Does My Dog Need a Blanket During the Winter?
Although sometimes we think our dog’s fur can protect him from the cold, realistically there is a good chance your dog is still cold. Factors include your dog’s health, weight, and age, along with where you live, your dog’s breed, and your home’s heat.
Blankets
If your dog is outside a lot in the winter, it’s important for a blanket to be available to them. Depending on all the factors stated above, it may be necessary to get an insulated dog house, possibly even a dog house heater for your pooch as well. It is generally advised against leaving dogs outside for extended periods of time, as they could develop hypothermia, which can lead to serious complications or even death.
Fur
Even though we tend to count on their fur for warmth, a general rule of thumb to follow is if you feel cold without extra layers, your dog probably does too. Smaller dogs, older dogs, and underweight dogs are more sensitive to the cold, along with dogs with thin, short hair and dogs with thicker hair cropped short.
On the other hand, do not force your dog to wear a heavy dog sweater unsupervised. It can actually lead to overheating. The best way to off warmth is to set up an area with several blankets away from doors, windows, vents, and fans, preferably a carpeted area. In general, try to keep your dog at least 3 inches off the floor.
Cold Homes
If you run your heat often and your home is consistently warm, you can worry less about your dog’s warmth. If you keep your home colder, be sure to provide blankets for your pet. Remember, if you’re cold, there’s a good chance your dog is too. The same rules apply for small dogs, older dogs, underweight dogs, and fur length discussed above.
It’s probably a good idea to offer them ways to warm up if you see them shivering. You can also feel their ears, as this is a good indicator of a dog’s warmth. Dogs act on their instincts, so if a blanket is available and they are chilled, they will usually find a way to warm up.
Overall, it is best to play it safe when it comes to your dog’s warmth. Provide plenty of blankets so they are not on the cold ground, whether inside or outside. Keep an eye on your dog on the colder days to be sure they are plenty warm.