Raising a puppy is a lot of work in any season, but a first winter in mid-Missouri adds a few extra challenges. Frosty mornings, icy sidewalks, salted driveways, and short days can turn potty training and exercise into a daily puzzle.
I help a lot of Columbia families with new puppies, and winter is when I get the most questions. Here is what I share with them.
Potty Training When It Is Cold Outside
Many puppies do not want to potty in the cold, and who can blame them? A few changes keep training on track.
- Keep the schedule consistent. Puppies still need frequent breaks, even when it is freezing. Our post on how often puppies need to go outside explains the basics.
- Clear a potty spot. Shovel a patch of grass close to the door after snow so your puppy does not have to wade through it.
- Go out with your puppy. Stay with them, keep it boring until they go, then reward right away with praise and a treat.
- Keep trips short on very cold days. Potty first, then head back inside to play.
- Expect a few setbacks. Clean accidents thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner and keep going.
Keeping Your Puppy Warm
Puppies are not as good at regulating their body temperature as adult dogs, and small breeds, short-coated dogs, and very young puppies feel the cold quickly.
- A well-fitting coat or sweater can help small and short-haired puppies on cold walks.
- Watch for shivering, lifting paws, slowing down, or trying to turn back home. Those are signs it is time to go inside.
- Give your puppy a warm bed away from drafty doors and windows.
- Never leave a puppy alone in a car in cold weather. Cars can get dangerously cold, just as they get dangerously hot in summer.
Protecting Paws From Ice and Salt
Rock salt and many ice melts can irritate paw pads, and puppies are likely to lick their feet afterward.
- Wipe your puppy’s paws with a warm, damp towel after every walk.
- Use a pet-safe ice melt on your own driveway and steps.
- Check between toes for ice balls, especially on fluffy-footed breeds.
- Booties can help, but introduce them slowly with treats so your puppy gets used to them.
Watch Out for Winter Hazards
- Antifreeze: Antifreeze is highly toxic to pets. Clean up spills in the garage and driveway right away, and store containers where your puppy cannot reach them.
- Space heaters and fireplaces: Use guards and never leave a curious puppy alone near a heater or open flame.
- Holiday decorations: Cords, ornaments, and tinsel are tempting chew toys for puppies.
- Frozen ponds: Keep your puppy leashed near ponds and lakes in neighborhoods and parks. Ice can be thinner than it looks.
If you think your puppy swallowed something toxic, call your veterinarian, the MU Veterinary Health Center after hours at 573-882-4589, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
Burning Puppy Energy Indoors
Shorter, colder days do not mean less energy. A puppy without an outlet is more likely to chew, nip, and get into trouble.
- Short training sessions throughout the day work both brain and body.
- Hide-and-seek, tug, and “find it” games are great indoor exercise.
- Food puzzles and frozen lick mats slow down mealtime and build calm focus.
For more ideas, see our list of indoor dog activities.
Keep Up With Vet Visits and Socialization
Winter is still an important time for your puppy’s vaccine schedule and socialization. Talk to your veterinarian about which vaccines your puppy needs and when it is safe to visit busier places. In the meantime, you can safely introduce your puppy to new sounds, surfaces, and calm, vaccinated adult dogs and people at home.
Puppy Winter Care FAQs
How cold is too cold for a puppy to go outside?
It depends on the puppy’s age, size, coat, and health. Keep outings short in freezing weather, watch for shivering or reluctance to walk, and ask your veterinarian about your puppy specifically.
Does my puppy need a coat in Missouri?
Small, thin-coated, and very young puppies often benefit from a coat on cold days. Thick-coated breeds may not need one.
What should I do if my puppy will not potty in the snow?
Clear a small spot of grass, go out with your puppy, stay calm and patient, and reward them the moment they go.
Help With Your Puppy This Winter
Young puppies need frequent potty breaks, even on workdays and cold days. I offer drop-in visits and dog walking in Columbia, MO, including The Brooks, Old Hawthorne, and The Vineyards, with photo and text updates after every visit. Book online or call or text (573) 206-9497.
This post is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
