In the dead of winter, when the mercury hovers around zero, it's no surprise that it's cold. But if we're also cold, what about our four-legged companions?
The cat stays snuggled up on the blanket, against the radiator. But what about the dog, who needs to go outside and exercise? How does it cope with winter? Especially dogs with an outdoor kennel : do they get cold at night?
If you're wondering whether dogs get cold at night, know that it's entirely possible. After all, they are living beings too.
But your dog's sensitivity to the cold depends on many factors. The intensity of the cold, of course, but also its breed , coat , age , weight…
In short: to the question "do dogs get cold at night" , the answer isn't universal! Discover all the signs to check to know if your dog is cold at night, or not.
Why can dogs get cold at night in particular?
Nighttime is a special time for your dog. Indeed, while you generally sleep warm under a duvet or in a well-tempered room, your dog does not always have access to this comfort.
Some owners leave their pets outside in the garden or in a poorly heated room. Even for a dog that sleeps indoors, it can get quite chilly if the heating is turned off or reduced at night.
Whether you let your dog sleep outside or in the living room, nighttime temperatures are often below freezing in winter. This is why it's important to understand how sensitive dogs are to the cold.
Do dogs get cold at night? It all depends on their breed and coat.
Just like humans, some dogs are more sensitive to the cold than others . This difference is due to habits , of course, but that's not all. Some dog breeds are better adapted to the cold, particularly because of their morphology , weight , and coat .
Some northern breeds, such as the Siberian Husky or the Alaskan Malamute, are adapted to harsh climates thanks to a thick undercoat that provides excellent thermal insulation.
Conversely, breeds like the Chihuahua or the Dogo Argentino, with short hair and a less developed layer of fat, may be more sensitive to the cold.
This explains why the question “Do dogs get cold at night? ” often gets different answers depending on the breed of your pet.
But be warned: even the most " robust " dogs can be sensitive to the cold, especially when it's cold and damp. Their metabolism will do its best to maintain their body temperature, but if ambient temperatures are too low, they can quickly suffer from the cold.
How can you tell if a dog is cold at night?
So, how can you tell if your dog is cold ? What signs should you look for?
Criteria relating to your dog
Apart from the breed of your pet dog, there are other criteria that can influence its resistance to cold.
1 – The dog's age
Puppies and older dogs are more vulnerable to the cold than dogs in their prime.
The former are still growing and their immune systems are not yet fully developed. As for older dogs, they may suffer from health problems and a reduction in their ability to adapt.
If your dog is very young or very old, it is therefore best to have it sleep indoors, next to a heat source.
2 – His state of health
A dog recovering from an illness or suffering from a chronic condition ( arthritis, immune disorders ) is more sensitive to the cold . The logic is the same as for a human: if you are weakened, your immune system will be too.
3 – Its size and weight
Small dogs, which often have less fat to keep them warm, are more prone to losing heat quickly. This is why in winter, you often see Chihuahuas wearing little down jackets!
4 – His activity and habits
Finally, an active dog generates more heat. An animal that gets a little exercise before sleeping will tend to tolerate a slight drop in temperature better. But this will only last a few hours: once inactive, its body temperature will drop, making it more vulnerable to the cold.
How can I tell if my dog is cold at night?
Now that you know the criteria, keep in mind that they aren't foolproof. In other words, sensitivity to cold can vary from one individual to another. So how can you tell if your dog is cold?
There are signs that, once again, do not lie:
- Shivering or trembling : as in humans, it's a way for the body to produce heat
- Hunched-up position : a dog that tries to make itself as small as possible and cover its muzzle with its tail is trying to conserve heat
- Raised paws : if your dog often alternates its paws on the ground outdoors, it means it is trying to reduce contact with a cold surface.
- Restlessness or nervousness : a dog that moves constantly or whines may be expressing discomfort
- Lethargy or apathy : Conversely, if your dog seems abnormally calm and listless, it may already be suffering from hypothermia.
- If your dog's ears, nose, or extremities are icy cold , don't hesitate to touch them to assess their temperature.
If you regularly observe some of these signs in your dog, it means he's cold. In which case, it's time to take action.
Is it better to keep my dog indoors at night?
It's a perennial debate: some dog owners claim that dogs are meant to live outdoors. Others are completely against this idea.
In reality, it all depends on your dog's breed, health, and temperament:
- Working or guard dogs : certain breeds accustomed to living outdoors and with suitable coats can tolerate low temperatures very well, provided they have shelter well insulated from the cold and damp.
- For dogs kept indoors or not used to the outdoors : it's best to avoid leaving them outside, especially if temperatures drop below 5 to 10°C.
Therefore, be sure to respect your dog's routine and pay close attention to any signs of cold. Don't hesitate to alternate between indoor and outdoor activities so your dog can stretch its legs while staying warm regularly.
🐶 BFPetfood's good advice:
In any case, when temperatures are below freezing , it's always best to keep your dog indoors. The cold can be surprisingly sudden. Don't risk hypothermia for your dog: choose safety!
How to keep your dog warm at night?
Whether indoors or outdoors, there are always good tips to keep your dog warm.
First, make sure you invest in a good bed ! With a basket or a bed made of a soft material (a good Valentine's Day gift idea for your dog! ), he will be able to maintain his body temperature without difficulty.
Whether in the garden or the house, make sure to place the bedding away from drafts to avoid temperature variations.
Finally, adapt to the breed and coat of your dog! If you have a 60 kilo husky sleep outside, provide a sheltered kennel, comfortable bedding and enough kibble so that it does not deplete its energy reserves.
If, on the other hand, you have a small French bulldog and the temperature inside can drop below 15°C during the night, don't hesitate to invest in a small coat for him.
🐶 BFPetfood's good advice:
If you're not a fan of dog coats, don't worry: there are plenty of other solutions. Blankets, heating pads, well-insulated kennels, insulation placed directly on the floor… It all depends on the conditions in which your dog sleeps at night.
What are the risks for a dog that is cold at night?
If you're unsure whether your dog is getting cold at night, here's a tip: take precautions. It's better for your dog to be too warm than too cold ! ( within reason )
Indeed, prolonged exposure to cold can generate health problems: hypothermia, frostbite, heart disease… And even the aggravation of any existing health problems.
These situations can sometimes turn out to be serious, which is why it is essential not to underestimate your dog's sensitivity to the cold.
If, despite all your efforts, your dog shows signs of hypothermia , especially after a prolonged outing, don't wait to act!
Bring him inside where he'll be warm, and warm him up gradually with blankets , warm towels , or a hot water bottle wrapped in a cloth. Even if it's tempting, don't put him in a hot bath: the thermal shock could worsen his condition.
If the condition persists, do not wait: go to a veterinarian immediately.
🐶 BFPetfood's good advice:
After a walk, if you were caught in the rain, don't forget to dry your dog thoroughly with a towel.
Pay particular attention to the paws and pads : between rain and cold surfaces, these very sensitive areas can crack and become painful with every step if they are not properly treated.
So, do dogs get cold at night?
If you're wondering whether dogs get cold at night, the answer is yes. At least, it's a possibility that shouldn't be overlooked, even if you have a dog that's usually very resistant to the cold.
Leave nothing to chance: from quality bedding to food, take care of your dog, even in winter!
And always remain very attentive to the slightest signs of cold, to avoid hypothermia.
