Tile, concrete and hardwood floors get cold fast in winter, and dogs sleep closer to the floor than we do. If you are wondering how to keep a dog warm at night, start by getting your dog off the cold floor, then build a cozy, draft-free sleep spot. This room-by-room checklist covers the setup for puppies, adult dogs and seniors.
Why Cold Floors Matter
A floor can be much colder than the air above it, especially in basements, garages and homes with tile. Short-coated, small and senior dogs feel it most. Lifting the bed and blocking drafts helps your dog rest comfortably through the night.
Winter Sleep Checklist by Room
Tile or Concrete Floors
- Raise the bed off the floor. The VEVOR Elevated Dog Bed for Large Dogs, Portable Raised Dog Cot with Aluminum Tube Metal Frame and Breathable Textilene Mesh, Indoor & Outdoor Pet Cooling Raised Hammock Bed, XL, Gray measures 49 by 33 inches and stands about 9 inches tall, so air and cold from the floor stay below your dog.
- Add a fleece blanket on top of the mesh for winter, since the mesh is designed to breathe.
- Place the bed away from exterior doors and windows.
Puppy Sleep Area
- Use a pen with a floor pad to keep a puppy in one warm, safe spot overnight. The VEVOR Dog Playpen, 8 Panels Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen with Top Cover and Bottom Pad, 24" H Pet Fence Puppy Crate Kennel, Indoor Outdoor Dog Pen for Small Medium Pets, for Camping, Yard is 63 by 63 inches with a top cover and bottom pad.
- Put the pen in a quiet room with no drafts, and add a crate pad and a soft toy.
Senior Dogs Who Sleep on Your Bed or Couch
- Older dogs often want the warmth of the bed or sofa but struggle to jump in the cold. The VEVOR Dog Ramp, Folding Pet Ramp for Bed, Adjustable Dog Ramp for Small, Large, Old Dogs & Cats, Wooden Pet Ramp with 39.3" Long Ramp, Adjustable from 15" to 22", Suitable for Couch, Sofa, Car adjusts from 15 to 22 inches high and is 39.3 inches long.
- Read our comparison Dog Ramp vs Dog Stairs to choose the right one.
Signs Your Dog Is Cold at Night
- Curling into a tight ball
- Shivering or restlessness
- Seeking out your bed, the couch or heater vents
- Cold ears and paws
If you notice ongoing shivering, lethargy or other changes, check with your veterinarian.
Before, During and After Bedtime
- Before: set up the VEVOR Dog Playpen with Top Cover and Bottom Pad for puppies
- During: sleep up off the floor on the VEVOR Elevated Dog Bed for Large Dogs
- After: help seniors onto the couch with the VEVOR Dog Ramp
Caring for outdoor or barn cats too? See Heated Cat House vs Insulated Cat House.
Prefer steps over a ramp? The VEVOR Wood Pet Stairs, 3-Step Dog Stairs for Beds, Sofa & Cars, 150lbs Load Capacity, Floded Flat Design, Stable & Sturdy Cat & Dog Step Ladder for Small Medium Large Older Pet Puppy Essentials is another easy way up for small and senior dogs.
Who This Is For
This checklist is for dog owners with tile, concrete or hardwood floors, families with a new puppy and anyone caring for a senior dog through winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an elevated dog bed good in winter?
Yes, when you add a blanket. Raising the bed keeps your dog off the cold floor, and the blanket adds warmth on top of the breathable mesh.
Where should a dog sleep in winter?
Choose a quiet room away from drafts, doors and windows, with the bed raised off cold floors.
Do dogs need blankets at night?
Many dogs appreciate a blanket in winter, especially small, short-coated and senior dogs.
How do I keep a puppy warm at night?
Use a pen or crate with a floor pad in a draft-free room, plus soft bedding.
Make Bedtime Cozy
A raised bed, a warm blanket and a draft-free spot help your dog sleep well all winter. Shop the VEVOR Elevated Dog Bed for Large Dogs and build your dog's winter sleep spot today.