3 Simple Ways to Keep Your Pet Warm, Comfortable and Happy This Winter

Category: News, Safety, Date: 13 July 2026

In collaboration with Dr Tania Mitchell, Vet in a Van

Frosty mornings, foggy windows and a dog who suddenly needs a lot more convincing to leave the doona. Sound familiar? Winter road trips are one of the best parts of the caravanning lifestyle, but our pets feel the chill just as much as we do. Dr Tania Mitchell from Vet in a Van recently shared a great reel on keeping pets happy through the colder months, and it was too good not to pass on. Here are her three key tips, plus the full video below.

1. Help Them Stay Warm

Not every pet is built for a southern winter. If you’re travelling with a smaller breed or a short coated dog, a warm coat for outdoor time can make a real difference on those chilly caravan park mornings.

And if you’re reaching for a heat pad or hot water bottle to warm up a bed or crate, take a little extra care. Dr Tania notes these are a common cause of burns in pets, so aim for a warm temperature (not hot) and check in regularly rather than leaving your pet unsupervised with a direct heat source.

2. Keep Them Comfortable

If you’re travelling with an older or arthritic pet, you might notice they’re a little stiffer than usual once the temperature drops. Slower, gentler daily walks and a soft, well-padded bed go a long way toward keeping them comfortable on the road. If that’s not quite enough, it’s worth having a chat to your vet about additional options for joint supplements and/or pain relief.

It’s also easy to overlook the water bowl in winter. Make sure it’s kept somewhere the water won’t freeze over, so your pet always has easy access to fresh water, wherever you’ve set up camp.

3. Support Their Overall Health

Shorter days and cold weather often mean shorter walks too, and that drop in activity can quietly lead to unwanted weight gain over winter. Keep an eye on your pet’s condition and adjust their food and portion sizes if their activity levels have dropped, to help them stay in a healthy shape for all the adventures still to come.

Watch the Full Reel

Thanks to Dr Tania Mitchell and the Vet in a Van team for these great tips. For more pet travel advice, check out Dr. Tania’s YouTube channel, covering everything you need to know about travelling safely with pets around Australia.