Tips to Protect Your Dog from the Cold

We often make the mistake of thinking dogs already have enough of a coat to withstand the low temperatures of winter. However, although some breeds like the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute, the Samoyed, or the Chow Chow tolerate cold better, every dog appreciates some shelter from it.

Regardless of your pet's breed, you should take certain precautions to protect them from the cold and prevent illness. Puppies, senior dogs, small breeds, and thin-coated dogs are the most vulnerable to freezing temperatures. At Soyunperro we're sharing tips to protect them, whether they live indoors or outdoors.

How does cold affect dogs?

Young dogs, senior dogs, thin-coated dogs, and small breeds are the most prone to getting sick as a result of repeated or prolonged exposure to low temperatures. The resulting conditions are related to viral illnesses, like the flu, and respiratory ones, like the common cold.

In senior dogs, joint pain from arthritis often worsens as well, so it's a good idea to keep them active with games and rewards so they exercise indoors, or to massage their limbs for relief. These are the most common illnesses dogs get from hypothermia:

• Cold (coughing, fever, and nasal congestion)
• Bronchitis
• Laryngitis
• Pharyngitis
• Pneumonia
• Infectious tracheobronchitis, or 'kennel cough'

How to spot hypothermia

The ears, prone to ear infections, the paw pads, which can crack, and the skin between the toes, which tends to turn red, are the most sensitive areas. So, every time you get back from a walk, you should dry your dog's ears and make sure everything looks as it should. There are several symptoms that can reveal hypothermia in a furry friend. Take note:

1. Shivering. This is the most obvious sign of cold in dogs. That said, breeds like Chihuahuas also do it out of excitement or due to their metabolism.
2. Moving less, and moving strangely. Their muscles are stiff from accumulated dampness and cold.
3. Sleeping more than usual with no obvious reason at first glance (like exertion, or a heavy meal).
4. Breathing slowly.
5. Their skin is dry. This is why it's worth using brushing time to check the condition of their skin.

Recommendations for sheltering dogs from the cold

Now that you know what conditions low temperatures can cause in furry friends and how to catch them early, we'll show you what you should do to prevent these setbacks, both for pets living indoors and those living outdoors.

How to protect indoor dogs

Besides providing them a space of their own where they can rest without sudden temperature changes, it doesn't hurt to give them a blanket to cover them at night. If they don't like being covered, they can use it to lie on top of instead and still get some shelter from it.

How to protect outdoor dogs

For furry friends who usually sleep outside, and depending on how harsh the winter is, you might consider having them spend this season indoors instead. To do this, you should set up a draft-free space for them, spacious and well-ventilated, with a padded bed or a blanket.

If, on the other hand, your pet is going to stay outdoors, make sure their doghouse is oriented properly to protect them from wind and rain. In this regard, west or south-facing orientations tend to work best. Plastic and treated wood are the most durable, waterproof, and insulating materials.

It should sit about 10 cm off the ground to insulate against cold and dampness, and be large enough to let them lie down, stand, and turn around without difficulty. Avoid doghouses that are too big, since they won't retain body heat as well. Adding a mat and a dog bed inside will be much appreciated by your pet.

Tips that apply to everyone

To everything already mentioned, we want to add a few more tips that will complement your dog's winter care, no matter where they spend most of the day. Here's a summary:

• Don't overfeed them with higher-calorie or warm meals. Their diet should stay the same regardless of the cold.
• Bathe them only when necessary and dry them thoroughly, first with a towel and then with a hairdryer. Hold the dryer at a certain distance from your pet and use medium heat to avoid burns. Don't let them go outside if they're not completely dry.
• Dress them warmly with clothing that keeps them warm on outdoor walks. Some brands donate proceeds to charitable causes, such as supporting shelters for abandoned pets.
• Don't neglect their physical activity — they need it to stay healthy, and also to warm up. That said, walks should be shorter and, if possible, during the middle hours of the day.
• Avoid frozen ponds or lakes. They could fall into freezing water if the ice breaks.
• Avoid antifreeze spills or similar products they could be poisoned by.
• Moisturize their paw pads with products made specifically for this, or use dog socks.
• When coming back from outside, check the condition of their paws and pads. Remove any snow, salt, or moisture.
• Encourage indoor play, and if your dog is a senior, motivate them to move or massage their joints. This will help ease their joint pain.

Don't hesitate — protect them

As you can see, cold weather means taking certain measures to protect your pet, just as we do for ourselves. We hope this information helps you put it into practice. And you — how do you usually protect your dog from low temperatures? Let us know in the comments.