Do you feel cold?

Author: John Stephens
Date Of Creation: 26 January 2021
Update Date: 13 November 2024
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Does a dog feel cold? This is, without a doubt, one of the most frequently asked questions that dog handlers ask themselves when winter comes. And if they already have the fur layer that protects them from low temperatures, why shiver when they are outside on a cold day? If you are also looking for an answer to this and have more questions related to the cold and dogs, you have come to the right place!

In this article by PeritoAnimal we will help you identify the signs that indicate that we have a cold dog, the consequences of that and how we can protect them. Keep reading and find out how to know if dog feels cold so you can help him.

Do you feel cold?

Does a dog feel cold like humans? The first thing we have to clarify is that yes, just like us, the dogs feel cold and heat, regardless of their breed and type of fur.


These last factors will determine the degree of cold or heat the animal can withstand. Dogs have a layer of fur and fat on their skin that act as natural thermal protectors. This layer of fur is changed twice a year, usually in spring and once in autumn, in northern hemisphere countries, and throughout the year in countries like Brazil, where the seasons are not so marked. The purpose of this exchange is to prepare the body for the change in temperature and adapt it. However, on many occasions this layer of hair can become insufficient during the winter and therefore allow us to have a dog with cold.

Dog breeds with greater resistance to cold

There's a lot dog breeds that can withstand the cold, adapted to these climates, which are capable of generating more or less under-fur during the natural exchanges they carry out to better protect themselves from low temperatures, so that they will hardly need our help to resist them.


Some examples are the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky or St. Bernard. On the other hand, there are others who are not so lucky and their nature does not offer them that possibility, so we must be careful to avoid our dog getting cold.

Dog breeds that feel the coldest

Dogs such as the Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Yorkshire or Chinese Crested Dog are usually the more vulnerable to temperature drop. This is because they are breeds that have very short hair or that have no hair at all. On the other hand, older puppies and dogs are also more likely to suffer more easily from the cold. If we have a companion who meets these characteristics, it's easy to know if he needs to be protected from the winter, but if we're not so clear, how do we know if our dog is cold? See below.


How to tell if the dog is cold

You already know that dog feels cold. But how do you know when a dog is getting cold? To answer this question, ask yourself the following question: How does your body react to cold? With chills! A dog's body is no exception and shivering is the main symptom of cold in dogs. Whether indoors or out, if your dog starts to shiver, it's more likely because he feels cold. However, this is not the only sign that can alert us to this, and there are other symptoms of cold in dogs that we need to pay attention to:

  • Breathing and slow movements: if you notice that your dog is breathing more slowly than normal or even has difficulty breathing, it's possible he's cold and is catching a cold because of it. Furthermore, this sign may be accompanied by slow mobility due to muscle stiffness caused by low temperatures.
  • Greater sleepiness: Is your dog more tired and sleeping more than usual? If so, it could be a consequence of the cold and you will have to take steps to help you deal with it. Also, note your sleep position. If he squirms like he wants to cover himself with his body, he definitely needs a blanket or warm clothing.
  • Dry skin: especially hairless puppies can get dry skin if they feel too cold, a fact that you will need to treat immediately to restore vitality to your skin and keep it in top condition.

Some puppies may have a cold body and this is a symptom that they are 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 any improvement, you should take him to the vet.

At what temperature does a dog feel cold?

Many readers ask us if 23 degrees is cold for a dog. Know that, like people, each animal is different and not all dogs feel cold at the same temperature. However, in general, it is from the 8th grade when they start to show symptoms of cold, so it is advisable to protect them if our place of residence is at this temperature or at a lower temperature, as can happen mainly in the southern states of Brazil.

Consequences of cold in dogs

Now that you know that dogs feel cold and what the symptoms are, we recommend that you act quickly if you notice a cold dog. Not taking action to relieve them can trigger the emergence of respiratory problems and serious pathologies, such as hypothermia. Here are the most common consequences of cold in dogs:

  • The flu
  • Bronchitis
  • Laryngitis
  • Pharyngitis
  • Pneumonia

Although these are the most common diseases in dogs during the winter, they are not the only ones, so protecting them from the cold is a mandatory task for guardians if we want to ensure their well-being and maintain their health. So, if you suspect your dog is cold and could suffer from any of these illnesses, don't hesitate and go to the vet as soon as possible. Especially pneumonia, which can only be treated with antibiotics that must be prescribed by a specialist, so act quickly and provide the best care for your dog.

How to protect my dog ​​from the cold

The first thing you should check to protect your dog from the cold is his sleeping space. If your dog used to sleep in the backyard or in another outdoor area, we at PeritoAnimal recommend that you think about it and move his bed indoors so he can feel the heat and not get sick.

Now, if for some reason you don't have space, can dogs sleep outside in winter? It depends on the conditions in which they sleep, that is, if they are going to sleep on the street, the answer is no, but if they have a heated doghouse, well conditioned, with blankets and well-protected beds, they can. However, we insist that they had better sleep the as protected from the cold as possible.

If you live in a place where temperatures drop excessively, providing your dog with a blanket to cover himself if it's cold is mandatory. There are also blankets or thermal blankets that we can use to warm our dog's bed or to place him directly on top of them and allow him to rest warm throughout the night. And if your dog is shivering and the blankets aren't calming him down, then we advise you to check if your bed is the most suitable or if it's time to change it to one made with more insulating materials.

In addition to these measures, you will need to consider buying warm clothes for your dog and dressing him up before taking a walk.Remember that just as you cover yourself with layers of clothing to go out and avoid the cold, your furry companion also needs an extra layer if he meets the aforementioned characteristics (short coat or lack of fur). Among the wide variety of clothes for dog, sweaters and coats stand out as the most practical, comfortable and effective:

dog sweater

They are usually knitted and cover the dog's neck and trunk area to help fight the cold. As they are slightly thinner than coats, they are best suited for not-so-cold periods. Keep in mind that too much protection of the animal from the cold can generate the opposite effect and lead to heat stroke, so don't go for it until temperatures don't reach their lowest point. When selecting the most suitable one for your dog, you have to look at the variety of sizes and choose the one that suits your dog's dorsal length.

dog coat

Coats are usually made of more cold-resistant materials and therefore are more protective of our dog. So, we recommend choosing this item from warm clothes for dogs when we are already in winter. Here we have more possibilities, and there are coats that only cover the animal's trunk area and others that include most of the legs and neck. You will have to choose one or the other depending on your dog's needs, because if you notice that he feels very cold when you take him for a walk and is even difficult to walk, it is best to wear a coat that covers more areas of his body.

Remember not to put any clothing on it outside of the cold season. Even though he might look really cute in a coat, you should think about yours. comfort and well-being.

dog boot

Finally, we mention boots for those cold dogs who live in places where snow is common or even if you plan to move your dog to a country where the winter is very harsh. Know that just as not all dogs need clothes, not all dogs need boots, but there are some who may refuse to walk on snow because of the cold or the feeling they get from the snow.

Be sure to check out the video below where we talk even more about how to protect a dog from the cold:

Do you need to cover the dogs to sleep?

Again, it all depends on your dog's needs in the cold. If you notice that your dog feels cold in winter, don't hesitate and leave a warm blanket on his bed so he can cover himself if he needs to. However, as it will remove it if it gets hot, it's not a bad idea to leave it on cold nights.

On the other hand, if you've been slow to realize that your dog was cold and he has clear symptoms of dry skin, you'll need to purchase a moisturizing dog shampoo to combat dryness and restore vitality to his skin. Remember that, as a guardian, you have a series of responsibilities that you must fulfill if you are to have a healthy, happy, and happy dog ​​by your side. Offer him all your love and the best care to protect your dog from the cold and keep him comfortable in the summer.

If you want to read more articles similar to Do you feel cold?, we recommend that you enter our Basic Care section.