How to Keep Your Pet Warm in Winter: Beds, Pads, and Cozy Accessories

Winter Is Coming (And Your Pet Feels It Too)

My rat terrier, Biscuit, starts shivering in October. October. The man weighs eleven pounds and has the body fat of a pretzel stick, so every winter I go into full cozy-mode on his behalf. If your pet is anything like him — or even if you have a fluffier, more dignified animal — knowing how to keep pets warm in winter is genuinely important for their health and comfort, not just their vibes.

Cold temperatures can worsen arthritis in older dogs and cats, stress out small and short-haired breeds, and make even healthy young pets lethargic and uncomfortable. The good news: a few smart upgrades to their sleep setup and daily routine make a huge difference.

Start With Where They Sleep

The floor is the enemy. Cold air sinks, and if your pet is snoozing on a thin mat or directly on tile or hardwood, they're losing body heat fast. The single best thing you can do is get them off the ground and onto an insulated, raised, or self-warming bed.

• Self-warming beds use your pet's own body heat and reflect it back — no electricity required. Great for cats and small dogs who love to curl up.
• Bolster or donut beds let pets tuck their nose under the rim, trapping warmth. Biscuit basically disappears into his.
• Orthopedic foam beds are worth every penny for senior pets — the dense foam insulates from cold floors while supporting achy joints.

Check out our heated and self-warming pet bed collection if you want to skip the research rabbit hole — we've tested what actually holds heat and what just looks cozy in the product photos.

Heated Pads: Use Them Smartly

Electric heating pads designed specifically for pets are a step up from self-warming options, especially useful for senior dogs, post-surgery recovery, or tiny kittens. The key word is designed for pets — human heating pads run too hot and can cause burns.

• Look for pads with automatic shutoff and low, consistent heat settings.
• Always layer a blanket or cover over the pad so your pet isn't in direct contact with the surface.
• Give your pet a way to move off the pad — they need to regulate their own temperature and shouldn't be stuck on heat with no exit.

Our pet-safe heated pad lineup includes options for dogs and cats at multiple sizes, with chew-resistant cords because some of us have Biscuits in our lives who cannot be trusted.

Don't Forget the Rest of the Den

Beds and pads do the heavy lifting, but a few extra accessories round out a genuinely warm winter setup:

• Blankets: Fleece and sherpa materials trap heat well. Drape one over the bed, let your pet burrow in it, or tuck it around their crate. Wash them weekly — they get funky fast.
• Sweaters and jackets: Controversial in some pet circles, but genuinely useful for short-haired, small, or elderly dogs going outside. If your dog shivers on walks, a properly fitted jacket isn't a fashion statement — it's practical.
• Draft stoppers and crate covers: A crate cover turns a wire crate into a warm little den. If your pet sleeps near a drafty door or window, blocking that cold airflow makes a noticeable difference overnight.

Room Temperature and Daily Habits

Accessories help, but your home environment matters too. Most vets suggest keeping indoor temps at 65–75°F (18–24°C) for pets. A few habits that help:

• Don't cut the heat off entirely when you leave the house — a timer or smart thermostat keeps the baseline comfortable.
• Shorten outdoor time for sensitive pets in extreme cold, and dry them off thoroughly when they come inside.
• Feed adult dogs and cats a consistent diet through winter — their bodies burn energy staying warm, and some pets need slightly more calories in very cold climates (check with your vet first).

The Bottom Line

Keeping your pet warm in winter doesn't require a complete home overhaul. A solid insulated bed, a safe heat source if needed, and a couple of cozy extras go a very long way. Biscuit has a heated pad, a donut bed, two fleece blankets, and approximately zero dignity — and he has never once looked happier. Start with the sleeping situation, layer in the extras, and your pet will make it through winter in comfort.