Because of their fur coats, many people assume that dogs are fully protected from the cold. However, the truth is that dogs can suffer from the cold just like humans do. How can you tell if your dog is cold? Here are some signs that can signify that they might be feeling chilly:
The Weather Is Too Cold
Just because there are sunny skies doesn't mean that your dog can't get too cold. If you don't know the signs of cold weather, here are a few things you need to know.
Dogs are most comfortable in temperatures from 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. If your dog is outside in cold weather, it needs a blanket to snuggle under. This is especially crucial for small dogs because they’re more susceptible to losing core body heat to the elements.
If you live in cold weather and you're going to take your dog on a walk, put some clothes and shoes on them to prevent them from feeling too chilly.
Your Dog's Ears Are Cold
Dogs normally have warm bodies due to their fur, but you should check the temperature of their ears to tell if they’re cold. Their ears tend to lose heat quickly, and you should bring them indoors to warm up if you want to prevent frostbite.
Your Dog Shivers
When your dog feels cold, the first thing that happens is that the dog will start to shiver. A shivering dog has muscles that are contracting and relaxing quickly. The dog's body is trying to warm itself up by increasing the blood flow to the muscles and keeping them warm.
Your Dog May Rub Against You
When it’s cold, your dog will want to stay close to you. It will rub up against you and attempt to bundle up because it wants to stick to another warm body.
They Move Slowly
When dogs feel cold, they might not feel too comfortable and start to move slowly. If you notice that your pooch is moving sluggishly during your walks or playtime, then it may be time to cozy up inside the house.
If they seem lethargic, extremely sleepy, or clumsier than usual, it’s best to warm them up right away because these are signs of hypothermia.
They Curl Up
Your dog will try to get into a warm place 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. That allows the dog to conserve as much heat as it can.
Your Dog May Seem Anxious
Dogs are communicative creatures and will let you know when they’re uncomfortable. You might notice that they’re barking or whining more. Moreover, if their body language seems anxious and out of the ordinary, then they may need to warm up.
Conclusion
Does your dog show any of the symptoms above? If you have a dog, not from a cold climate, it may not know what to do when it gets cold. You can help your dog by creating a place to go when it's cold. A dog bed with a blanket can make your dog feel warmer. If you have more than one dog, you can buy more than one dog bed.
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