Discover the 10 most common winter mistakes made by dogs, cats, horses, small animals and birds. With clear explanations, risks and practical solutions for each species.

1. Overheated indoor spaces and freezing cold outdoor air

The classic winter mistake: heating your home to 24 °C and then exposing animals to freezing temperatures outside.
Temperature fluctuations reduce resistance and put strain on the immune system.

Risks

• respiratory tract irritation
• fatigue
• dry skin and mucous membranes
• reduced resistance

Per animal species

Dog: is more prone to irritated airways and stiff muscles.
Cat: dries out more quickly due to dry air and drinks less.
Small animals: sensitive to draughts and to warm air that dries out.
Horse: experiences stress mainly during abrupt temperature changes after training.
Birds: become disoriented due to differences in light and temperature.

Best approach

• keep indoors at around 20°C
• prevent direct draughts
• allow animals to gradually acclimatise to temperature differences

2. Insufficient exercise due to cold or rain

It's cold, so a short walk is enough, right? Winter encourages shorter walks and fewer outdoor activities. This leads to stiff muscles, poorer blood circulation, stress and weight gain.

Per animal species

Dog: Less walking means more frustration; you can see that reflected in behaviour.
Cat: Enters “winter mode”: sleeping, eating, more sleeping. Weight increases.
Horse: Less grazing means more gas formation and tension.
Small animals: Movement in cages is limited; they need enrichment.
Birds: Fewer flight hours and fewer stimuli lead to boredom and feather plucking.

Solutions

• You may stay outside for shorter periods, but compensate by going outside more often.
• enrichment: sniffing games, brain teasers, food enrichment
• horses: walking, lunging, gentle movement on hard ground

3. December snacks and leftovers that strain the stomach and intestines

The festive season is disastrous: one tray of salmon, a piece of cheese, a leftover gourmet sausage.
Animals do not tolerate this well. Fat, herbs and sugars in particular cause problems.

Consequences

• diarrhoea
• vomiting
• pancreatitis
• restless behaviour
• dehydration

Per animal species

Dog: already sensitive to fatty meals, so risk of pancreatitis.
Cat: reacts badly to dairy products and fatty meats.
Horse: often receives extra sweets, so there is a risk of gas formation.
Small animals: absolutely no leftovers; their intestines are extremely vulnerable.
Birds: Salt and spices are very taxing.

Better choices

• fixed snack times
• small, neutral rewards
• not for human consumption

4. Heating directly on pens, baskets or enclosures

Many owners think that a warm kennel is comfortable. That is not true; warm, dry air is disastrous for the skin, coat and respiratory tract.

Per animal species

Small animals: risk of dehydration, itching, irritated eyes, breathing difficulties.
Birds: Feathers lose elasticity, risk of respiratory problems.
Dog/Cat: dry skin, flaking, itching.
Horse: Stabling indoors with heaters creates dry air, which causes coughing and tickling.

What does work

• keep pens and cages away from radiators
• humidity around 45–55%
• fresh air without draughts

5. Dismissing vague complaints as “typical winter behaviour”

Many owners fail to recognise subtle signs: dull coat, less energy, mild diarrhoea, reduced appetite. Winter is no excuse for unusual behaviour!

Per animal species

Dog: can become stiff more quickly or feel less like it due to the cold.
Cat: Eating less is a serious sign; cats conceal their complaints.
Horse: Winter coat masks weight loss.
Small animals: Small changes pose a significant risk.
Birds: Singing less or being less active is an early warning sign.

Best approach

• observe daily
• record changes
• check coat, weight, behaviour and appetite

6. Incorrect coat care in winter

Many people wash too often or brush too little. The skin dries out, the coat becomes tangled and provides less protection against the cold.

Per animal species

Dog: Winter coats need texture, not excessive shampooing.
Cat: Coat tangles increase due to less movement.
Horse: Thick winter coat requires regular grooming, otherwise it will become matted.
Small animals: Some breeds have sensitive skin; poor grooming is risky.
Birds: Air that is too dry causes poor moulting and dull feathers.

What helps

• less washing
• brushing according to coat type
• moisturise, do not degrease
• humidity in balance

7. Blankets that are too thick for horses

Many owners immediately put a heavy blanket on their horse as soon as it gets colder.
The result: overheating, skin irritation and reduced natural thermoregulation.

Where is it going wrong?

• too many layers
• incorrect lining
• not checking enough
• no consideration of hiding places

Best approach

• look at the horse, not the weather forecast
• check temperature under the blanket daily
• adjust to wind, rain, shaved/unshaved and activity

8. Insufficient daylight for birds

Birds are extremely dependent on light stimuli. During dark months, they can develop vitamin deficiencies, behavioural changes and hormonal problems.

Consequences

• less active
• worse feathers
• poor orientation
• stress
• reduced resistance

Solutions

• bird-safe lighting
• cages by the window (without draughts)
• fixed day/night routine

9. Underestimating older animals

Senior animals are more susceptible to cold, stiff joints, reduced immunity and a slower metabolism.

Per animal species

Dog: more difficulty climbing stairs, cold ground and long walks.
Cat: Arthritis becomes more noticeable in winter.
Horse: Senior horses lose weight more quickly when they have their winter coat.
Small animals: sensitive to fluctuations in temperature.
Birds: become more sensitive to stress.

What works

• soft, warm places to lie down
• gentle movement
• daily observation
• extra attention to nutrition and hydration

10. Not adjusting winter nutrition to seasonal needs

Many animals receive the same diet as in summer, even though their energy requirements, intestinal flora and vitamin balance change.

Per animal species

Dog: may need more energy (due to cold weather) or less (due to less exercise).
Cat: wants to drink less, so risk of urinary problems.
Horse: Winter hay varies greatly in quality.
Small animals: Fibre content is crucial here; winter vegetables have a different composition!
Birds: should be fed extra food based on species and behaviour.

Adjustments

• check energy requirements
• look at fibre, protein and vitamins
• adequate hydration
• variation by animal species and age

Common winter questions about pets

How dangerous are Christmas decorations for animals?

The holidays are a time of cosiness, good food, and beautiful Christmas decorations. What many people forget is that all those gorgeous decorations are dangerous for our pets. Whether you have a cat that knocks every bauble off the tree, or a dog that thinks glittering lights are a new toy, it is important to be aware of the risks.

We wrote a blog about this earlier: https://hfl-animalhealth.com/2025/01/07/de-gevaren-van-kerstversiering-voor-huisdieren/

What about the winter coat?

The main trigger for winter coat growth is the decrease in the amount of daylight. When the days get shorter, this triggers a biological process that stimulates the growth of the winter coat. This dense, warm coat helps animals stay comfortable and protected during winter. While this fur provides natural protection, it also requires proper care. To assist your pet during these cold times, we share some tips below.

We wrote a blog about this earlier: https://hfl-animalhealth.com/2024/09/27/de-wintervacht-van-honden-en-katten/

Tips for a safe winter walk

When the first snowflakes fall, it means a whole new world for many dogs and cats to explore. It is a magical moment, but the cold and slippery conditions also bring risks. Here are some tips to make sure your winter walks with your pet stay safe and enjoyable.

We wrote a blog about this earlier: https://hfl-animalhealth.com/2025/11/17/zes-tips-voor-een-veilige-winterwandeling/

How do you use a horse blanket?

With colder times approaching, it is time to think about horse blankets. For many horse owners, this is an annual ritual, but what should you look out for? Your horse's well-being is obviously paramount, which is why we are happy to share our tips and advice to help your horse get through the cold months healthily and comfortably.

We wrote a blog about this earlier: https://hfl-animalhealth.com/2025/10/20/klaar-voor-koudere-maanden-met-een-paardendeken/