There is a popular myth that dogs do not get cold because they have furry coats. However, dogs suffer from colder temperatures more often than you can imagine. When your pet dog is cold, it will exhibit some signs to make you understand that they are suffering from cold.
When the dog is exposed to a cold climate for a lengthy period, it is likely to suffer from hypothermia. The general body temperature of a pet dog is about 101 degrees Fahrenheit to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Dogs suffering from hypothermia will have body temperature between 95 degrees Fahrenheit to 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another risk your puppy might suffer from when it feels cold is frostbite, which happens when the dog’s body diverts blood flow to the crucial organs in its body. Due to that, the feet, nose, legs, and tail of your dog are in danger.
Top 8 Signs That Indicate Your Dog Is Cold
When your pet dog is feeling cold, it is best to warm it by wrapping a blanket around its body. If you want, you can check out funnyfuzzy.com, where different types of dog blankets are available. Here are a few signs that indicate the dog is cold, and you need to take the necessary precautions to warm it up.
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Shivering
The cold has a noticeable effect on dogs. It is probably too cold for your dog to be outside if it is shivering or shaking. Your dog may also show signs of being too cold by shivering extremely. When you notice your pet dog shaking and trembling, remember not to leave it out in the cold and bring it inside to warm it up.
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Weather conditions
The most crucial thing to keep an eye on is the surrounding temperature. If you feel that it is too cold outside, it might be the same for your pet dog. Even though your dog has fur, there are chances of it becoming cold. If you are cold even when wearing a jacket, your dog will be cold even if it possesses fur. If the surrounding temperature is cold, make sure not to leave your pet dog outside your home.
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Cold ears
While your pet dog feels cold, its body might be a little warm when you touch it because of the furry coat. If you are not sure about how to determine whether the dog is feeling cold or not, you can simply touch the ears of your dog. If the ears are too cold to touch, it indicates that your dog is suffering from cold and needs to be warmed immediately. In addition to that, it will be better to wrap the dog in a blanket after bringing it indoors.
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Snuggling
When your dog feels cold, it tries to warm itself by using its own body heat. If the pet dog curls up into a ball, it implies that it is feeling cold. When it is slumped over with its tail tucked, make sure to bring it inside and do not leave it outdoors as it might be too cold for your pet to handle.
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Slow movements
Observing your dog’s actions is another decent way to know whether your dog is cold. When your dog is cold, it will act as if it does not want to stay outdoors. You will notice your dog strolling at a slow pace. If you observe your dog trying to lurk behind or under various items when playing outside, it is most likely that your dog is striving to protect itself from the cold. It is time to take the pet dog indoors if you see any of those signs.
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Trudging
Your pet dog’s paws are vulnerable and highly sensitive to cold climates. Due to that, you have to take the necessary precautions to look after the dog’s feet. If the canine’s hoofs are not protected properly, and the floor is relatively colder than the surrounding climate, then your puppy is likely to feel cold at a quick rate.
When the puppy begins to trudge or walk slowly, it is attempting to notify you that its feet are relatively cold. It is best to buy a pair of shoes for your dog to protect its feet.
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Whimpering
When your dog gets uneasy as a result of the cold, it will try to convey it to you. It may groan, whimper, or scream to accomplish this. If your dog begins to act strangely for no apparent reason, check whether it has been exposed to cold weather or chilling wind. Dogs with cold may appear agitated or uncomfortable. If you detect these symptoms, you have to assist your dog in warming up.
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Severe Drowsiness Or Feeling Lethargy
If your doggie looks like it is tired or feeling lethargy, it could be a crucial symptom of your pet feeling cold. It is not only a symptom of cold but more than likely an indication of hypothermia, not just a sign that your dog is cold. Extreme and constant clumsiness is another symptom of hypothermia.
When you see this, carry the dog indoors as soon as possible and warm it up. If your dog seems rigid, has trouble breathing, or is hardly walking, bring it to the veterinary clinic right away. Your puppy’s life may be saved if you visit the vet instantly. Winter months and colder weather can be difficult for the dog. If you are not careful enough, things can rapidly become risky.
Buying your pup a PAWAii Double-sided Durable Dog Bed can be a good choice in winter.
Bottom Line
Whenever you come across any of the listed signs, make sure to observe your pet dog to determine if is feeling cold or not. Later on, start warming up your dog in all possible ways. If your dog continues to show these symptoms for a longer period and is not active as it used to be, it is better to visit a veterinarian. It is because if your dog feels cold for a prolonged period, it can result in frostbite or hypothermia, which are deadly.
