How do you know if your dog is too cold?
Do Dogs Feel Cold?
Some dogs come from cold regions, while others come from temperate or tropical areas, so we can’t suddenly transition dogs accustomed to indoor living to outdoor living. It takes at least a month, or even several months, for dogs to adjust to temperature changes.
Different dog breeds have different tolerances, so you can’t treat all dogs the same way. Breeds like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes can stay outdoors for extended periods in colder temperatures, but breeds like Greyhounds or Miniature dogs, lacking the thick coat of a sled dog, cannot tolerate long periods outdoors.
Signs of a Dog Feeling Cold
If you see a dog curling up its body, instinctively protecting its head and belly, staying in a corner without wanting to move, and ignoring you when called, it means it’s feeling very cold! Some dogs may occasionally get up and walk while shivering. These signs indicate that they are cold and in need of warmth.
Where Dogs Feel the Coldest
One of the areas where dogs feel the coldest is their mouths. Since dogs have underdeveloped sweat glands in their skin, with sweat glands only on their tongues and paw pads, they rely on increased breathing rates and panting with their tongues out to cool down in hot weather.
But dogs still need to breathe in cold weather, so the mouth becomes a rapid heat dissipation area and is most susceptible to cold. Another area dogs feel the cold is their bellies. We often see puppies sleeping in a prone or curled position to protect their sparser fur.
Taking into account the specific needs and tolerance of your dog, it’s important to provide appropriate measures to keep them warm during winter, such as providing a warm and comfortable shelter, insulating bedding, appropriate clothing (if needed), and limiting exposure to extreme cold. Regularly monitor your dog’s behaviour and well-being, and consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns.