Your pooch might have a thick and fluffy coat of their own, but it doesn’t mean they don’t feel the chill of winter. Just like us, dogs get cold, too!
So as the temperature drops and spring remains out of reach, here we’ll explain how cold weather can affect your dog and offer tips for keeping your pooch snug and warm throughout the frosty season.
Signs your dog is feeling cold
If your pooch is feeling the chill, they’ll likely show one or more of the following signs:
-
Shivering or trembling, just like we do when very cold.
-
Lifting paws off the ground or a reluctance to walk.
-
Whining or being vocal to show their discomfort.
-
Curling up tightly, as if trying to keep warm.
-
Seeking warmth or shelter in some way, like reaching for blankets or coverings.
-
Sluggishness or reluctance to move, slow movements.
-
Red or pale skin (especially on paws, ears, or tail).
- Ears are cold to the touch.
-
In extreme cases, frostbite or ice on paws and skin. This may occur if you’ve been out with your dog in icy or snowy conditions. This is where doggy snow shoes may come in handy!
Ways to keep your dog warm in the winter
Since they can't be snuggled in your lap all day long, let’s go into a few smart ways to keep your pooch nice and warm as the temperature drops.
-
Use suitable dog jackets or jumpers. Dogs with thin coats and/or slim bodies (Whippets, Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, for instance) will benefit from a doggy jumper or coat when out on walks - or even inside the house if necessary. Senior dogs can also wear jumpers or jackets to retain more heat in their bodies.
-
Consider letting their coat grow out. If you usually get your dog’s coat groomed to a very short length, let it grow out and keep it neat with just a trim next time. This way, your pooch has an extra ‘layer’ to keep warm in the winter.
-
Protect paws from icy surfaces. Walking on frosty or icy surfaces can be unpleasant for a pooch during the winter, so be wary of where you’re taking them out on walks. Dog booties can sometimes help protect their paw pads, but if your pooch doesn’t like wearing them, be extra vigilant - check their paws regularly, warm them up after a walk, and even try some dog paw balm.
-
Shorten walks in extreme cold. If it’s particularly icy or snowy outside, there’s no need to go on a long walk. Take your pooch out for a short stroll and get them back inside in the warm.
Being dry and in a comfortable temperature should take precedence in these extreme weather conditions.
-
Elevate resting spots for warmth. As the floor can be super cold for your pooch’s belly, create elevated spots for them to rest. Think a cushioned dog bed, or special areas on seats that your dog is allowed to sleep on.
These raised spots will help keep them off the cold ground and retain their body heat, ensuring they stay cosy.
-
Use heated pads or blankets after walks. After walks in chilly weather, heated pads or blankets can help your dog to warm up. These are especially beneficial for dogs with short coats or those prone to getting cold quickly. For optimum safety, just keep them in eyeline while they’re on these heated pads. These are also great if you aren’t keen on having the heating on in your home at all times as your dog will always have a warm spot to retreat to.
-
Provide a nutritious diet for energy. A healthy, balanced diet helps support your dog’s energy needs, especially in cold weather. Dogs burn more calories staying warm during the winter, so it's important to provide high-quality dog food that fuels them properly.
Look for foods rich in protein and healthy fats, which can help maintain their energy levels and support their overall health during the colder months.
How can cold weather affect dogs?
Although dogs have their own insulating layers, they get cold just like we do - and it’s up to us as dog owners to make sure they’re feeling happy and comfortable in different weather conditions and temperatures.
Remember their paw pads, nose and bellies don’t have much fur on them at all, so can get cold - and even those dogs with thick fur can get a chill if outdoors in low temperatures for too long.
How cold is too cold for a dog?
Dogs with thicker fur or double coats can withstand cold temperatures differently to other dog breeds.
Pooches bred for cold temperatures (like Siberian Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs) can thrive in very cold conditions - even as low as -30°C! - because they’re genetically adapted to snowy weather.
However, most adult dogs with mid-length coats will start to feel uncomfortably cold at around -6°C, whereas puppies, senior dogs or small, short-haired dogs shouldn’t be taken outside when it’s below freezing temperatures (0°C).
Do dogs get cold in the house?
Yes, they can!
As cosy and comfy as we make them, our houses aren't always going to be a sauna (especially with the cost of heating bills nowadays!). Plus, with many homes having a laminate or tiled floor, or even an older structure, some houses floor dwelling dog to feel the chill.
If you’re wondering what temperature is too cold for a dog at home, 15°C (60°F) or below is too chilly for sensitive dogs like puppies or senior dogs, or those with thin coats. Below 10°C is too cold in the house for most dogs, even those with thick coats ( it’s very cold for humans, too!)
How breed, age, and coat type affects your dog's temperature
A dog’s ability to handle cold temperatures is largely influenced by breed, age and coat type.
Breeds linked to colder climates, such as Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes or a St Bernard have thick double coats designed to insulate them against freezing temperatures.
On the other hand, dogs with short, fine coats like Chihuahuas or Greyhounds are more susceptible to the cold.
Age also plays a role; puppies and senior dogs tend to have less tolerance to temperature extremes, as their bodies are either still developing or may struggle to regulate heat effectively.
FAQs
How do I keep my dog warm at night in the winter?
Keep your pooch warm just as you keep yourself warm; with a comfortable and calm sleeping area and keeping indoor temperatures stable, if possible.
Make sure their bed is raised off the cold floor, perhaps a cushioned dog bed or extra blankets to create a cosy resting spot. You can also use heated pads designed for pets.
How to keep a dog warm in a crate at night?
The same applies if your dog sleeps in a crate overnight - supply them with lots of blankets and cushioning so they have ways of staying warm. Heated pet pads can also help, or a freshly filled, pet-safe hot water bottle (with a cover - don’t give it to them when at its hottest).
If you are giving your dog extra blankets or heat pads, be sure to read the safety instructions and always have them in your eyeline. Consider switching any electric heat pads off before going to sleep.
Can dogs keep themselves warm in winter?
Some dogs are genetically built to withstand the cold with their double coats. Alaskan Malamuts or Siberian Huskies, for instance, are just fine in temperatures as low as -30°C, so should be able to regulate their own temperature when it gets chilly.
Most other breeds of dogs will need some extra help to keep warm, with soft blankets, heated dog beds and dog jackets. This is especially true of puppies or senior dogs, who have trouble retaining heat and need to be kept warm.
Can puppies get cold at night?
Yes, puppies get extra cold at night - their bodies are still developing and so they may not have enough fat or fur to keep warm. It’s super important to give your pup a warm, comfortable sleeping area during the winter months, with soft bedding and no drafts in the room. You could get your pup a jumper for extra warmth, especially if they are very small or have a short coat.
Be mindful to remove jumpers or coats if older puppies ever left alone to avoid any accidents.
As temperatures drop, keep a close eye on your beloved pooch to see if they’re comfortable. Cold weather can pose risks, especially for dogs with short coats, older dogs, or those with health issues.
Make sure they have access to a warm and snuggly resting spot and provide extra protection against the elements - like coats, jumpers or booties for outdoor walks. If they have plenty of opportunities to warm up after a chilly walk, they should stay happy and cosy throughout the colder months.
A healthy, balanced diet rich in proteins and healthy fats is key to keeping your dog’s body well-functioning and warm. Try our healthy, grain-free dog food, healthy dog treats and supplements for dogs, such as Salmon Oil, that can help make for a happy and warm pooch.
Comments (0)
Leave a comment