How Stray Animals Like Dogs, Cats, and Cows Survive Winter Winter can be a harsh season, especially for stray animals like dogs, cats, and cows. Without proper shelter or a steady food supply, these animals rely on their instincts, resilience, and the kindness of humans to survive the freezing temperatures. Here’s an in-depth look at how they cope and how we can help. ❄️ Dogs 🐕 Stray dogs face significant challenges during winter. To keep warm, they often seek out sheltered areas like abandoned buildings, under bridges, or near warm machinery. Some dogs even curl up near human residences, hoping for scraps of food and warmth. Dogs tend to huddle together in packs to share body heat, which helps them endure the cold nights. Unfortunately, lack of proper nutrition weakens their ability to withstand the weather. You can help stray dogs by: Leaving out blankets or old clothes in safe spaces for them to sleep on. ...