Why does my dog…

Why does my dog make little snorts in cold weather?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

If midnight potty walks have suddenly made a comeback, it’s usually not because your dog “forgot” their training. Potty training regression is common, especially during winter, schedule changes, or stressful transitions at home. Cold weather alone can be enough to throw off a dog’s routine. Shorter days, icy ground, and rushed outdoor breaks don’t exactly encourage lingering outside to finish the job.

Regression can also show up during adolescence, after a move, with new pets or people in the house, or when dogs feel anxious or overstimulated.

The fix usually starts with returning to basics: more frequent potty opportunities, clear routines, and consistent praise. Some dogs simply need shorter intervals between breaks, while others benefit from reducing stress or tightening supervision indoors.

For households dealing with extreme cold, mobility challenges, or disrupted schedules, indoor dog patches can help bridge the gap. Used consistently, they give dogs a predictable place to go when outdoor trips aren’t ideal, without undoing training altogether.

Potty setbacks are frustrating, but they’re often temporary and manageable with the right adjustments.

When the weather is bad, your schedule is packed, or you live in an apartment, indoor accidents can start to feel inevitable. Many dogs get anxious when they can’t get outside—and that stress often leads to messes. Fresh Patch Real Grass gives your pet a natural, familiar potty spot right at home, making those tough moments easier for both of you.

Real grass feels instinctive for dogs, which means training is faster, cleaner, and far less frustrating.

What makes Fresh Patch different:

• Real grass, not synthetic

• Naturally absorbs odors

• Great for dogs, cats & small pets

• Subscription-friendly grass refills

Get 20% off your first Fresh Patch with code DAILYDIG20 (ends soon!).

Make potty breaks effortless.

Thank you to Fresh Patch for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Meet Mocha, an 11-year-old Australian Labradoodle who’s dog mom Sarah describes as the most mellow dog you’ll ever meet. He is perfectly content soaking up the day from a cozy chair or heading out for a long, peaceful walk. He especially loves beach strolls and backyard fetch sessions with his neighbor and “girlfriend,” Lulu.

Mocha also has a soft spot for his people. When Sarah heads back to college, he makes his feelings very clear by climbing straight into her suitcase, mess and all, hoping to tag along. It’s equal parts sweet and hard to resist.

Thank you to Daily Dig reader Sarah for sharing Mocha with us! Want to see your dog featured as Dog of the Day? Send in a photo and a short note about your pup.

If your dog has started waking you up in the middle of the night, it doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong, but it is a sign that something has changed. Dogs are lighter sleepers than humans, and even small shifts in routine, weather, or activity levels can affect how well they rest.

One of the most common culprits is timing. Eating or drinking too close to bedtime can lead to late-night potty needs, especially if your dog didn’t get a solid bathroom break before sleep. Boredom can also play a role. Dogs who don’t get enough physical or mental stimulation during the day may have extra energy once the house quiets down.

Age matters, too. Puppies and senior dogs tend to wake more often. And anxiety, particularly separation-related, can cause dogs to seek reassurance at night. If the wake-ups start suddenly or come with other changes like accidents, thirst, or discomfort, a vet visit is worth considering.

Helpful fixes often start with consistency: earlier meals, a calm bedtime routine, and more daytime enrichment. Some households also use indoor potty spots overnight to reduce disruption while keeping routines intact.

Occasional night wake-ups are normal, but patterns are your clue to what needs adjusting.

Here are our favorite picks of the week, perfect for cozy days and playful pups:

• 💤 Try this if you hate taking your dog out at night

• ❄️ Indoor dog parks that beat the cold

• 🧸 Dog won’t let go of his puppy blanket

Fresh Patch Real Grass gives your pet a natural, familiar potty spot right at home, making those tough moments easier for both of you.

Get 20% off your first Fresh Patch with code DAILYDIG20 (ends soon!).

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 Why does my dog: Cold air tickles their nose and adds extra “snuffle power.”

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