Winter in the UK can be beautiful—but it also brings challenges for our pets. As temperatures drop, roads freeze, and days get darker, it’s important to take extra steps to keep our furry companions safe, warm, and healthy. At Place4Pets, the UK’s dedicated pet services directory, we’re passionate about helping owners find trusted sitters, groomers, walkers, trainers, and more. That’s why we’ve put together this expert winter safety guide to help protect your pets throughout the cold season.

Whether you’re a new pet owner or have years of experience, these practical tips will help ensure your keeping pets safe this winter—and if you need professional support, you can easily find local pet services on Place4Pets.co.uk.

Why Winter Pet Safety Matters

Cold weather poses risks such as frostbite, hypothermia, chemical exposure from grit salt, and reduced visibility during walks. Many pets struggle more in winter, including:

• Senior pets
• Pets with short fur
• Small dog breeds
• Cats that roam outdoors
• Puppies and young animals

Understanding these risks is the first step in protecting your animals—and preparing for a safe, cosy winter.

1. Keep Pets Warm with Proper Winter Gear

Just like us, pets feel the cold. Short-coated, elderly, or small dogs often benefit from:

• Insulated winter coats
• Waterproof jackets
• Thermal jumpers

Make sure any clothing fits comfortably and doesn’t restrict movement. Dry your pet thoroughly after wet or snowy walks to prevent chills.

2. Protect Paws from Ice, Salt, and Grit

Paw pads are sensitive, and winter can be tough on them. Road salt, ice-melting chemicals, and frozen ground can lead to cracks, irritation, and soreness.

How to protect your pet’s paws:

• Apply paw balm before walks
• Rinse and dry paws afterwards
• Trim fur between pads to prevent ice balls
• Consider dog boots for extra protection

If irritation occurs, seek advice from a local pet groomer or vet—many of whom can be found on Place4Pets.

3. Adjust Walk Times for Safety and Visibility

With darker mornings and evenings, visibility becomes a major safety concern.
To keep your dog safe:

• Use a high-visibility lead or harness
• Add a clip-on LED collar light
• Stick to well-lit paths
• Avoid icy pavements where possible

Dog walkers listed on Place4Pets.co.uk can also help maintain safe, regular walks during winter if you’re busy or travelling.

4. Keep Pets Away from Antifreeze

Antifreeze is highly toxic to pets, especially cats, and even a small amount can be fatal.

To keep your pets safe:

• Clean up any spills immediately
• Store antifreeze securely
• Avoid letting dogs drink from puddles
• If you suspect ingestion, call a vet immediately

Winter hazards are preventable with awareness and care.

5. Provide Extra Indoor Comfort

Cold weather means pets spend more time indoors, so make your home a warm retreat:

• Create cosy sleeping areas away from drafts
• Provide soft, warm bedding
• Increase indoor playtime to keep pets active
• Use pet-safe heating alternatives

If you’re travelling this winter, consider booking a reliable pet sitter, boarder, or home-visit service on Place4Pets to ensure your pet stays comfortable at home.

6. Keep Cats Safe Outdoors

Cats are naturally curious, but winter poses several dangers:

• Cars warming engines (cats hide inside wheel arches)
• Icy surfaces leading to slips
• Reduced visibility during darker evenings

Tips for cat safety:

• Check your car before driving
• Microchip and update details
• Provide litter trays indoors
• Offer cosy indoor spaces to reduce outdoor time

Find local cat sitters and behaviour specialists on Place4Pets if your cat needs extra support this winter.

7. Maintain Your Pet’s Winter Grooming Routine

Grooming is essential during winter—even though many owners skip it.
Regular grooming:

• Removes matting caused by wet fur
• Improves insulation
• Prevents skin problems
• Keeps paws healthy

Search qualified winter-ready pet groomers on Place4Pets.co.uk to help keep coats healthy and manageable.

8. Monitor Diet and Exercise Levels

Pets may burn more calories in colder weather, especially outdoor animals. Others may become less active indoors.
You may need to:

• Adjust portion sizes
• Add more enrichment activities
• Use slow feeders and puzzle toys
• Schedule indoor play sessions

Local pet nutritionists and trainers listed on Place4Pets can offer personalised advice.

Why Use Place4Pets This Winter?

Place4Pets is a UK-wide pet services directory designed to make pet ownership easier—especially in challenging seasons.
On Place4Pets you can:

🐾 Find trusted pet professionals
Search for sitters, walkers, groomers, boarders, vets, trainers and more.

🐾 Read user reviews
All reviews are moderated to ensure trust and reliability.

🐾 Contact providers directly
Arrange support quickly—perfect for winter emergencies or last-minute travel.

🐾 Browse for free
No account required unless leaving reviews.

Winter can be tough, but with the right support from local professionals, you can keep your pets healthy, safe, and happy throughout the season.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Pets Safe This Winter

By preparing for colder temperatures, darker days, and seasonal hazards, you can ensure your pets enjoy a safe and comfortable winter. Whether you need grooming, pet sitting, boarding, or dog walking help, Place4Pets connects you with trusted providers across the UK.

Explore the directory today at Place4Pets.co.uk and give your pet the safest winter yet.