Preparing Your Dachshund For Winters

Winters can be magical, but for your Dachshund, they can also be a bit challenging. With their long backs, short legs, and low-to-the-ground bodies, Doxies lose heat faster and often feel the cold more than many other breeds. Their relatively thin coat and small size mean they can struggle to stay warm in chilly, damp weather. 

With a little planning, you can turn winter into a cozy, comfortable season for your Dachshund. In this blog, we’ll walk through how to prepare your Doxie for colder months—from warm beds and indoor temperatures to clothing, diet, grooming, and safe outdoor time.

Liesten on Spotify

Why Dachshunds Are So Sensitive to Cold

To protect your Dachshund in winter, it helps to understand why they feel the cold so much:

• Long, low body shape: Dachshunds’ bellies sit very close to the ground, so they are constantly exposed to cold surfaces, wet snow, and icy puddles.  
• Short legs & small size: Small dogs lose body heat faster because they have more surface area compared to their body mass. 
• Thin, short coat (especially smooth Dachshunds): Many Doxies lack a thick undercoat, so they have less natural insulation against cold and wind. 

All of this means your Dachshund can become cold, stiff, or even at risk of hypothermia more quickly than you might expect—especially in wet, windy, or freezing conditions. 

Set Up a Warm Sleeping Area

Dachshunds love to burrow, curl up, and disappear into anything soft and warm. In winter, their sleeping area becomes even more important.

• Choose a well-padded, insulated bed that keeps them off cold floors.
• Avoid placing the bed near drafty doors, windows, or unheated areas.
• Add a soft blanket so your Doxie can burrow and create their own warm “nest.”
• If you have tiles or concrete floors, place the bed on a rug or mat to reduce heat loss.

Suggested Winter-Ready Dachshund Beds

To make things easier, here are two beds that work beautifully for cold seasons and Dachshund-shaped bodies:

1. Dachshund Pendi Bed
A stylish, structured bed designed with Dachshunds in mind. Its supportive shape helps cradle their long backs, while plush cushioning gives them a cozy spot to curl up after a chilly walk. It comes in multiple sizes and uses high-quality materials for comfort and durability, plus a removable cover to make washing easy. (Dachshund Shop)

2. Nestie Dachshund Winter Bed – Fluffy Round Dog Nest
Perfect for Doxies who love to curl up tight, this fluffy round bed features raised edges that create a secure, “hug-like” feeling. The soft, cloud-like filling offers warmth and comfort, while the round shape supports cozy snoozing on freezing days. It’s also washable, which is a big bonus in muddy, slushy weather. (Dachshund Shop)

Rotating between a supportive structured bed like the Pendi and a snuggly nest like the Nestie gives your Dachshund options depending on how cold it is and how they like to sleep.

Maintain a Comfortable Indoor Temperature

In winter, your Dachshund’s primary safe space is indoors, so the home environment matters a lot:

• Keep rooms comfortably warm: Avoid sudden drops in indoor temperature. If your home cools down at night, make sure your Doxie has extra blankets or a warmer bed.
• Avoid drafts: Don’t place their bed near gaps under doors or chilly window areas.
• Use a humidifier if needed: Heating systems can dry the air, which may irritate your dog’s skin and respiratory system—especially for small, sensitive breeds. 

Watch your Dachshund’s body language indoors: if they’re shivering, curling tightly, or seeking extra-warm spots like under blankets all the time, your home might be a bit too cold for them.

Dress Your Dachshund for Outdoor Adventures

Because of their shape and coat, many Dachshunds genuinely need winter clothing—especially in snow, wind, or freezing temperatures. 

Choosing the Right Clothing

• Look for coats and sweaters made specifically for Dachshunds, with extra length along the back and room for their chest.
• Prioritize insulating but breathable materials like fleece, wool blends, or padded jackets.
• For wet or snowy days, choose a water-resistant or waterproof outer layer.

Dachshunds often appreciate full-coverage designs that protect their chest and belly, because that’s the area brushing against snow and cold ground.

Protecting Their Paws

Winter isn’t just about cold air—ice, road salt, and de-icing chemicals can be harsh on small paws.

• Consider dog boots for icy walks. Start indoors and reward with treats so your Doxie learns to tolerate them.
• If boots aren’t an option, apply paw balm before walks to create a protective layer, and again after drying their paws.
• After every snowy or salty walk, rinse paws with lukewarm water to remove salt and chemicals, then dry thoroughly with a towel.

If you notice redness, cracking, or limping, give your Dachshund a few days of indoor-only activity and consult your vet if it doesn’t improve.

Winter Diet and Exercise Routine

Cold weather tends to disrupt routines—for dogs and humans. Many Dachshunds become less active when it’s freezing outside, which can lead to weight gain and stiffness.

Adjusting Food Intake

• If your Doxie is going out less and burning fewer calories, monitor their weight and consider slightly reducing portion sizes.
• Talk to your vet about adding omega-3 fatty acids or skin-supporting supplements to help maintain healthy skin and coat in dry winter air. 

Short, Smart Exercise Sessions

• Swap one long walk for two or three shorter walks during the warmest part of the day.
• Avoid staying out too long if temperatures are near or below freezing—small and short-haired dogs can be at risk under 32°F (0°C).
• On extremely cold days, keep outdoor time to quick potty breaks and move exercise indoors.

Indoor games like tug of war, fetch in the hallway, scent games, or simple training sessions are perfect for keeping your Dachshund both mentally and physically active when the weather is harsh.

Winter Grooming Tips

Good grooming in winter isn’t about making your Dachshund “extra clean”—it’s about protecting their skin and coat.

Reduce bath frequency: Over-bathing can strip natural oils and cause dryness or flakiness.

Use a moisturizing dog shampoo and a gentle conditioner formulated for sensitive skin.

Brush regularly: Brushing helps distribute natural oils along the coat, supports skin health, and lets you check for redness, dry patches, or irritation.

Pay attention to areas that get the coldest or stay damp longest—paws, belly, and between toes.

If you notice persistent dryness, itching, or red patches, contact your veterinarian; these can worsen in winter if not treated.

Keep Up With Vet Visits

Cold weather can aggravate certain health issues, especially joint problems and arthritis in older dogs. Regular vet checkups become even more important in winter.

Contact your vet if you notice:

• Shivering that doesn’t stop once your dog is indoors and dry
• Stiffness, reluctance to move, or difficulty jumping onto the couch
• Lethargy, excessive curling into a tight ball, or unusual whining
• Pale gums or confusion (these can be serious signs of hypothermia and need urgent care)

Staying current on vaccinations and preventive care also helps your Dachshund stay strong through the season.

Mental Stimulation and Comfort Indoors

When it’s too cold to spend long periods outside, Dachshunds can get bored quickly—and a bored Doxie often turns into a mischievous one!

To keep them happy:

• Provide interactive toys, puzzle feeders, or treat-dispensing toys.
• Teach new tricks or obedience cues—training is great mental exercise and helps you bond.
• Create daily cuddle time on the couch or in their warm bed, especially in the evenings when temperatures drop most.

This combination of mental stimulation, affection, and cozy rest reduces stress, boredom, and anxiety during long stretches indoors.

Planning Outdoor Time Wisely

When you do take your Dachshund out:

• Aim for midday walks, when temperatures are usually higher and sunlight offers extra warmth. 
• Avoid very early mornings or late evenings in freezing weather.
• Instead of one long walk, choose several short outings with breaks at home to warm up.
• Always bring your Doxie inside immediately if they’re:
  • Shivering or trembling
  • Holding up paws, refusing to walk, or trying to turn back
  • Hunched, curling tightly, or not acting like their usual self outdoors

Remember: if you’re uncomfortably cold even with warm clothing, your Dachshund is likely much colder than you.

Conclusion

Preparing your Dachshund for winter is all about thoughtful care and observation:

• Understand why their body type makes them more sensitive to cold.
• Create a warm, draft-free sleeping area with cozy beds like the
  • Dachshund Pendi Bed for stylish, supportive lounging, and
  • Nestie Dachshund Winter Bed – Fluffy Round Dog Nest for snuggly, curled-up naps. (Dachshund Shop)
• Keep your home comfortably warm and your Doxie away from drafts.
• Use well-fitted winter clothing and protect those tiny paws from ice, salt, and chemicals.
• Adjust diet and exercise, focus on gentle grooming, and stay on top of vet visits.
• Provide plenty of indoor play and affection so your Dachshund feels safe, stimulated, and loved.

With the right setup and a bit of planning, your long little friend can enjoy winter by your side—warm, cozy, and ready for snuggles all season long.

Related Articles

• Why Every Doxie Needs a Dachshund Car Safety Bed         
• 10-Minute Guide to Starting a Dachshund Toothbrushing Habit 
• How to Build Dog Ramps & Stairs for Dachshund

👉 For more helpful Dachshund care tips and product guides, visit our Doxie Blog!