Most people assume that dogs are fully protected from the cold because of their fur coats. The truth is, dogs can suffer from colds just like humans do. Whether indoors or outdoors, it is important to keep your dog sufficiently warm for its own health and safety. So how can we tell if our dogs are actually feeling cold?
All dogs need protection from the cold. It doesn’t matter whether they are thick-furred, dark-coated, or have long hair, any dog still needs protection from the cold. Puppies, tiny dogs, as well as dogs with short hair need extra protection from the cold. Factors such as age and health also affect your dog’s ability to withstand cold. Sick dogs, puppies, and senior dogs might not have the physical capability to maintain their body temperatures.
Dogs are most comfortable in temperatures from 20- 22 degrees Celsius. If the weather is feeling chilly, grab a blanket for your dog to snuggle under. This is especially crucial for smaller-sized dogs because they’re more susceptible to losing core body heat to their surroundings. What are some of the signs to look out for if you suspect that your dog is feeling cold?
Your dog’s ears and belly are cold
All dogs have warm bodies due to their fur, but you should check the temperature of their ears and bellies to tell if they are cold. Touch your dog around his ears, especially along the edges and underneath the fur and coat as well as its belly region. If both areas feel cold when touched, your dog is feeling cold.
Your dog is shivering and trembling
Dogs tend to shiver or tremble when they are feeling cold. A shivering dog has muscles that are contracting and relaxing quickly. Your dog’s body is trying to warm itself up by increasing blood flow to the muscles keeping them warm.
Your dog is unusually lethargic
Cold temperatures weaken your dog’s body, making it stiff, tired, and slow-moving. When dogs feel cold, they might not feel comfortable and start moving at a slower pace than usual. If you notice your dog moving sluggishly during walks or playtime, it could mean it’s time to warm them up!
Your dog curls up
Whenever your dog feels cold, it will try to get some warmth by curling up. When your dog curls up, it’s trying to take as small an area as possible to keep its core body temperature warm. This allows the dog to conserve as much heat as it can.
Your dog may seem anxious
Dogs are communicative creatives and will let us know when they feel uncomfortable. You might notice that they are barking or whining more. If their body language seems anxious and out of the ordinary, they might need to warm up.
Your dog is hiding or desperately seeking shelter
If your dog seems to be desperately seeking shelter under or behind something, he is probably feeling cold and is trying to warm himself up.
Does your dog show any of the symptoms above? Your dog may be shivering, trembling, or cuddling in warm spaces. They may choose to curl up on your bed or sofa as they seek warmth instead of lying on cold tiles. Generally, if you are feeling cold indoors, chances are that your dog feels the same way.
Your dog might not know what to do when it gets cold. You can help your dog by creating a place to go when it is cold. A dog bed with a blanket can make them feel warmer. You could also massage your dog’s body by rubbing it side-to-side and up and down to get him warm. Wearing a comfortable shirt for them can also help them to beat the cold!
Any views or opinions communicated on this page belong to the author and do not represent the views or opinions of any other organizations. This article is meant for us to share our own views and opinions in general. Kindly consult a professional if you would like to seek professional advice.
Adopted from sources
– Some signs that tell you your dog is feeling cold. By Wags To Wiskers.
(https://www.wagstowiskers.com/pupdates/2022/2/24/some-signs-that-tell-you-your-dog-is-feeling-cold/)
– How Can I Tell If My Dog or Pet Is Feeling The Cold? By GreenCrossVets.
(https://www.greencrossvets.com.au/pet-library/articles-of-interest/how-can-i-tell-if-my-pet-is-feeling-the-cold/)
– How to tell if your dog is cold. By The Blog Dog, PetCareRx.
(https://www.petcarerx.com/article/how-to-tell-if-your-dog-is-cold/3626)
– Images of dogs, Pixabay.
(https://pixabay.com/photos/puppy-puppy-sitting-puppy-sweater-4596111/
https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-jack-russell-terrier-5870236/
https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-puppy-pet-animal-cute-5146375/)