No one likes to feel too cold. Even at the height of summer, you may find yourself reaching for a blanket during cold evenings or mornings, and although many of our beloved pets have a natural all-over fur coat, dogs can still feel the cold, just like humans. It’s why your cat or dog will look to snuggle closer to you or find warmer areas of your home to relax in.
Whether snuggled on the sofa or braving the chilly outdoors, staying warm is vital for your pets’ health and well-being. Cold weather can affect pets differently depending on their age, breed, and general health, so recognizing the signs that your pet might be feeling the chill will go a long way to helping them.
Below, you will find some helpful tips on keeping your furry friend as warm and comfortable as possible indoors or while enjoying the outdoors.
But first, how can you tell if they are feeling the cold?
What are the signs my dog is cold?
Sometimes, it would be easier if your pet could talk and tell you if they are feeling cold or under the weather, but until a gadget comes along that can make that happen, you’ll need to spot the signs they need some help.
Different pets react to the cold in various ways. While some may relish the brisk weather, others may experience discomfort. For instance, short-haired breeds, smaller animals, and dogs with chronic health issues may struggle to maintain their body heat in lower temperatures.
According to the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), a UK-based veterinary charity that provides free and low-cost veterinary care to pets of people in need, there is a limit to the warmth your pet’s fur can provide. Young, old, frail, small, and newborn pets are particularly at risk of getting hypothermia.
Watch for signs of:
- Shivering
- Drowsiness or confusion
- Reluctance to walk or play outside
- Pale gums
Recognizing these signs early can help prevent hypothermia.
If your dog becomes too cold, it may need an emergency vet visit. A good pet insurance policy will ensure that any visits during the colder season don’t leave you out-of-pocket or, worse, unable to afford treatment.
Some companies can provide pet insurance policies that cover up to £15,000 in vet fees each year, providing a safety net against the potentially high costs of vet visits should your pet suffer from cold-related conditions.
Hopefully, you won’t ever need to deal with an extreme situation in which your pet gets hypothermia, but it can happen.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to avoid this and keep your pet nice and warm whenever the temperature drops.
Indoor warmth for pets
Keeping dogs warm inside the home isn’t just a matter of turning up the heating.
Proper bedding is the first thing to consider for your pet’s indoor comfort during cold weather.
- Look for thick, insulated beds and place these away from any drafts and cold flooring, such as tiles or uncarpeted areas.
- Elevated beds can also help keep your pet off cold floors, while fleece or wool blankets offer additional warmth and security.
- When placed away from other heat sources, heated mats or pads for your pet to lay on instead of the floor can also be a good idea.
With your central heating, you’ll need to remember that your radiators or other heat sources, such as an open fire or fan heaters, can get very hot, so finding a balance with the room temperature is essential.
Make sure any bedding is just a short distance from these heat sources, and if you do have an active fireplace, be sure there is a cover to keep your pet from getting too close.
You should regularly check that the room temperature is comfortable for your pet, not just you and the other humans in the house.
Like us, their skin can become too dry and irritated in heated homes, so fresh air is always welcome.
Turning down the heat and looking for other ways to keep yourself and your pets warm will also help lower your energy bills.
Outdoor protection
When it comes to the outdoors, preparing for colder weather conditions can make all the difference.
- Breeds with short hair will feel colder than those with thick coats, so appropriate clothing becomes essential.
- A waterproof, insulated jacket or sweater can provide extra warmth. Whichever you choose, make sure it doesn’t restrict movement or fit too tightly.
- These should fit snugly but comfortably, and those with reflective parts can help them stay visible in low-light conditions, such as on a dark morning or evening walk.
- After a walk in the cold, thoroughly dry their paws and any wet fur to help them heat up quicker once back home.
Dogs can develop health problems from being in cold weather for too long.
According to vet Dr. Scott Miller, writing for Petsure, these can include a weaker immune system, as the cold can make it harder to fight off infections and slow healing, struggling to digest food as easily due to their gut slowing down in the colder seasons, and, in some cases, hypothermia if your dog’s body temperature drops too low. In this case, your dog would need immediate vet attention.
Protect your cat, too
If you have a cat, its needs slightly differ from those of dogs. If your feline is an indoor cat, you already have a few ideas to consider, but if it is an outdoor cat who loves to roam (even if this is just in an enclosed yard), you’ll want to take some precautions.
- An outdoor shelter can help it find a warm, dry spot when needed, elevated off the ground to prevent cold from getting in from below.
- According to the Blue Cross, if the weather gets too cold, you may want to encourage the cat to stay in, especially overnight. This will prevent them from staying outside too long in the cold or finding shelter under cars or somewhere less safe.
- Just like with a dog, dry them with a towel after they come in so they are not sitting with wet paws or fur.
Keep dogs warm on cold days
As we’ve explored, keeping your pets warm through the colder days and months requires careful attention to their behavior and outside conditions.
If you’re vigilant, you can ensure your dog has a comfortable lifestyle indoors, away from the cold, while preparing them for the coldest conditions outdoors.
You know your dog better than anyone but always speak to your vet if you need help keeping it warm.
They’ll be able to make recommendations based on the unique needs of your particular breed and what’s best for your dog’s overall health.
Here’s to a fun-filled and cozy autumn and winter for you and your pets.
Alex Stevens is a passionate pet blogger who shares expert advice on pet care, health, and happiness. With a love for animals and years of pet ownership experience, Alex helps pet owners give their furry friends the best life possible.