Home › Guides › Winter care for sighthounds in a cold snap
Cold snaps and winter storm warnings have been in the UK forecasts this November. For most dogs, a cold snap means a few extra minutes getting ready for walks. For sighthounds, it can mean more than that. Deerhounds and other sighthounds have lean bodies, thin coats in many cases and very little body fat to hold heat. They feel the cold quickly, and they may be less obvious about it than a stocky dog that starts to shiver.
This guide is general advice for owners. It is not a substitute for your vet’s advice, and it is worth speaking to your vet about your own dog’s health, age and weight before the coldest weeks.
Know how a sighthound feels the cold
A Deerhound has a wiry, weather-resistant coat, but it is not built for long periods standing still in wet, windy conditions. Many sighthounds have thin skin, a narrow chest and a lean frame. A dog like this can chill in a short time after a fast run, particularly when the coat is wet.
Watch for the signs that a dog is cold or uncomfortable. Shivering, a hunched posture, slowing down, lifting the paws or seeking warmth against you or a wall are all signs to head home. Pay attention to the dog’s ears and feet as well, because they can feel cold to the touch even when the body seems fine.
Warm coats and dry bedding
A well-fitted coat can help on the coldest walks. Choose one that covers the chest and the belly, and check that it does not rub at the front legs or restrict movement. Take it off when the dog is back indoors and dry the coat thoroughly, because a damp coat can keep the dog cold for longer.
At home, make sure the bed is off the cold floor and away from draughts. A raised bed with a warm blanket, placed away from an outside door, gives the dog a place to rest where it can stay warm. Check that the blanket is dry, because a damp bed will chill the dog during the night.
Shorter, more frequent walks
On cold days, several shorter walks are often better than one long outing. Keep the walks steady rather than letting the dog run flat out in icy conditions, because a fall on frozen ground can cause injury. Choose routes that are sheltered from the wind where possible, and avoid long periods of standing still in the cold.
If it is dark when you walk, use a light or a reflective collar and keep to well-lit paths. Sighthounds can be fast and quiet, so a visible lead and a clear view of the dog matter more on dark winter evenings.
Paws, ice and road salt
Paws take a lot of punishment in winter. Ice, snow, grit and road salt can irritate the pads and cause cracks or soreness. After each walk, wipe the feet with a damp cloth or warm water and check between the toes for grit or small stones. Dry the feet properly afterwards.
Keep an eye out for ice melt and antifreeze. Antifreeze is toxic to dogs and can smell sweet, so keep it out of reach and clean up any spills promptly. If you think a dog has been exposed, contact your vet straight away. Do not wait to see whether symptoms appear.
Food, water and body condition
Cold weather can change a dog’s energy needs. Some dogs need a little more food in winter, particularly if they spend time outside, but this depends on the individual. Do not change the diet without speaking to your vet, and avoid making large changes to the amount you feed without a plan.
Make sure fresh, unfrozen water is available at all times. Dogs can forget to drink in cold weather, and a dog that is not drinking enough can become unwell. Check the water bowl during the day and refill it if it has frozen.
Older dogs and those with joint problems may find the cold stiffens them. Ask your vet whether a supportive bed, a shorter walk or a change to pain relief would help during the coldest weeks.
Car journeys and time indoors
Never leave a dog in a parked car in cold weather unless it is safe and the car is kept at a comfortable temperature. A car can become very cold very quickly, and a sighthound can suffer if it is left in the cold for long. Keep journeys short and warm the car before the dog gets in.
When the dog is indoors, keep it away from direct heat sources, such as heaters and fires, which can cause burns. A warm room with a comfortable bed and a space to stretch is better than a crowded room with a lot of heat in one spot.
Winter checks before a cold snap
- Check that the dog’s collar and ID tag are secure and up to date, because a dog that slips its collar on an icy walk can be hard to find in the dark.
- Look at the coat, feet and skin for signs of irritation or cracks.
- Check that the bed is dry and away from draughts.
- Keep a dry towel and a warm coat by the door.
- Stock up on the dog’s usual food so you are not caught out by a bad forecast.
- Make sure you know the number of your nearest vet and their out-of-hours arrangements.
Key points
- Sighthounds feel the cold quickly, because they have lean bodies and little fat.
- Use a well-fitted coat on cold walks and dry it thoroughly afterwards.
- Choose shorter, steady walks on ice, and keep to lit paths in the dark.
- Clean and check the paws after walks, and keep antifreeze and ice melt out of reach.
- Keep water fresh and unfrozen, and speak to your vet about food and older dogs.
- Never leave a dog in a parked car in cold weather.
For related advice, see our guides to exercising a Deerhound and to choosing collars and harnesses for sighthounds.