10 Winter Warming Tips
Although dogs have fur and various ways to keep themselves warm during the winter months, they can still feel cold. Most dogs generally have two layers of fur, an undercoat and a top coat. The undercoat acts as an insulator and helps to keep a dog's body heat in while the top coat acts as a buffer and moisture barrier from the elements such as rain, snow and wind. Because all breeds are not the same, the amount of fur and quality of the fur for both the undercoat and top coat will indicate the effectiveness of how the coats function. For instance, a German shepherd has a double coat while some types of Chihuahuas have only a single coat of fur. Your dog's breed and the density of your dog's fur coat to help determine your dog's comfort level.
Another thing to consider is your dog's age and overall physical health. Both younger pups and senior dogs are affected by the dropping temperatures throughout the winter season. Puppies cannot properly regulate their body temperature because they are young and not fully developed. Senior dogs or dogs with underlying health/medical issues can have difficulty regulating body heat due to age and/or physical impairments.
Size matters. Since body fat acts like an insulator, a smaller dog with little body fat or a skinny dog, such as a Greyhound, is more likely to become cold and unable to withstand freezing temperatures while a larger dog with more body fat can create more body heat. Similarly, a dog that is short and walks closer to the ground can also have a disadvantage because they may have trouble regulating body temperatures not only due to their size but they need additional protection from winter weather as opposed to a taller dog.
An active dog is more likely to stay warmer during the winter months than a dog that is not active. When a dog increases physical activity his body temperature rises. This increase of body heat is what helps keep a dog warm during winter months. For whatever the reason, dogs that are not actively moving their bodies to make their body temperatures rise will not be able to generate that same kind of heat as an active dog.
However, there are a few remarkable ways that dogs are able to keep themselves warm when they need to. Aside from their fur coats, dogs have something called piloerection. Basically, dogs have hairs that raise on their neck, back and even on their tail. These hairs are connected to certain muscles so when a dog is cold the hairs raise up, it traps air between the fur and the trapped air acts like extra insulation. Another way dogs are able to keep themselves warm is by their sleeping position. A cold dog will often curl up in a ball and by sleeping in this position, the dog prevents heat loss and is able to maintain some body heat. A third way a cold dog can naturally keep themselves warm and raise their body temperature is through the act of shivering or trembling. Smaller dogs are more prone to this technique but all dogs have this ability.
Make no mistake, the winter season can be downright cold and with the combination of harsh elements typical of New England, it could have a serious impact on the overall health and well-being of your pet. Below are a few winter wellness tips for your dog this season.
1. If you have an outdoor dog house, take measures that it is properly sealed and insulated. An outdoor dog house should have a vapor barrier installed, be securely stable and fixed off the ground, water tight, free from drafts and built with a durable waterproof roof. As a preventive measure, cover the dog house with a waterproof tarp to prevent damage from rain and snow. Inside the dog house, place a heated dog bed to ensure a warm and safe environment for your dog.
2. Dogs will let you know if it is too cold but you need to pay attention to the signs. A cold dog may shiver, hunch up their backs or tuck in their tail. Your dog's ears may feel colder to the touch which indicates they are losing body heat. If your dog moves more slowly, seems lethargic or stands still like he's stuck, bring your dog indoors immediately, especially if you need to carry them inside. If your dog walks differently, is trying to keep his paws off the ground or lifts and holds a paw up then it's too cold for your dog and you need to go indoors. Listen to how your dog verbally communicates, any unusual barking, whimpering or whining may indicate that your dog is too cold. If your dog stops walking or no longer wants to walk, turn around and go home or back to your car.
3. Shorten the time you spend outside because dogs can get frostbite and suffer from hypothermia in freezing weather conditions but especially when exposed to low single-digit numbers and negative temperatures.
4. Bundle your dog up with a well-fitted doggie coat or sweater which will help maintain body heat and protect your dog from inclement weather. This is especially important for smaller dog breeds, senior dogs, breeds that are thin, shorter dogs and dogs that are physically impaired.
5. Protect your dog's paws from ice and salt on the ground. Clean your dog's feet when coming in from the outdoors so if there's any licking of paws, your dog won't become ill from the ice melting salts. Maintain proper grooming so snowballs can't build up on your dog's paws. Apply paw balm to your dog's paw pads to help prevent them from getting rough, cracked or split. Lastly, help your dog become comfortable wearing winter booties, which may take a lot of patience and time in the beginning but it will ultimately be the best option for your dog in the long run.
6. Maintain regular daily exercise. Take shorter but more frequent outdoor walks. Give your dog space for zoomies and other fun backyard activities. Encourage play time at the dog park with friends. Create time for indoor games like tug-of-war and hide-and-seek.
7. Keep your dog hydrated. Always provide fresh water in clean bowls. Add water to their food to ensure your dog is getting adequate amounts of water for your dog's breed and size.
8. Support joint health. Arthritis in the winter months can be painful and discomforting for senior dogs. Include omega 3-fatty acids, fish oils, glucosamine and other joint supplements to your dog's daily diet during your usual morning routine. Take other holistic approaches to maintain good joint health for your dog, if necessary.
9. Home heating sources can cause dry, flaky and irritated skin for some dogs. Aside from making sure your dog is drinking enough water and has proper hydration, consider using a good humidifier to help reduce or offset the dry heat inside your home.
10. Keep area rugs scattered throughout a house with wooden or tile floors to help your dog stay warm, especially in older homes that tend to be more drafty. Consider even providing your dog with an elevated bed so heat can circulate all around your dog, providing a warmer and more comfortable resting place. Finally, make sure your dog's bed is thick while adding extra blankets to ensure a comfortable, warm place for those long winter nights.