Do dogs feel cold?

The first thing to clarify is that, like us, dogs feel cold and hot, regardless of their breed and the type of hair they have. These last factors will determine the degree of cold or heat that the animal can withstand. In this way, dogs have a layer of hair and fat on their skin that act as natural thermal protectors. This coat of hair performs two changes a year, one in spring and one in autumn, to prepare its body for the change in temperature and adapt it. However, on many occasions this layer of hair can become insufficient during winter and, therefore, allow the cold to penetrate our dog.
There are a series of cold-tolerant dog breeds, adapted to these climates, which can generate amount of undercoat during the shed to better protect themselves from low temperatures, so they will hardly require our help to bear them. Some examples are the Alaskan malamute , the Siberian husky or the Saint Bernard.. On the other hand, there are others who are not so lucky, and their nature does not offer them this possibility, so we must be careful to prevent our dog from getting cold. Dogs such as the Chihuahua, the French bulldog, the Yorkshire, or the Chinese crested are usually the most vulnerable to falling temperatures. This is so because they are breeds that have very short hair, barely shed their coat or have no hair at all . On the other hand, puppies and elderly dogs are also more prone to cold more easily. If we have a companion that meets these characteristics, it will be easy to know if it needs to be protected from winter, but if it is not so clear to us, how do we know if our dog is cold?

How do I know if my dog is cold?

How do I know if my dog is cold at home or on the street? To answer this question, ask yourself the following question: how does your body react to the cold? With tremors! The dog’s body is no exception and, therefore, tremors are the main symptom of cold in dogs. Whether it is indoors or on the street, if your dog begins to shiver, it is most likely because he feels that he is cold. However, this is not the only sign that can alert us to it, and it is that there are other symptoms of cold in dogs that we will have to pay attention to:
• Breathing and slow movements. If you notice that your dog breathes slower than normal or even has difficulty doing so, it is possible that he is cold and is catching a cold from it. Likewise, this sign can be added to slowed mobility due to muscle stiffness caused by low temperatures.
• Increased sleep. Is your dog more tired? Do you sleep more than usual? If so, it may be a consequence of the cold and you will have to put measures to help him cope. Also, watch your posture when sleeping. If you squirm as if trying to cover yourself with your own body, you absolutely need to cover yourself with a blanket or warm clothing.
• Dry skin. Especially hairless dogs can have dry skin if they feel very cold, a fact that you will have to treat immediately to restore vitality to their skin and keep it in perfect condition.
Some dogs may have a cold body, and this is a symptom of cold, however, it is not a sign that it is always present, so it is preferable to be guided by the above symptoms. On the other hand, if you notice that your dog has stiffness in a specific part of his body, you should massage the area very carefully to offer your warmth and try to alleviate the symptoms. If after a few minutes you do not notice improvement, you will have to take him to the vet immediately.