With winter fast approaching it is easy for us to add an extra layer, make a hot water bottle, or brew a cup of tea. For your pets, this is not as simple of a task.
Both cats and dogs have a higher body temperature than humans. With a healthy temperature for your four-legged friends ranging between 38-39°C[1]. This means they can be much more susceptible to the cold during the winter.
How to tell if your pet is cold?
Although pets can’t directly tell us when they are cold, they communicate physically. Make sure to look out for changes in your pet’s body language and behaviour.
Look for:
- Shaking or shivering
- Tucked tail
- Whining
- Seeking out heaters and other sources of warmth
- Any behaviour changes, like seeming anxious or uncomfortable
- Seeking places for shelter or wanting to turn around when on a walk
Keeping your pets comfortable throughout the winter
If your pets like sleeping on the floor, you can make sure there are places provided for them to keep warm throughout your home. Adding extra insulation is essential. You can do this by creating a warm space with fluffy blankets, soft beds, and heated floor mats keeping your pets warm and comfortable. If possible, try moving their bed nearer to a radiator ensuring a cosy spot to return to throughout the day.
Playing frequent games with your dog. Not only will this encourage your dog to keep warm, but indoor games are great ways to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated. When the days get shorter, and the nights get colder the quality of your pet’s walks could diminish. You can keep them warm and entertained through a simple game of fetch or tug-of-war and using enrichment toys like a snuffle mat.
For younger animals, rotating existing toys keeps them entertained for longer. Bringing out a toy they might not have seen in a while is a simple way of providing enrichment, keeping them active and warm for longer.
Keeping your dog warm outside
During adverse weather conditions, it is best to limit time spent outside. However, it is still important that your dog remains active.
Going on walks and staying active throughout the day is a great way to ensure your dog stays warm through exercise just like us. During the worst weather conditions, try to limit the length of time outdoors and instead opt for a ‘little yet often’ approach to walks with multiple shorter and more energetic outings[2].
Try planning your walks in advance so you are aware of any potential hazards that you may pass on your route. Walking in the middle of the day is advisable, it is when the sun is brightest and the warmest time to go for a walk. If you do have to walk in the dark, make sure your microchip information is up to date and invest in an engraved dog tag. It could make the difference between your pet getting home safely.
If you are putting an extra layer on to keep warm in the cold, it is safe to assume that your dog may need the extra warmth too. If your dog has a shorter coat and feels particularly susceptible to the cold, a thermal dog coat is a smart idea, and looking for options with reflective tags or piping is brilliant for when those darker nights start creeping in.
We don’t like the bottom of our trouser legs getting covered in ice and mud during a walk, so why should we expect our dogs to? Keeping a well-groomed paw prevents ice from forming and grit from collecting on their feet which could cause irritation. In a similar vein, make sure to wipe and dry your dog’s paws after each walk, clearing them of any grit or salt that could have been spread on the road. There are even paw balms designed to nourish and help repair dried or cracked skin.
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[1] https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/healthcare/normal-cat-temperature-and-checking-vital-signs?lightboxfired=true#
[2] https://www.avenuesvets.co.uk/article/can-you-walk-your-dog-when-it-is-freezing-cold-and-in-the-snow/#:~:text=Mix%20up%20your%20dog's%20walking,dogs%20can%20get%20frostbite%20too!