With chillier days upon us we’re looking to pull out those gloves, scarves and hats to keep out the cold but what about our pets? How do we keep our four legged friends warm and cosy this winter and how do we know when our pets are the right temperature? Read on to find out more.
Did you know that your dog’s body temperature is higher than yours? A healthy human body temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius whereas your dog is a toasty 38-39.2%! Their furry coat helps to keep the warm in and the cool out for longer haired dogs but those with shorter coats may feel the cold a little more.
So how do we know when your canine pal needs a little extra help to warm up? Like humans, dogs shiver too, a clear sign that their body temperature is decreasing. Other notes to look out for are curling up into a ball and showing unusual tiredness.
How can we keep our pets happy and warm?
Keeping your dog active can go a long way to helping them warm up and expel any extra energy. Keeping dry is another way to preserve heat, so if your dog is a water lover, it’s important to help them dry off in when in cooler weather so as not to lose extra heat.
Allowing your dog’s coat to naturally grow during the winter will also help keep them insulated from bad weather during colder months. With shorthair breeds, coats and dog jackets can help provide that extra layer and keep them happy, dry and warm. Boots can also be useful to keep paws off snow and ice. Salt and grit can also irate your pet’s paws so keep them safe and protected.
Both younger and older dogs are more at risk in colder conditions and it’s important to take special considerations to the temperatures they are exposed to. Whelping boxes provide a small and controlled environment to make sure your puppy is the right temperature. Keep older dogs off cold floors or provide heated beds to help care for older joints.
If you’re concerned about your pet or would like more information on keeping your pet happy and healthy this winter, get in touch with one of our vets.
