Is Your Pet Ready for Northwest Indiana’s Colder Weather?
Simple ways to keep your dogs and cats comfortable as temperatures drop
If you've lived in Northwest Indiana for any length of time, you know how quickly the weather can change. One day we're enjoying a beautiful fall afternoon, and the next we're reaching for winter coats and wondering if it's too early to turn up the heat.
Our pets feel those changes, too.
As temperatures drop across Highland and the surrounding communities, a few adjustments to your pet's daily care can help keep them comfortable and healthy throughout the colder months.
Here are five things worth paying attention to as we head toward winter.
1. Don't Forget About Those Paws!
Your dog's paws come into contact with all kinds of surfaces during the colder months, from wet sidewalks and frozen ground to snow, ice, and road salt.
While paw pads are naturally tough, winter conditions can leave them dry, irritated, or cracked.
A few simple precautions can help:
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Wipe your dog's paws after walks, especially when sidewalks have been treated with salt or ice melt.
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Check between the toes for trapped debris, snow, or ice.
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Keep the hair between paw pads neatly maintained to help prevent ice buildup.
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Consider protective booties or a pet-safe paw balm when conditions call for extra protection.
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Watch for excessive paw licking, redness, or signs of discomfort.
Hydrant Tip: Keeping your dog's nails at a comfortable length is important year-round. Overgrown nails can affect how your dog walks, especially on slippery surfaces. Hydrant Pet Center offers convenient walk-in nail trims to help keep those paws in good shape.
2. Colder Weather Can Mean Drier Skin
When the heat comes on inside our homes, the air often becomes much drier. Just like people, dogs and cats can experience dry, flaky, or itchy skin during the colder months.
You might notice your pet scratching more frequently, developing dandruff, or having a coat that looks a little dull.
Regular grooming can help maintain a healthy coat by removing loose hair and distributing natural skin oils.
However, not all shampoos and conditioning products are created equal. Using products formulated specifically for pets and suited to their individual skin and coat needs can make a difference.
Nutrition also plays an important role in skin and coat health.
If your pet is experiencing persistent dryness or itching, it's worth speaking with your veterinarian to rule out allergies, infections, or other underlying concerns.
3. Your Pet Still Needs Grooming in the Winter
One of the most common misconceptions about winter grooming is that dogs should skip their regular appointments so their coats can grow longer.
While some dogs benefit from maintaining additional coat length during colder weather, that doesn't mean grooming should stop.
In fact, regular grooming can be especially important during winter.
Longer coats can become tangled or matted, particularly when exposed to moisture from rain, snow, and slush. Matting can trap moisture against the skin, cause discomfort, and interfere with the coat's natural insulating properties.
For double-coated breeds, proper brushing and removal of loose undercoat help maintain the coat's function.
Your dog's ideal grooming schedule depends on their breed, coat type, lifestyle, and individual needs.
Hydrant Tip: Winter grooming doesn't have to mean a short haircut. Our grooming team can help determine an appropriate coat length and maintenance routine to keep your dog comfortable while maintaining a healthy coat.
4. Not Every Pet Handles the Cold the Same Way
Ever notice how some dogs seem thrilled to play in the snow while others would rather head straight back inside?
There's a reason for that.
A pet's tolerance for cold weather depends on several factors, including:
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Breed and coat type
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Age and overall health
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Body size and condition
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Wind, moisture, and outdoor temperature
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How accustomed they are to colder weather
Small dogs, short-haired breeds, puppies, seniors, and pets with certain health conditions may need additional protection.
A properly fitted sweater or coat can help some dogs stay comfortable during outdoor activities.
Pay attention to your pet's behavior. Shivering, lifting paws off the ground, slowing down, or repeatedly trying to return indoors can indicate that it's time to warm up.
And remember, even dogs with thick winter coats aren't immune to dangerously cold temperatures.
Cats need protection, too. Indoor cats may seek warmer resting spots as temperatures fall, while outdoor cats face serious risks from prolonged cold exposure.
No pet should be left outdoors in freezing conditions without appropriate protection, and extreme weather may require keeping outdoor time very brief.
5. Keep Their Minds and Bodies Active
When Northwest Indiana's weather turns cold, rainy, or snowy, outdoor activities sometimes become shorter or less frequent.
But your pet still needs opportunities to exercise, explore, and stay mentally engaged.
Fortunately, there's plenty you can do indoors!
Try incorporating activities such as:
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Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing games
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Short training sessions that reinforce familiar commands or teach new tricks
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Hide-and-seek games with favorite toys
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Snuffle mats and scent-based activities
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Interactive playtime with family members
For dogs who enjoy outdoor walks, shorter outings may still be appropriate when weather conditions are safe.
Cats can benefit from indoor enrichment, too! Climbing areas, scratching posts, interactive toys, and rotating favorite playthings can help keep them entertained.
The goal is to find activities your pet enjoys and make them part of your regular routine.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Northwest Indiana winters can be unpredictable, but keeping your pet comfortable doesn't have to be complicated.
Paying attention to their paws, skin, coat, activity level, and tolerance for cold weather can help you recognize what they need as the seasons change.
Every pet is different, and sometimes the smallest adjustments make the biggest difference.
We're Here to Help!
At Hydrant Pet Center, we love helping pet parents make informed decisions about their animals' care.
Whether you have questions about grooming, nutrition, winter coat maintenance, or products that may help your pet through the colder months, our team is happy to help.
Stop by and see us at 8630 Kennedy Avenue in Highland, Indiana, or give us a call at 219-923-3649.
We look forward to helping you and your pets enjoy a happy, healthy winter!
Hydrant Pet Center
