A lot of dogs with fluffy long coats are not affected by the winter. They are able to cope with the drop in temperature because of their thick double fur. For example, breeds like the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute were originally bred to deal with snow and icy conditions. So, when it comes to winter, they do not need a lot of assistance.
However, there are some breeds that you need to watch out for. Any canine that has a short coat is going to struggle when there are sub-zero temperatures. Here are five signs that you should look out for that indicate your furry friend is cold.
Cold Ears
If you touch your dog and their body feels warm, you may think that they are doing fine in the winter. However, a good test to use is touching their ears. If their ears feel cold, chances are they need some warmth. So, if your pooch is outside, ensure that you bring them in to enjoy the warmth of your home. Offering them a warm bed is also going to allow them to relax and warm up again.
Whining
Some pups are quite vocal when something is wrong. Therefore, your furry friend might let you know if they are not comfortable with the winter weather. If your pooch starts to whine or try to get your attention, try to work out what they want. This whining can be a way for them to deal with their anxiousness about being cold. You can always offer your canine a Woofy Christmas Custom Dog Blanket to help raise up their body temperature to a more acceptable level.
Shivering
Just like humans, dogs will physically shiver and shake when they are cold. This is not a good sign and it means that you need to help your furry friend immediately. You can wrap a warm blanket around them and make sure that they wear a jumper until they have warmed up. This is going to stop them from developing hypothermia or getting sick.
Curling Up
Is your dog curling up when they go to sleep? Your pup may be cold and trying to conserve body heat. They will curl themselves into a ball with all of their limbs tucked in, including their tail. While this can look cute, it often is an indication that the room they are in is not warm enough for them. Provide your pooch with a fluffy bed and this can help them adapt to the temperature.
Limping
During the winter, your dog’s paws can get very cold. This is the part of the body that is directly in contact with the ground. In particular, when it is icy or there is snow, this can feel very cold for your canine. They might start to slow down when they are on their walks and even develop a limp. If this is the case, you might want to look into dog boots for your furry friend to wear.
