12 June 2026 • 7 min read
Winter in South Africa looks different from the rest of the world. We do not deal with snow and sub-zero temperatures (at least not on the coast), but our winters still bring chilly mornings, cold evenings and changes that affect your dog's health and comfort.
Here on the KZN South Coast, our winters are milder than inland, but that does not mean you can take your dog's care for granted. Here is how to keep your four-legged family member happy, healthy and well-groomed through the cooler months.
Not all dogs handle the cold equally. Short-haired breeds (Staffies, Whippets, Dachshunds), small breeds (Maltese Poodles, Chihuahuas), elderly dogs and puppies feel the cold more than thick-coated breeds.
Your dog's bed should be off the ground, away from draughts and well-padded during winter. A raised bed with a warm blanket works well. If your dog sleeps outside, make sure their shelter is waterproof, windproof and lined with warm bedding. Check the bedding daily and replace it if it gets damp.
For short-haired and small breeds, a dog coat or jersey for early morning walks and cold evenings is a good investment. Make sure it fits properly and does not restrict movement. Remove it once your dog is inside and warmed up to avoid overheating.
If your dog normally sleeps outside and temperatures are dropping below 10 degrees at night, consider letting them sleep indoors during the coldest months. This is especially important for older dogs with arthritis, whose joints stiffen in the cold.
The short answer is yes. Skipping grooming in winter is a mistake, and here is why:
The adjustment to make in winter is the length of the cut. Ask your groomer to leave the coat a little longer than usual for extra warmth. A slightly longer coat still needs to be clean, brushed and free of mats. Check out our grooming frequency guide for breed-specific advice.
BarkMobile grooms dogs right at your door across the South Coast, so your dog does not have to travel in the cold to get their winter groom. Browse our grooming services to see what is on offer.
Winter air, even on the coast, tends to be drier than in summer. This can cause:
A few things help:
It is tempting to skip walks when it is cold and dark outside, but your dog still needs daily exercise. Physical activity keeps their weight in check, their joints moving and their minds stimulated.
Adjust your walk times. On the South Coast, winter mornings can be chilly but afternoons are often warm and pleasant. A midday or afternoon walk can be more enjoyable for both of you.
For dogs who really dislike the cold, keep walks shorter but more frequent. Indoor play (tug-of-war, puzzle toys, hide-and-seek with treats) is a great supplement on really cold days.
Some dogs, particularly outdoor dogs and very active breeds, burn more calories in winter just to stay warm. For these dogs, a small increase in food (about 10 to 15 percent) during the coldest months can be helpful.
However, many indoor dogs actually become less active in winter and can gain weight if their food intake stays the same. Monitor your dog's body condition throughout winter. You should be able to feel (but not see) their ribs. If they are gaining weight, reduce portions slightly.
Fresh, clean water is just as important in winter as in summer. Dogs still need to stay hydrated, and water left outside can get very cold. Check water bowls regularly.
A common myth is that ticks and fleas disappear in winter. They do not. On the KZN South Coast, our mild winters mean parasites stay active year-round.
Ticks slow down slightly in cooler weather, but they do not go dormant. Fleas can survive in warm spots like your dog's bedding, carpet and garden debris. Do not stop your tick and flea prevention programme over winter.
For a complete overview, read our tick prevention guide for dogs on the South Coast.
Dogs love to curl up close to a heat source, but they can burn themselves on gas heaters, bar heaters or open braai fires. Keep a guard around fireplaces and heaters, and never leave your dog unsupervised near an open flame.
If you use an electric blanket for your dog's bed, be cautious. Dogs can chew through the wires, which is both a fire hazard and an electrocution risk. A microwave heat pad or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel is a safer alternative.
Winter is when rodents move indoors, and many people put out rat poison. This is extremely dangerous for dogs. If you use bait stations, place them in areas your dog cannot access, and watch for symptoms of poisoning (lethargy, bleeding gums, blood in urine) if you suspect exposure.
While we often hear about the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars, cold cars can be a problem too. If you are travelling with your dog, do not leave them in the car for extended periods on cold days. The car can become uncomfortably cold very quickly once the engine is off.
If your dog lives primarily outdoors:
We are lucky on the KZN South Coast. Our winters are milder than Johannesburg, Bloemfontein or the Cape. But milder does not mean warm. Early mornings can drop into single digits, and the humidity can make the cold feel sharper than the thermometer suggests.
The most important thing is to pay attention. If you feel cold, your short-haired dog probably feels it too. Small adjustments to bedding, diet, exercise and grooming make a big difference to your dog's comfort and health during winter.
BarkMobile operates throughout winter across the South Coast, from Hibberdene to Ramsgate. We come to your home, so your dog does not have to travel in the cold. We will adjust the cut length for the season and make sure your dog's skin and coat are in great shape for the cooler months.
Give us a call on 064 073 9080 or book online.
Yes, absolutely. Dogs still need regular grooming in winter. The key is to adjust the approach: keep the coat a little longer for warmth, but do not skip grooming entirely. Matting gets worse in winter because dogs spend more time on blankets and bedding. Regular grooming also helps keep the skin healthy during dry winter months.
Some dogs do need slightly more food in winter, particularly outdoor dogs and very active breeds who burn more calories staying warm. However, indoor dogs who are less active in winter may actually need less food to avoid weight gain. Monitor your dog's body condition and adjust portions accordingly.
Yes, even though the KZN South Coast has milder winters than inland areas, temperatures can still drop into single digits at night. Short-haired breeds, small dogs, elderly dogs and puppies are particularly vulnerable to the cold. Provide warm bedding, shelter from wind and rain, and consider a dog coat for walks on chilly mornings.
Yes. On the KZN South Coast, ticks and fleas remain active year-round because our winters are relatively mild. While their numbers may decrease slightly, they never disappear completely. Continue your tick and flea prevention programme through winter without interruption. Read our tick prevention guide for more details.