There’s a good chance that if you’re reading this, you probably have a pampered inside dog who rarely wants for anything and who fully expects regular trips to the pet store for treats and toys (please tell me I’m not the only one). You also probably live in South Texas, where the temperatures rarely get below freezing and, if they do, the city all but shuts down as we stay glued to the sexy infographics on our local weather reports and watch the thermometer hover around the freezing point.
All of that to say, even our pampered pooches can get cold in the winter here in San Antonio. Yes, even indoors, dogs can get cold and seek warm, cozy spots to hang out. Despite the fact that most dogs wear a fur coat year round, many can get very cold when the temperatures plunge. Smaller breeds (like Chihuahuas), seem to be especially sensitive to the cold, so it’s important to do a few things around the house to help keep your dog comfy this winter.
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How to Know if Your Dog is Cold
Dogs show that they’re cold in different ways. The most universal way to tell if a dog is cold is if it’s shivering. Excitement or nervousness can all cause a dog to shiver, but if the temperature is cold, you can be sure that shivering is an indication that your pup needs a little warmth. My Weimaraner’s teeth even chatter when she’s cold (but also when she’s nervous or desperately wants a bite of food from my plate)!
How Cold is too Cold for a Dog to be Outside?
Experts seem to concur that when the weather gets to 30 degrees and below, it is definitely too cold for a pet to be outside for extended periods of time. Just like humans, dogs can experience hypothermia if left outdoors in below freezing weather.
How to Keep Dogs Warm in Winter
For most of us though, our pampered pooches are typically only outside in weather that is that cold for quick walks and potty breaks, so let’s focus instead on ways to keep our four-legged besties more comfortable in the home during cold weather.
Provide a Safe Heat Source
You’ll want to be careful about leaving your dog unattended next to a heat source—such as a space heater, but there are other ways to make a warm spot for your dog that will work well and keep her safe. A heating pad with an automatic shut off, placed under her bed or a favorite blanket is a good place to start. You can also fill an old sock with uncooked rice and microwave it for 2 minutes. This will provide heat for about 30 minutes and is the safest way to create a warm spot for her, without having to worry about fire hazards or electric cords.
Get Creative with Dog Clothes
Plenty of dog clothing is rather ridiculous and offers nothing in the way of protection for the cold, but some dog sweaters and jackets actually do a decent job of trapping in the heat and taking the chill away. Additionally, you don’t have to run to your nearest pet store to buy a new sweater for your dog. A baby “onesie” or pajamas might work just as well—and will likely cost way less money (shop your local thrift stores for a bargain). Just make sure that the clothing isn’t too loose (a tripping hazard) or too tight. Cut holes where needed and think outside the box to make it work for your dog.
Add Extra Blankets
Add an extra blanket to your dog’s bed and see if she’ll let you “tuck her in,” at bedtime. The extra blanket will trap in her body heat and help her to stay warm—especially in a drafty house. Speaking of drafts, check your house for drafty doors and windows that might be at your dog’s level and see about fixing them. This will not only make your dog more comfortable, but might save you money on your energy bill.
Consider Getting a Raised Dog Bed
If your dog sleeps on a dog bed, consider getting her one that is lifted off the ground. The floor can get really cold in winter and a bed that has legs allows the air to circulate underneath, helping to keep her warm.
Cold weather can be a great time to bundle up and enjoy a nice walk and then come home and snuggle with your favorite dog. Remember that senior pets might be more sensitive to the cold, as well as very young puppies. Employing a few extra cold weather indulgences will certainly make a difference in every dog’s happiness as we approach the colder months of the season.
Find more dog care tips below:
6 Foods to Soothe Your Dog’s Tummy Troubles at Home
DIY Bone Broth Recipe for Dogs
Author: Jenny Jurica
Jenny is a married mother of two humans, one rescued Weimaraner, and four (yes, four) rescued cats. She is a native Texan who is a columnist/contributor for several publications and enjoys spending her free time curled up on the couch with a dog and a couple of cats. Much like the poet Sylvia Plath, Jenny often finds that she, “likes people too much or not at all,” but has never met an animal that she didn’t instantly adore (except for maybe the Komodo dragon at the zoo).
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