How do dogs keep warm in winter? [Infographic]

Are you worried about your dog feeling the chill this winter? If so, you’re not alone. Many dog owners worry that their furry friends will get too cold at this time of the year, with many taking precautions to protect them from the plummeting temperatures. If you’re wondering how do dogs keep warm in winter, read on. 

6 great ways to keep your dog warm this winter

Don’t forget to keep an eye on your dog in the wintertime. Just like us humans, dogs can feel the dog in winter and may need extra support for their health at this time. Not only can joint stiffness become an issue but frostbite and hyperthermia can also occur in the worst cases. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you take to keep your dog warm and comfortable when temperatures are at their lowest. Keep reading to learn how do dogs keep warm in winter. 

Provide a warm and cosy place to sleep

Just as we like to snuggle up in a warm bed when it’s cold outside, dogs prefer a cosy place to sleep too. A cold floor or poor-quality bed won’t cut it at this time of year. A self-warming bed or mat is advisable if your dog sleeps in a cold area of the house or has particularly thin fur. These special thermal beds allow your pet to retain their body heat, helping them to stay warm when it gets colder indoors. 

Invest in an insulated outdoor dog house 

Some dogs are equipped to spend long periods outside in the winter, with their body mass and fur length and thickness usually deciding factors in how well they can tolerate the cold weather. However, it’s a good idea to provide them with some shelter from the elements when spending time outdoors. 

A dog house can be a good investment. Ideally, it should be insulated or weatherproof on all sides, including the walls, floor, and ceiling. It should be elevated off the ground too since this will help it to stay warmer and drier. When choosing an outdoor dog house, make sure it’s built to a high standard from durable materials. This will help to ensure that it not only withstands moisture without leaking and strong winds without collapsing. 

Consider a dog coat

Some people roll their eyes at their idea of putting dogs in clothes like sweaters and coats. However, it can actually be advisable in some cases. Smaller dogs, in particular, can benefit from wearing protective clothing since they find it harder to retain body heat. Short-haired breeds or breeds that are originally from a warmer climate may also need cold weather wear. You should also consider the outside temperature when deciding if your dog needs to wear a coat. Dogs in temperatures greater than 7°C don’t normally need to wear a sweater or coat. Neither will they require one if they are only going to be outside for 10 minutes or less. 

Protect your dog’s paws 

Inspect your dog’s paws regularly in winter. Not only can snow and ice increase the risk of frostbite and cause the skin to become chapped or cracked but salt and chemicals on the ground can cause chemical burns to their paws. Plus, sometimes dangerous objects can be hidden in the snow that can cause injuries to the paw pads. After your dog returns from a walk, check their feet, looking out for any cuts or abrasions. 

If your dog lets you, you may want to consider fitting them with booties. 

Boots can protect your dog’s feet from the cold winter weather. They can minimise contact with snow and ice as well as harsh salt and chemicals, preventing their foot pads from becoming damaged or irritated. Whilst booties can very useful at this time of year, not all dogs will tolerate them. Often, they can take some time to adjust to as well. Begin by letting your dog walk around the house wearing them, encouraging them by rewarding them with treats. Make sure the boots fit your dog properly since this will ensure that they remain in place when they run or walk. 

Choose dog kennels carefully 

If you need to put your dog in kennels for any length of time in the winter, make sure the kennels you choose is reputable and trustworthy. Ideally, you should take a tour of dog kennels in Rotherham. This will provide you with the opportunity to see where your dog will be sleeping and what provisions are in place to keep them warm and comfortable when it’s cold outside. 

Government guidance has been drawn up to ensure that sleeping areas in kennels are warm enough. The temperature in the area your dog sleeps in must be above 10 degrees at an absolute minimum. Not all kennels will comply with this regulation, so it’s important to do your research before choosing boarding facilities for your dog. 

At Jaycliffe Pets, we take the health and wellbeing of the dogs we care for very seriously. We adhere to all the government guidance, ensuring that dogs are kept warm and comfortable during their stay with us. We’ll always monitor dogs to ensure that they’re not too cold or hot, looking out for any signs of cold or heat intolerance. You can rest assured that your dog will be in safe hands at Jaycliffe Pets. You don’t need to worry about how do dogs keep warm in winter in our kennels. 

Contact us 

Contact the team at Jaycliffe Pets today if you require high-quality dog kennels in Rotherham. Call us on 01709 645 046 or  via the website. We’re more than happy to provide you with a tour, allowing you to see first-hand the standard of our boarding facilities.