Do Pets Feel the Cold Like We Do?
When winter hits, we adjust — longer showers, flannel sheets, maybe a quiet refusal to leave the house after 5pm. Our pets? They notice the change too.
Some handle the cold like champs. Others act like stepping on a frosty tile is a personal attack. So yes, pets do feel the cold. But how much they feel it depends on the animal.
Some pets were not built for winter
There are breeds that thrive in cold weather. And then there are breeds that shiver the moment a cloud rolls in.
Here’s a short list of pets who really don’t appreciate a temperature drop:
- Greyhounds & Whippets – fast, elegant, and basically wearing pyjamas
- Staffies – big hearts, thin coats
- Chihuahuas – all attitude, no insulation
- French Bulldogs – want the heater on, the jacket zipped, and to be carried
- Sphynx Cats – hairless and not happy about it
- Older pets – less fat, stiffer joints, and more reason to stay in bed
Coat thickness, body fat, age, and size all play a part. Small dogs and short-haired breeds lose heat fast. And pets with arthritis can feel colder, quicker.
Signs your pet’s over it
You don’t need to guess — most pets will show you when they’re not coping with the cold:
- Curled up tighter than usual
- Avoiding cold floors or shady spots
- Refusing to go outside (or rushing back in)
- Sleeping more
- Sitting suspiciously close to the heater
- Cold ears, paws or belly
And then there’s the classic: standing on three legs like the ground is lava. Drama, but also fair.
Indoor pets still need warmth
Just because your heater’s on doesn’t mean the floor’s warm. Tiles, floorboards, and draughty rooms can stay cold all day. If your pet sleeps in the laundry or under a window, it might be time to upgrade their bedding or shift them somewhere cosier.
Does your pet need a jacket?
If they’re short-haired, small, senior or recovering from illness — probably. Not every dog needs one, but for the ones that do, it’s not fashion. It’s comfort.
Pick something lightweight, snug, and easy to move in. And skip the novelty costumes — they’re funny, but not built for warmth.
Comfort affects behaviour
Cold pets aren’t just cold — they’re often cranky, restless, or slower to get moving. Joint pain flares up, skin can dry out, and low temperatures can make existing health issues feel worse.
If your pet’s suddenly acting off, limping more, or refusing their usual walk, don’t write it off as mood. The cold might be part of the problem.
The takeaway
Not every pet needs a jacket. But every pet needs warmth, comfort, and a bit of consideration in winter.
So if they’ve started choosing the bed over the backyard, or they’re spending more time next to the heater than you are — take the hint. Give them a warm place to sleep, keep walks short when it’s icy, and maybe hand over the good blanket.
They’d do it for you.
