In short:If you’re reaching for a coat because it’s cold, your dog might appreciate a little extra warmth too. To help your dog stay warm during the cold months:
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Your dog can’t tell you they’re cold, but their body language will. Here’s what to watch for:
- Shivering or trembling is the obvious one, but it’s easy to mistake for excitement
- A tail tucked low or under their body (a sign they’re trying to conserve body heat)
- Lifting their paws off the ground means cold concrete and frosty grass are no joke!
- A hunched, tense posture is them curling in to shrink their surface area and trap warmth
- When outside; refusing to walk or constantly stopping (signalling that they want you to turn back towards home)
Small, short-haired, senior dogs, and puppies feel the cold the fastest, so they need extra attention on cold days.
And while us humans can throw a big puffer jacket on, what can our doggo friends do to keep warm?! Yes, their thick layer of fur helps… but for those really chilly mornings or on that windy walk, here’s how you can help keep your dog warm.
4 ways you can keep your dog warm during Winter
Whether you’re a Dog Sitter or a pet parent, you must ensure that the hound of the household is heated adequately during this nipper period.
1. Create a cosy sleeping spot
A warm bed can make a world of difference during winter. Consider how cold your Cavoodle might be if dog-napping on concrete or tiles. Such surfaces may be paw-fect for summer, but are freezing during winter. Here are some tips for creating the cosiest space for sleeping:
- Raise beds off cold tiles or concrete where possible
- Use an insulated or orthopaedic bed with thick cushioning
- Add warm blankets they can burrow under if they enjoy it
- Keep beds away from draughty doors and windows
For extra toasty snooze-time, a heated pad for pets can also help (especially for seniors or puppies who might feel the cold a little more).
2. Keep them moving
On those Winter days when you can find a sweet spot to venture outside, be sure to keep active the whole time. Standing still at the dog park can make dogs colder than walking steadily.
When the weather isn’t playing fair and you can’t go outside for their daily exercise, light indoor play also helps generate body heat. Engage in some tug-of-war games, indoor fetch (if you’ve got the space), and hide and seek.
If your dog enjoys curling up near the heater or snuggling beside you on the couch, let them. Sharing warmth is one of the ways dogs naturally stay comfortable during colder weather. This may answer the common question, ‘Why does my dog sleep so close to me?‘. It’s a win-win, warm-warm situation as you get your own living little heat pack too!
Just be sure to supervise pets around heaters and fireplaces.
3. Invest in a coat for your canine
Not every dog needs a jacket, but puppies, senior dogs, small breeds and short-haired dogs can all benefit from an extra layer on chilly days.
Choose a jumper or coat that covers their chest and belly for added warmth, especially on cold or windy walks. If it’s wet outside, a waterproof coat can help keep them dry too. Once you’re both insulated, you’ll be more game for a Dog Walk.
Looking for stylish doggo layers? Take a squiz at the Aussie online boutique Mister Woof. Or browse the collection from Dogue, where you’re sure to find unique outfits and accessories to warm your bow-wow.
Just make sure their clothing fits well and doesn’t restrict movement or cause overheating.
4. Dry them off after wet walks
This is one of the biggest things people overlook.
Wet fur loses a lot of its insulating power, so if your dog gets caught in the rain, towel them off as soon as you get home.
And, don’t forget to pay close attention to their paws. Cold, wet ground can leave their paws damp and uncomfortable, so make sure you dry your dog’s paws thoroughly and check between their toes for moisture or debris.
