At ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, we know that winter changes the daily rhythm for every dog and owner in Australia. As the mercury drops and the rain sets in, it is easy to let routines slip, but a few small adjustments keep your dog happy, active and mentally stimulated right through the colder months. This guide covers winter walks, indoor training, nutrition and cosy bonding time, written specifically with Australian conditions in mind.
A week of plummeting temperatures and heavy rain is all it takes to remind Sydney households that summer is well and truly over. Even the most weather-hardy humans (and dogs) can find it harder to get out of bed on a cold, grey morning. Rather than settling into hibernation mode, we prefer to focus on the positives. If you are reading this, chances are you already have a loyal sidekick ready to get through winter together. Here are our top tips.
Winter Walks Still Matter
Australian summers are made for long days at the beach or park, but the heat can make daily walks uncomfortable. Winter flips that around. Cooler temperatures are the perfect excuse to make walks a little longer, change up the route, and explore without worrying about dehydration or chasing shade.
Regular outdoor exercise is one of the best ways to lift mood during the darker months, and it works for dogs as well as people. There is a growing body of opinion among vets and behaviourists that dogs can experience a seasonal dip in mood too, given how closely attuned they are to light, temperature and our own routines. Reduced sunlight and shorter days in winter can show up as:
- Lower energy and lethargy
- Appetite changes
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Self-soothing behaviours such as paw licking
Sounds a lot like the average human in July, minus the paw licking. A great way to lift both of your spirits is a decent walk together. Winter rain brings a whole new range of smells to the neighbourhood, and both of you will feel better for the effort. Top tip: head out around sunrise to work with your dog's natural body clock rather than against it.
Long Evenings Are Made for Training
If walks are done in the morning, the long dark evenings are ideal for some low-key training. It does not need to be a big production. Even fifteen minutes gives your dog mental stimulation and a boost of feel-good hormones. Consistent short sessions produce noticeably better results than the occasional long one. Three simple favourites:
- Treasure hunt: hide a favourite toy somewhere obvious while your dog watches, then release them to find it. Once they understand the game, hide the toy out of sight and let their nose do the work.
- Learn a new trick: if your dog already knows a clicker, say "new trick" and reward any novel behaviour they offer, then reward a different behaviour next time. This builds creativity within clear boundaries.
- The name game: expand your dog's vocabulary by naming specific toys and pairing the name with an action they already know, such as "hold" or "paw." Add a second item once the first is solid.
Consistent winter training pays off well beyond the season. Once spring arrives, you will have a calmer, more attentive companion ready for busy beaches and parks, and on the rainy days you cannot get outside, your dog will still be getting the mental workout they need.
More Snuggles, Fewer Excuses
Snuggles, cuddles and quiet time on the couch are one of the best parts of dog ownership, and feeding a raw diet means less of the "wet dog" smell that often comes with kibble-fed coats. Physical closeness with your dog triggers the release of oxytocin and has been shown to lower cortisol, the stress hormone, in both of you.
A well-known Swedish population study found that dog ownership was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in single-person households, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality across the general population. If that is not motivation to go and snuggle your dog right now, we are not sure what is.
Winter Nutrition Support
Diet will not undo a genuinely cold snap, but a nutrient-dense, biologically appropriate raw diet supports the energy and coat condition your dog needs to handle a change in routine. Our range of raw meals is formulated with real meat, organ and bone content rather than fillers, which is one reason so many Australian owners switch over winter when they notice their dog slowing down. If you are not sure where to start, our free meal planning quiz works out a feeding plan suited to your dog's size, age and activity level in a couple of minutes.
Curious dogs (and owners) can also try a sample pack before committing to a full changeover, which is a low-risk way to see how your dog responds before winter really sets in. For more on how nutrition affects overall wellbeing, our guide on keeping dogs comfortable through the seasons is a useful companion read.
When to Get Extra Help
Every dog handles seasonal change differently. Senior dogs, short-coated breeds and puppies often need more support keeping warm and active than a healthy adult dog in its prime. If your dog seems unusually withdrawn, stiff, or off its food for more than a couple of days, it is worth getting them checked over. The Australian Veterinary Association maintains a directory of registered vets across the country if you need to find one near you, and the MSD Veterinary Manual is a solid, plain-English reference for dog owners wanting more detail on cold-weather health issues.
Winter in Sydney and across most of Australia is mild by global standards, but the drop in daylight and temperature still shifts a dog's routine more than owners expect. A few adjustments to walking times, training and nutrition go a long way toward keeping your dog content until spring rolls around again.
The ardam team puts these same principles into practice with our own dogs every winter, and we are always happy to help Australian owners work out a feeding and exercise routine that suits their particular dog. Whether you have a short-coated breed feeling the chill for the first time or a senior dog who slows down every year once the temperature drops, small, consistent changes tend to work far better than one big overhaul. Keep an eye on your dog's coat condition, appetite and energy levels through the season, and adjust their walks and meals gradually rather than all at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs get seasonal low mood in winter?
Many vets and pet owners believe dogs can show signs of seasonal low mood, including lethargy, appetite changes and less interest in normal activities during the colder months.
Is it safe to walk dogs early on cold Australian mornings?
Yes, morning walks are fine as long as your dog is healthy and the weather is not extreme. Smaller or short-coated breeds may need a jacket to stay comfortable.
What are some easy indoor training games for winter?
Treasure hunts, teaching a new trick and the name game are simple, mentally stimulating activities you can play indoors when the weather keeps you inside.
Can spending time with my dog benefit my own wellbeing too?
Yes. Time spent with a dog is associated with lower stress hormone levels, and population studies link dog ownership with better long-term health outcomes for owners.
Should I change my dog's diet in winter?
It is not mandatory, but a nutrient-dense, biologically appropriate raw diet can help support your dog's energy levels and general wellbeing through the colder months.
How much exercise does my dog need in winter?
Most adult dogs still need at least one solid walk a day in winter. Shorter daylight hours mean a morning or early afternoon walk is often more practical than a late one.
Do Sydney winters really affect dogs much?
Sydney winters are mild compared to much of the world, but the drop in temperature, shorter days and extra rain can still change a dog's routine and energy levels.
What is the easiest way to keep a senior dog comfortable in winter?
Warm bedding away from draughts, shorter and more frequent walks, and a joint-friendly routine all help older dogs stay comfortable through winter.
Cold-weather feeding is easier with warming proteins like beef and lamb from the complete raw mixes range.
