You don't need a heated bed or a higher heating bill to keep your dog or cat comfortable through winter. At MikeOrphan, the pet products we carry are chosen with exactly this in mind: simple, affordable upgrades that make a real difference in how warm and settled a pet feels at home. Here are 7 ways to do it, starting with the change that makes the biggest difference.
1. Upgrade Their Bedding With a Warm, Washable Blanket
The single easiest change you can make is swapping in a proper flannel pet blanket. A thickened, soft blanket traps body heat far better than a thin towel or bare dog bed, and an anti-slip backing means it stays put on sofas, cushions, and hardwood floors, protecting your furniture at the same time it keeps your pet warm.
2. Keep Their Sleeping Area Off the Floor
Cold air settles low, so a bed or blanket placed directly on tile or hardwood will always feel colder than one raised even a few inches. If your pet has a favorite floor spot, layer a thick blanket underneath to create a heat barrier.
3. Protect Paws and Coats on Walks
Short-haired breeds and older dogs lose heat quickly outdoors. Keep walks shorter in extreme cold, dry paws thoroughly after time outside, and check for ice buildup between paw pads, which can be uncomfortable and cold to the touch.
4. Keep Grooming Consistent, Don't Over-Shave
A pet's coat is natural insulation, so winter isn't the time for a close shave. Regular brushing with a dog hair remover and grooming tool keeps loose fur under control and the coat healthy, without stripping away the layer that helps your dog retain heat.
5. Keep Water and Feeding on a Consistent Schedule
Pets often drink less water in winter, partly because it's uncomfortably cold. An automatic pet feeder and water dispenser set helps keep feeding and drinking on a consistent schedule, which is especially useful if your pet is less motivated to move around and eat in colder weather.
6. Block Drafts Near Their Favorite Spots
Check for drafts near doors, windows, or vents close to where your pet naturally rests. Moving their bed just a few feet away from a draft source can make a noticeable difference without touching the thermostat.
7. Watch for Signs They're Too Cold
- Shivering or a hunched posture
- Seeking out unusual warm spots, like behind appliances or under blankets
- Reduced activity or reluctance to go outside
- Cold ears, paws, or tail to the touch
A few small changes, like better bedding, consistent feeding, and a bit of extra attention to grooming, go a long way toward keeping your dog or cat comfortable through winter, without any special equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I keep my dog warm at night without a heated bed?
A: A thick flannel blanket placed on or under their regular bed does most of the work a heated bed would, at a fraction of the cost, and it's machine washable.
Q: Do cats get cold in winter even indoors?
A: Yes. Indoor temperatures can still feel cold to a cat, especially near drafty windows or on hard flooring. A raised, blanket-lined spot away from drafts is usually enough to keep them comfortable.
Q: Should I stop grooming my pet in winter to help them stay warm?
A: No. Regular brushing actually helps insulation by keeping the coat healthy and removing loose, matted fur. What you should avoid is shaving the coat too short during colder months.
Shop the full Pet Products collection at MikeOrphan to find everything you need to keep your pet warm, fed, and well cared for this season.
Written by the MikeOrphan Editorial Team. We share practical, tested advice on caring for pets at home.