❄️ This article is part of the STARFLEET Petfleet Snowy Paws Series, a seasonal collection of tips and stories to help you and your pets stay active, comfortable, and connected through the colder months. Whether your companion loves the snow or prefers the blanket pile, there’s something here for every furry crewmate.

Pre-activity prep: setting your old pal up for the best time

Before you clip on the leash and head into the snow, take a few minutes to get your senior crewmate ready for launch. Cold weather is tough on older joints and muscles, but with the right warm-up, gear, and mindset, your pet can enjoy every flake of the adventure. Think of this as your pre-flight checklist: stretch, suit up, hydrate, and set your course for maximum comfort and minimum strain.

Think of this as your senior pet’s “pre-game” routine. Just like us, a little prep goes a long way in preventing injury and making the experience comfortable.

Warm-up for mobility

Before heading into the cold, help your pet ease into movement:

• Gentle indoor play: a game of tug or fetch with soft toys.
• Short leash walk: just enough to get joints moving before the main activity.
• Simple at-home mobility exercises:
  • Weight shifting: Encourage your dog to slowly shift weight from one side to the other while standing, which engages core muscles.
  • Cookie stretches: Hold a treat near your dog’s shoulder, then slowly toward the hip, encouraging them to turn their head and stretch their neck and back.
  • Sit-to-stand reps: A few slow, controlled “puppy squats” can activate leg muscles.

Regular physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, or acupuncture can also help keep muscles supple and joints moving comfortably throughout the season.

Protective gear

Winter pet gear isn’t just for Instagram-worthy photoshoots (though yes, your dog will look fabulous). The right gear is as much about safety and comfort as it is about style, especially for senior pets who may be more sensitive to the cold or slower to recover from minor injuries. Think of it as their winter armor: light, cozy, and built for the season.

Boots (e.g., Nahak brand) keep paws safe from sharp ice, road salt, and those sneaky little snowballs that wedge between toes. Bonus: no more frozen-paw “three-legged hop” on the trails.

Paw and nostril cream acts like Chapstick for your pet, preventing cracked skin and protecting delicate areas from frostbite.

Jackets or sweaters help maintain body heat and stop snow clumps from forming in longer fur (yes, even your double-coated Husky will appreciate it after a few hours outside). Some pyjama-style designs even cover the legs for full-body protection – see Sophia and Gisele above!

Dog goggles (optional) protect eyes from wind during high-speed sports like skijoring or bikejoring, especially useful if your buddy’s eyes tend to water in the cold. Contrary to popular beliefs, the goggles aren’t that useful for the sun. Most healthy dogs don’t require sunglasses for everyday winter sun exposure. Their eyes are naturally adapted to handle bright conditions, especially in snowy environments. The main exception is if a dog has a medical condition (like pannus) where UV protection is recommended by a vet.

Wearable harness carriers are perfect for small dogs, senior pets with mobility issues, or those who simply tire quickly in the snow. They keep your pet warm, close, and safe while still letting them enjoy the sights and smells of a winter outing. Bonus: you’ll both stay warmer when you’re sharing body heat, and I mean, come on… It’s also adorable.

A little prep at home can make all the difference once you’re out in the snow. When your pet is warm, dry, and comfortable, they can focus on the important stuff, like sniffing, exploring, and trotting proudly.

A little preparation before heading outdoors goes a long way toward keeping your aging explorer safe and happy. The key is simple: warm up those muscles, gear up for the conditions, and remember that comfort isn’t a luxury, it’s part of the plan. Once your pet is warm, dry, and protected, they can focus on what really matters: sniffing, exploring, and trotting proudly beside you through another season of shared adventures.

Continue your mission in the Snowy Paws Series: Snow Much Fun: Winter Adventures for Senior Pets – Snowy Paws Series