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It's Winter! Let's Keep Your Backseat Companion Safe and Warm.

Mary Simpson
by Mary Simpson
Published:  February 3rd, 2026

(photo credit: Anna Averianova / shutterstock.com)


It’s winter, and for anyone living in the northern states or Canada, driving conditions can quickly turn hazardous with minimal warning. White-outs, black ice, freezing rain… all create the perfect setting for accidents. And frigid temperatures can cause the most well-maintained vehicles to stall or not start when you need them most.


Whether you’re dealing with an accident or a breakdown, waiting for help can easily leave you sitting in a disabled car for hours. And when you’re travelling with a fur-kid or two, that immediately introduces another element of concern because the temperature inside your car is going to drop – rapidly – until it matches that of the outside. In short, within 15 minutes or so, your car will get very cold. Within one hour, it will be frigid with you and your pet sitting inside what can best be described as a refrigerator. Your goal as a pet parent is to keep both you and your furry travellers as warm as possible until help arrives. And here's how you do it!


Tips to Keeping that Furry Backseat Passenger Warm

The easiest way to safeguard your dogs from freezing temperatures is to dress them accordingly. Regardless of whether your trip is a long-haul or just a quick dash to the store, dress them for the cold. Something like this reversible winter dog jacket is lightweight enough that your dog remains comfortably mobile as he roams the backseat, but won’t overheat the way he might in a heavier, insular coat designed primarily for outdoor wear. Fleece scores big points with us when it comes to car travel.


Layering for Warmth

Many newer vehicles have leather seats, and wow…can we all agree that they turn uncomfortably cold in winter? Layering your back seat with warmth is a great way to create a cozy environment that effectively retains heat when temperatures start to drop. And it all starts with a thick base layer that can sit between your pooch and a chilly seat surface. Something like this fun, thick, non-slip backseat dog pad easily fits the bill. It's super-plush and a perfect buffer for blocking out cold. And this cushy mat is also machine-washable for when muddy paws rule.


Now, for those of us who travel frequently with dogs, it’s a safe bet that we already have a blanket in the back seat (or crate) that’s perfect for snuggly comfort... alas not so much for delivering any serious level of warmth.


Winter temperatures mean it’s time to revisit that old blanket and replace it with something thicker, denser, and sized for burrowing – in other words, more successful at retaining heat should a breakdown occur. We love this PetAmi waterproof dog blanket for that. Plush on one side with a cozy sherpa fleece on the other side. Its 29-inch by 40-inch size is ideal for dogs that love to root around, flip, and hide under their blankets.


If you travel frequently with a crated dog, investing in an insulated cover that fits snugly over the crate and remains in place whether or not in use may be the most convenient way to go. It blocks out cold, traps in heat, and its waterproof composition makes it ideal for outdoor use. But for dogs that are crated infrequently during travel, it may make sense to opt for a large, heavy blanket that can be draped over the crate. Not only is it effective at capturing and containing your pet’s body heat, but it can also do double-duty as a backseat blanket that’s ideal for those pooches who love to burrow and snuggle in. With the goal being to cover as much of the crate as possible, you will need an extra-large blanket that’s thick enough to hang heavily, versus blow or shift out of place. We vote for this reversible 60-inch by 80-inch waterproof dog blanket from CAPT.SNOOZE for accomplishing that.


And hey, if you have two or more dogs that can fit comfortably into one crate, consider that buddy system a great way for them to stay warmer, longer.


For those of us who live in a region that gets particularly cold and feels like an Arctic wind is constantly pushing through during winter, odds are you warm up the car before heading out. The same principle holds true for the backseat. Investing in an electric blanket specifically designed for cars, is the easiest way to do it. Especially if you’re travelling with older or smaller dogs that immediately feel that first chill and take a little longer to get comfortable. Something like this adjustable car heating blanket is perfect for a fast pre-heat and, should you become snowbound or caught in heavy winter traffic, it continues to generate the perfect level of warmth to those furry backseat “passengers.”

Lastly, a simple tip for keeping your pet fed, hydrated and comfortably warm when temperatures drop is by packing some dry kibble and heating his drinking water before heading out. This 3-in-1 portable dog water bowl is perfect for that. Double-wall vacuum insulation, leakproof top, and two stainless-steel bowls are ideally sized for dispensing his favorite snacks and a little warm water to help keep him comfy during inclement weather.

WOW
Mary Simpson
Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and 2 felines who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Keep an eye open for the following: Stiffening and Freezing: This is the biggest visual cue. The dog’s body becomes rigid, their legs straighten, and their movements become jerky rather than fluid. They may momentarily freeze, which is a sign of tension, not relaxation. Hard Stare: A playful gaze is soft and darting; a stare is fixed, intense, and often accompanied by a lowered head. This is called a “hard eye” and is a clear sign of serious intent or discomfort. Vocalization Changes: Playful barks are usually high-pitched and bouncy. Watch out for deep, guttural, or constant low growls, or sharp, high-pitched yelps that signal your pup is experiencing pain or fear, not just excitement.

What To Consider Before Using Talking Pet Buttons

Talking pet buttons have become increasingly popular, especially as more people have been sharing videos of their dogs and cats using them—well-known examples include Stella, Billi, and Bunny. If you’ve been thinking about giving speech buttons a try, here are some things to consider before diving in.

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