Despite their furry coat your dog can feel the cold just as much as you do. Keep your dog warm and comfortable during the cold winter days and nights.
Firstly, how can you tell if your dog is cold? Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Cold ears or paws
- Shivering
- Curling up more than usual
- Snuggling up more than usual
- Moving slowly
Cold ears or paws
Dog’s ears tend to lose heat quickly. Gently feel your dog’s ears to see if they feel colder than usual. Their paws can also indicate if they are cold and it’s a sign that you need to take extra care to keep your dog warm.
Shivering
Dogs will sometimes shiver to generate heat by increasing the blood flow to the muscles. If you notice that your dog is shivering it’s a sign that they need extra warmth.
Curling up
When they are cold dogs will often seek out a warm place to curl up. They curl up so that their body takes up as small as area as possible. This helps to conserve body heat.
Snuggling up with you
Your dog may snuggle up with you more than usual if they are really feeling the cold. Or, they may rub up against you to be close to another warm body.
Moving slowly
Moving slowly could be a sign of hypothermia. They may become more lethargic or clumsy and very sleepy.
Tips to keep your dog warm this winter:
- Have your pooch indoors with you, especially at night
- Make sure your dog has warm bedding. Provide something that he or she can curl up against
- Take him or her out for walks to get the blood flowing
- When the sun is streaming through a window or glass door move your dog’s bed into the sunshine
- Perhaps buy a nice warm coat for those really cold days
Our minders will keep your dog warm when you go away
Our caring “Don’t Fret Pet!” dog minders are all dog lovers and will ensure that they will keep your dog warm when staying with them. See more information here.
See some tips from the Animal Emergency Service to keep your dog warm in winter.