What is needed for Whippets in Winter? A survival guide!

Every whippet owner knows winter is… not ideal. With their skinny frames and barely‑there fur, whippets turn into shivery little shadows the moment temperatures drop. And the rain… cue the “I’m not walking in that” standoff and the nightly mission to burrow into your bed. Here’s how to keep your whippet snug and happy all winter long.

Clothing:

Clothing isn’t just cute- it really is essential. Your whippet will need a waterproof coat or fleece for protection and warmth, and may also benefit from indoor wear such as whippet PJs. This is particularly helpful for elderly whippets who really feel the cold.

Food:

We always found that our whippets needed a little extra food in the winter months as they seemed genuinely hungry. We checked this with our vet and were told that their fast metabolism and thin coat means they burn more calories staying warm, especially if they shiver! You can very gradually tweak their portion size accordingly to make them feel comfortable.

Beds and Blankets:

Whippets love blankets, and never more so than in the colder months of the year. We whippet slaves are busy adorning our friends with cosy layers throughout winter, so make sure you have plenty of blankets in every room. See our favourite whippet products here.

Bringing outdoors indoors:

So what about on those really wet or icy days when you can’t get out for a walk? You can make sure that your whippet gets enough mental stimulation by organising some indoor games. Of course they will need outdoor toilet trips but enrichment activities can help them if their normal routine is disrupted by the winter weather.

Winter health:

If you are in very cold climates, you may find that your whippet suffers with dry pads during the winter. There are a number of lovely, natural paw balms available to bring moisture to those beautiful feet.

We also refer you back to keeping your whippet warm, and monitoring how much food they need to make sure your whippet stays in tip-top winter health.

Senior whippets with arthritis will probably suffer with their limbs in cold, damp weather. A trip for an OAP check up is always on our calendar going in to winter.

Cuddles!

Whippets demand extra cuddles in winter, and we whippet slaves are more than happy to oblige. Owners love it too — any excuse for a cosy snuggle. Enjoy keeping warm!

more about cold weather dog care here.