Drastic drops in temperature cause an obvious feeling of cold in humans. Sensitivity to this temperature change allows measures to be taken to maintain body heat, but in some animals there are doubts about whether they feel cold or not. This is the case of dogs, there is no unanimous consensus on whether they are cold or which breeds are the most sensitive to low temperatures. However, by observing the behavior of the furry little one, you will be able to detect if he is feeling cold, since there are unequivocal symptoms that show it. Even so, it is convenient that you know the protection that dogs have in their body against low temperatures, in addition, we provide you with the coldest breeds. Do you remember this expression? It goes like this: it’s freezing cold.
To find out if dogs are cold , the most frequent signs and how to prevent them from suffering from it, at OneHOWTO we recommend that you continue reading this article.
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Index
- Are the dogs cold or not?
- How do I know if my dog is cold?
- How to avoid cold in dogs
Are the dogs cold or not?
If you wonder if dogs are cold, here we have the answer. Dogs have a layer of fat on their skin that acts as a thermal protector , as well as hair that protects dogs from the cold. Normally, the dog’s hair sheds twice a year (spring and autumn) so that its body is prepared for changes in temperature. However, having a layer of fat on the skin does not mean that dogs are not cold, since they can be cold for different reasons. One of them has to do with the fur of some breeds , which is sometimes very short and is insufficient to insulate them from low temperatures. We point out that the coldest dog breeds are greyhounds, chihuahuas, Argentine bulldogs, basset hounds and beagles. However, any dog can be cold in specific circumstances, such as extremely low temperatures or rainy days. So a cold dog will act differently. You must carefully observe their behavior and, if you notice any symptoms of cold, you must act accordingly.
How do I know if my dog is cold?
There are clarifying signs when it comes to detecting if your dog is cold. Shivering or chills, having a cold body or ears, continuous whining or the desire to curl up are some of them. Do not miss the consequences of cold in dogs :
Shaking or chills
The reaction of dogs to cold is very similar to that of humans. Shivering and chills are some of the ways the body reacts to try to stay warm. If you want to know all the reasons for tremors, don’t miss this OneHOWTO article on Why does my dog tremble.
cold ears
Cold ears in dogs are a good thermometer to check if they are getting cold. In this case, if the ears are cold, especially the edges, you probably have. If you wonder how dogs feel temperature, keep in mind that if the body is cold instead of hot, your dog is quite cold.
whining
Complaints in the form of whining or barking are your dog’s way of letting you know that he’s uncomfortable. One of the reasons that can explain this discomfort is how cold he is at that moment.
feel like snuggling
The position your dog is resting in is also a sign of being cold or not. If he sits in a ball or in a hunched position, tucking his tail between his legs and shivering, it’s probably because he’s getting cold. In these positions, he will try to warm up by taking advantage of the heat that his body gives off.
Other symptoms that show cold in dogs are as follows:
- Skin stiffness and dryness.
- Drowsiness
- Slow breathing rate.
How to avoid cold in dogs
Keeping a close eye on your furry friend is always important, but it becomes even more important during days of extremely low temperatures. If your dog shows any of the symptoms described in the previous section, he should act immediately by taking any of the following precautions to try to keep him warm :
- To keep his paws warm during walks in very cold and wet conditions, protect them by putting on dog boots.
- If your furry little one is especially sensitive to the cold, you can buy him adog sweater tailored to his breed and even a dog blanket.
- Is your dog one of those who needs and enjoys being outdoors for long periods of time? To protect him from adverse weather conditions, create or buy a shedthat suits his physical characteristics and needs. In addition, install a comfortable bed with a blanket inside the shed so that they can rest on it without getting cold.
- If you wonder if you have to cover the dogs to sleep, we answer that it is not necessary. You just have to place your bed near a radiatorso that it receives more heat, but take precautions with enough distance so that it does not burn.
- Can dogs sleep outside in winter? Well, if your dog is very cold, you should prevent him from sleeping awayfrom home.
- Try to keep the house at a comfortable temperature, even when you are not there. Your little furry one will appreciate it.
- Food also plays an important role: provide your dog with more caloric foodsso that it has more energy and its body is better protected from low temperatures.
- Try not to cut your hairduring the winter except to clean it up, since it is one of its thermal protectors.
If you want to know more details about how to protect pets from the cold , don’t miss this OneHOWTO article. Your furry friend will thank you!