
One of my favourite simple winter suggestions is to make meals a little warmer and more inviting, especially for older dogs and cats that are moving more slowly on cold mornings.
That does not mean using ordinary supermarket gravy or heavily seasoned stock. Many products made for people contain onion, garlic, excessive salt or other ingredients that are not suitable for pets.
My favourite winter gravy tip
Mix the recommended amount of Mobility Joint Support with a small amount of warm, not boiling, water.
Stir until smooth and pour it over your pet’s normal meal. The Australian beef and bone broth create a comforting gravy while providing daily nutritional support for joints and connective tissue.
Shop Mobility Joint SupportAny broth offered to a dog or cat should be free from onion, garlic, artificial sweeteners and excessive salt. Remove excess fat, especially for pets with a history of pancreatitis, and never feed cooked bones.
Check ingredient suitability carefully if your pet has a beef allergy, requires a restricted diet or takes medication.
Which Natural Pet Supplements products may help during winter?
The best option depends on what has changed for your pet. An older dog struggling with stiffness may need a different type of support from a cat experiencing digestive changes or a pet that becomes unsettled when their routine changes.
Mobility Joint Support
Daily nutritional support for joints, cartilage, connective tissue and comfortable movement, with collagen, rosehips, turmeric, ginger and Australian beef bone broth.
Best suited to: Dogs and cats needing everyday nutritional joint support, especially when winter mornings feel a little slower.
Joint Support
Targeted herbal support for normal joint function, healthy circulation, flexibility and ease of movement, with turmeric, devil’s claw, gotu kola and ginger.
Best suited to: Pets that appear stiff after resting or need additional support for comfortable everyday mobility.
Pain Support
Herbal support for everyday comfort, relaxation, circulation and movement, formulated with traditionally used herbs including corydalis, turmeric and cramp bark.
Best suited to: Pets needing additional comfort support as part of a broader veterinary-informed care plan.
Seniors Support
Broad daily herbal support for healthy ageing, vitality, cognitive function, circulation, normal mobility and general wellbeing in older dogs and cats.
Best suited to: Senior pets experiencing several age-related changes rather than one isolated concern.
Immune Support
Herbal support for healthy immune function, everyday resilience, general vitality and wellbeing during seasonal or environmental changes.
Best suited to: Dogs and cats needing additional everyday wellbeing support during changes in season, routine or environment.
Throat and Lung Support
Herbal support for normal respiratory function, throat comfort and everyday airway wellbeing, with traditionally used herbs including mullein, marshmallow and thyme.
Best suited to: Pets needing general respiratory and throat support during seasonal or environmental changes.
Probiotic Gut Support
Daily digestive support with probiotics, prebiotic inulin, bovine colostrum, papaya and Australian beef bone broth to support normal gut function and microbial balance.
Best suited to: Pets needing extra digestive and gut wellbeing support when food, activity or seasonal routines change.
Stress Support
Gentle herbal support for calm behaviour, relaxation, emotional balance and general wellbeing during changes in routine or environment.
Best suited to: Pets that become restless, unsettled or more sensitive when winter reduces their usual activity and stimulation.
Always follow the directions for each product and check with your veterinarian before combining supplements with prescription medication or using them for a pet with a diagnosed medical condition.
Extra care is important with blood-thinning medication, blood-pressure medication, sedatives, diabetes, upcoming surgery and ingredient sensitivities.
Real pets, real experiences
Every pet is different, but it is always lovely to hear how thoughtful daily support can fit into the lives of older dogs and cats.
Danika shared that her almost 16-year-old cat continued doing well and remained active and agile with Seniors Support as part of the daily routine.
Danika Seniors Support
Karen noticed her older dog was repeatedly licking around the ankle and introduced Pain Support alongside practical changes at home.
Karen Pain Support
Scott shared that his Dobermann uses both Joint Support and Mobility Joint Support as part of an everyday mobility and comfort routine.
Scott Joint Support + Mobility Joint SupportIndividual experiences vary. The right support for your pet depends on their age, health history, veterinary advice and individual needs.
Frequently asked questions about winter care for dogs and cats
Do dogs and cats really feel the cold?
Yes. Senior pets, small breeds, short-coated animals, underweight pets and animals with reduced mobility may be especially sensitive to cooler temperatures. Shivering, seeking heaters, curling tightly or refusing to leave a warm bed can suggest your pet needs additional warmth.
Why does my older dog seem stiffer in winter?
Winter can make existing joint or muscle changes more noticeable because pets often move less, rest for longer periods and spend more time on cooler surfaces. A supportive bed, non-slip flooring, gentle warm-up walks and appropriate joint support may all help maintain comfort.
Persistent stiffness or limping should be assessed by your veterinarian.
How can I tell if my cat is uncomfortable?
Cats often show discomfort through subtle changes rather than obvious limping. Watch for reduced jumping, changes in litter-tray use, less grooming, irritability when touched, hiding or difficulty reaching favourite resting places.
Should I still walk my dog during winter?
Most dogs benefit from regular movement during winter, provided the exercise suits their age, health and mobility. Several shorter walks, a gentle warm-up and walking during the warmer part of the day can be more comfortable than one long outing.
Stop and seek advice if your dog is limping, struggling to keep up or showing obvious discomfort.
Is warm bone broth safe for dogs and cats?
A small amount of pet-safe bone broth may be suitable if it contains no onion, garlic, artificial sweeteners or excessive salt. Serve it warm rather than hot, remove excess fat and check that it suits your pet’s medical and dietary requirements.
Never feed cooked bones.
Can I make Mobility Joint Support into a warm gravy?
Yes. Mix the recommended amount with a small quantity of warm, not boiling, water and stir until smooth. Pour the gravy over your pet’s normal meal.
This can be a particularly appealing way to provide daily joint nutrients during cooler weather.
Can Joint Support and Mobility Joint Support be used together?
They provide different types of support. Mobility Joint Support focuses on nutritional support for cartilage, joints and connective tissue, while Joint Support provides concentrated herbal support for normal mobility, circulation and joint function.
Check individual directions and ask your veterinarian before combining products if your pet takes medication or has a diagnosed health condition.
Is Seniors Support only for dogs?
No. Seniors Support is formulated for both older dogs and cats and provides broad herbal support for healthy ageing, vitality, cognitive function and general wellbeing.
Can winter affect my pet’s digestion?
Seasonal changes in activity, water intake, treats and feeding routines can influence digestion. Maintaining consistent meals, encouraging hydration and considering appropriate probiotic support may help maintain normal gut wellbeing.
maintain normal gut wellbeing.Ongoing vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in the stool or refusal to eat requires veterinary attention.
Should my dog wear a coat?
A well-fitted coat can be useful for short-haired, small, elderly or underweight dogs during cold outdoor walks. It should allow normal shoulder movement, remain dry and be removed if your dog becomes uncomfortable or overheated.
Can indoor heating affect my pet?
Heated indoor environments may feel dry or stuffy, particularly when windows remain closed. Try to maintain reasonable ventilation, avoid direct heater exposure and reduce smoke, aerosols and strong fragrances around sensitive pets.
Is fish oil useful during winter?
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, can provide nutritional support for skin, joints and healthy inflammatory processes. Choose a suitable product and ask your veterinarian about the right amount for your pet.
Cod-liver oil is different from ordinary fish oil and may provide excessive vitamins A and D if used incorrectly.
What if my dog is licking one joint repeatedly?
Repeated licking of one joint, paw or leg can be associated with discomfort, irritation, injury or a skin problem. Inspect the area for swelling, redness, heat, broken skin or sensitivity and arrange a veterinary examination if the behaviour continues.
When should I worry about a cough during winter?
A new, persistent or worsening cough should be discussed with your veterinarian, particularly if your pet is older, has a heart condition, becomes tired easily or shows any change in breathing.
Laboured breathing, collapse, pale gums or open-mouth breathing in a cat requires urgent veterinary attention.
A simple daily winter wellness routine
Supporting your pet through winter does not need to become complicated. Small, consistent changes often make the biggest difference.
Your everyday winter care checklist
- Provide a warm, supportive bed away from cold floors and draughts.
- Encourage several short periods of gentle movement throughout the day.
- Begin walks slowly so muscles and joints have time to warm up.
- Use non-slip mats, ramps or stable steps where needed.
- Measure meals and monitor body condition as activity levels change.
- Add a little comfortably warm water or suitable pet-safe gravy to meals.
- Dry paws, coats and skin folds thoroughly after wet outings.
- Include simple indoor enrichment on days when outdoor activity is limited.
- Watch for changes in mobility, appetite, grooming, breathing and behaviour.
- Seek veterinary advice promptly when something does not seem right.
When should winter changes be checked by a veterinarian?
Please do not assume a concerning change is simply caused by the weather. Early assessment can help identify a problem before it becomes harder to manage.
- Sudden or significant lethargy.
- Persistent limping or reluctance to move.
- Difficulty standing or bearing weight.
- Laboured breathing or persistent coughing.
- Loss of appetite or repeated vomiting.
- Ongoing diarrhoea, constipation or blood in the stool.
- A noticeable increase in thirst or urination.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Red, swollen, painful or weeping skin.
- Sudden behavioural changes or confusion.
- Weakness, collapse or pale gums.
Breathing difficulty, collapse, severe weakness and inability to stand should be treated as urgent.
Winter may make your pet a little more inclined to sleep in, but it should not stop them enjoying food, family time, comfortable movement and the little things that make up their normal day.
With warmth, thoughtful exercise, sensible nutrition and support that suits their individual needs, most dogs and cats can remain comfortable, engaged and very much part of family life throughout the colder months.
References and further reading
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Global Nutrition Guidelines.
Written by Erin Follington
Erin is the founder of Natural Pet Supplements Australia and is passionate about helping dogs and cats feel their best through thoughtful daily care, natural ingredients and practical wellbeing support.
Drawing on her experience with animals, herbal formulations and nutrition, Erin creates Australian-made supplements designed to support pets through every stage of life.
Important: This article provides general educational information and does not replace veterinary diagnosis, treatment or advice. Supplements are intended to support normal health and wellbeing and should not be used as a substitute for appropriate veterinary care.
