When it comes to how to keep dogs warm in winter, most pet parents worry about one thing: the cold. But winter brings a second challenge many forget about - helping dogs stay warm without overheating indoors. 

The good news? With the right routine, food choices, and practical winter habits, you can keep your dog cozy, safe, and healthy throughout the season, while naturally supporting their immune system with warming superfoods like pumpkin, banana, and sweet potato.

Let’s walk through the complete Soopa guide on how to keep dogs warm in winter.

1. Understand How Dogs Regulate Heat in Winter

Before you can fully understand how to keep dogs warm in winter, it helps to know how dogs actually stay warm.
Dogs regulate temperature through:

• Movement

• Brown fat (heat-producing fat)

• Muscle activity

• Digestive warmth after eating

• Insulation from their fur

Smaller breeds, senior dogs, puppies, and dogs with shorter coats burn through warmth faster. That’s why winter routines, from feeding to walking, matter more than ever.

2. Create a Cozy Sleeping Setup (But Not Too Hot)

Your dog’s bed is the heart of winter warmth.
Here’s how to keep it perfectly cozy:

• Choose a high-walled bed or donut bed that traps heat.

• Lift the bed off tiled floors using a mat or rug.

• Keep beds away from drafts, doors, and radiators.

Many owners place beds too close to heaters, thinking this is how to keep dogs warm in winter, but overheating can cause dehydration, restlessness, and hot spots on their skin. Aim for balanced warmth.

3. Wrap Up Smartly for Outdoor Walks

Short-coated or small dogs often need a jumper or jacket on cold walks. Think of it as your dog’s winter coat — lightweight but insulating.

Winter walking essentials:

• Fleece or padded jacket

• Paw balm to prevent cracks

• Reflective gear for dark mornings

• Waterproof layers for rain

4. Build Warmth from the Inside Out With Nutrition

One of the simplest ways to master how to keep dogs warm in winter is through warming foods. Digesting food naturally raises body temperature, especially fibre-rich fruits and vegetables.

Add gentle warming foods like:

• Pumpkin

• Sweet potato

• Carrot

• Banana

• Oats

• Warm water mixed into kibble

Soopa Products that Support Winter Warmth:

• Soopa Healthy Bites (Banana & Peanut Butter) – warming, full of fibre and vitamin C

• Soopa Carrot & Pumpkin Dental Sticks – perfect after a cold walk

• Soopa Sweet Potato Sticks – comforting, low-fat, gentle for digestion

These ingredients also boost immunity — essential for winter months. Read our guide on What to Feed Dogs in Winter here.

5. Maintain a Balanced Indoor Temperature

A crucial part of how to keep dogs warm in winter is managing indoor heating the right way.

Aim for consistent temperatures between 18°C and 21°C indoors.

Avoid:

• Blasting radiators

• Letting dogs sleep pressed against heaters

• Switching heating on/off drastically throughout the day

Dogs thrive on stability — in routines, feeding, and room temperature.

 6. Use Winter-Appropriate Grooming Habits

Grooming plays a surprising role in warmth.

• Don’t shave your dog’s coat in winter — it removes insulation.

• Brush regularly to remove matting (mats reduce warmth).

• Keep fur dry — damp fur pulls heat away from the body.

After rainy walks, towel dry thoroughly and follow up with a small recovery treat, like a Soopa Healthy Bite, to pair warmth with routine.

 7. For Rainy Days: Warmth Through Movement

Many owners ask how to keep dogs warm in winter on days when walks are shortened due to rain.
The answer? Movement + mental stimulation.

Indoor warm-up activities:

• Snuffle mats with Soopa Bites

• Small training sessions

• Hide-and-find the treat

• DIY obstacle course with pillows

This keeps dogs warm, mentally enriched, and less restless.

8. Support Senior Dogs With Extra Warmth

Older dogs struggle more in winter. Their joints stiffen, circulation slows, and temperature regulation weakens.

To keep senior dogs warm in winter, you can:

• Use orthopedic beds

• Add warm water to meals

• Offer joint-friendly superfoods (pumpkin, carrot, banana)

• Keep indoor drafts sealed

• Shorten walking time but walk more often

Soft, easy-chew treats like Soopa Senior-friendly Dental Sticks are ideal after outdoor walks.

9. Avoid Overheating: The “Too Warm” Signs

In your mission to learn how to keep dogs warm in winter, it’s equally important to avoid overheating.

Watch for:

• Panting indoors

• Restlessness

• Moving away from heat sources

• Warm ears or belly

• Excess shedding

If this happens, turn heating down slightly or move their bed to a cooler area.

10. Sample Winter Warmth Routine for Dogs

7:00 AM — Wake up gently, morning cuddle
7:15 AM — Winter walk + jacket
7:45 AM — Breakfast + warm water + Soopa Healthy Bite
12:00 PM — Indoor enrichment with Soopa Bites
4:00 PM — Short warm walk, avoid wind exposure
6:00 PM — Warm dinner + Soopa Pumpkin Dental Stick
8:00 PM — Cozy bed setup + gentle grooming

Following this routine would create the perfect morning routine for your dog.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to keep dogs warm in winter is about balance — warmth, nutrition, movement, and comfort. With the right habits, your dog will feel energized, calm, and protected all season long.

And by choosing natural superfood treats like Soopa Healthy Bites and Soopa Dental Sticks, you’re not just warming their body,  you’re supporting their immunity, digestion, and daily wellbeing.

A warm dog is a happy dog.
A nourished dog is a healthy dog.
And winter can be one of the coziest, happiest seasons they experience!

FAQs About How to Keep Dogs Warm in Winter

Q: Should dogs wear coats in winter?
Yes — especially small breeds, thin-coated dogs, senior dogs, or puppies.

Q: What foods help dogs stay warm?
Pumpkin, banana, carrot, and sweet potato are natural warming foods. Soopa treats use these superfoods.

Q: How warm should my house be for my dog?
Between 18°C–21°C is ideal.

Q: How do I keep my dog warm after a wet walk?
Dry thoroughly, offer a warming snack (like Soopa Bites), and avoid drafts.

Q: Can dogs overheat indoors in winter?
Yes — watch for panting or restlessness and avoid placing beds right next to heaters.