It can be hard to tell when your pet is feeling the cold, and unfortunately, they can’t tell us in so many words. Here is Greencross Vet’s advice on what to look for in cats, dogs, and smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs when you think your pet might be feeling the cold.
Ever snuggled up under a blanket on a winter night and wondered if your four-legged buddy is feeling the chill too? Despite their fluffy coats, our canine companions can definitely feel cold inside our homes. Many pet parents assume that a dog’s fur provides complete protection from the cold, but that’s not always true. Today, we’re diving into everything you need to know about dogs getting cold indoors and how to keep your pooch cozy when temperatures drop.
Can Dogs Really Get Cold Inside Your Home?
Absolutely! While it might surprise some pet owners dogs can and do get cold inside houses especially during winter months. Just because your dog has a furry coat doesn’t mean they’re fully protected from cooler indoor temperatures.
Dogs with thin coats, smaller breeds, elderly dogs, and puppies are particularly vulnerable to feeling chilly, even in what we might consider a comfortable home environment When the thermostat drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, many dogs will start feeling uncomfortable, though this varies by breed
8 Clear Signs Your Dog Is Feeling Cold Indoors
How can you tell if your furry friend is shivering through movie night? Here are the telltale signs to watch for:
1. Shivering or Trembling
Just like humans, dogs shiver when they’re cold. If you notice your pup trembling or shaking while indoors, it’s probably because they’re feeling chilly. This is one of the most obvious signs that your dog needs to warm up.
2. Cold Ears
Here’s a quick test: feel your dog’s ears, particularly around the edges. If they feel cold to the touch, your dog is likely feeling cold all over. Even when a dog’s body feels warm thanks to their fur, cold ears are a reliable indicator that they’re not warm enough.
3. Curling Up in a Ball
When dogs are cold, they instinctively try to conserve body heat by curling up tightly. If you notice your dog hunched over with their tail tucked in or rolled up in a tight ball while sleeping, they’re probably trying to keep warm.
4. Seeking Warmer Spots
Is your dog suddenly sleeping right next to the heater vent? Or perhaps they’ve started burrowing under blankets or hopping up on your bed more often? These are clear signs they’re looking for warmer places in your house.
5. Whining or Barking
Dogs will sometimes vocalize when they’re uncomfortable. If your pup starts whining or barking without any obvious reason, consider whether they might be telling you they’re too cold.
6. Slow Movements
Cold muscles don’t work as efficiently. If your normally active dog seems to be moving slowly or stiffly around the house, they might be feeling the chill.
7. Limping
Your dog’s paws are particularly sensitive to cold. If you notice your dog limping or lifting their paws frequently while walking on cold floors, it’s a sign that the ground is too cold for their comfort.
8. Extreme Sleepiness or Lethargy
While dogs do sleep a lot, excessive sleepiness or lethargy could indicate your dog is too cold. In severe cases, this could even be a sign of hypothermia, which requires immediate attention.
How Cold Is Too Cold For Dogs Indoors?
The ideal indoor temperature for most dogs ranges between 68-72°F (20-22°C), similar to what’s comfortable for humans. However, this can vary based on:
- Breed: Northern breeds like Huskies and Malamutes can tolerate much colder temperatures than short-haired breeds like Chihuahuas or Greyhounds.
- Size: Smaller dogs lose body heat faster than larger dogs.
- Age: Puppies and senior dogs have more difficulty regulating body temperature.
- Health: Dogs with certain health conditions may be more sensitive to cold.
When indoor temperatures fall below 45°F (7°C), most dogs will begin to feel uncomfortable. At temperatures below 32°F (0°C), dogs are at risk for hypothermia and should never be left in unheated rooms for extended periods.
Do Dogs Get Cold at Night?
Many pet owners wonder if their dogs get chilly during nighttime hours when temperatures naturally drop. The answer is yes – some dogs definitely feel colder at night, particularly:
- Dogs with thin or short coats
- Small breed dogs
- Elderly dogs
- Puppies
- Dogs with health issues
If you keep your thermostat lower at night to save energy (as many people do), your dog might feel colder than during the day. This is especially true if they sleep on the floor rather than in a cozy dog bed or with you.
Health Risks of Dogs Getting Too Cold
Allowing your dog to stay cold for too long can lead to several health problems:
Hypothermia
When a dog’s body temperature falls below the normal range of 101-102.5°F (38.3-39.2°C) to below 99°F (37.2°C), they’re experiencing hypothermia. This condition can be life-threatening if not addressed quickly.
Signs of hypothermia include:
- Extreme lethargy
- Stiff muscles
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness
- Lack of alertness
Weakened Immune System
Cold stress can weaken your dog’s immune system, making them more susceptible to illnesses like colds and flu. While the cold itself doesn’t cause sickness, it creates an environment where germs can more easily affect your dog.
Joint Pain and Arthritis Flare-ups
Cold temperatures can worsen joint pain in dogs with arthritis or other joint conditions. You might notice your dog moving more stiffly or seeming reluctant to walk on cold mornings.
7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Warm Inside
Now that we know dogs can definitely feel cold indoors, what can we do about it? Here are some simple solutions to keep your furry friend cozy:
1. Provide Warm Bedding
Invest in a quality dog bed that provides insulation from cold floors. Beds with raised sides help trap body heat, while orthopedic beds offer joint support for older dogs. Adding a blanket gives your dog the option to snuggle up when they feel chilly.
2. Elevate Sleeping Areas
Keep your dog’s bed off cold floors, especially if you have tile, concrete, or hardwood. Even raising the bed just a few inches can make a big difference in how warm they feel at night.
3. Consider Doggy Clothes
While not all dogs need or tolerate clothes, many smaller or short-haired breeds benefit from a sweater or jacket indoors during winter months. Just make sure whatever you choose fits properly and doesn’t restrict movement.
4. Use Draft Excluders
Check your home for drafts, especially near doors and windows. Draft excluders can prevent cold air from seeping into your living spaces and creating cold spots where your dog might sleep.
5. Maintain a Consistent Temperature
Try to keep your home at a consistent temperature, especially in rooms where your dog spends most of their time. If you lower the heat at night, provide extra warm bedding for your pup.
6. Allow Couch Privileges (Sometimes)
If you’re okay with it, allowing your dog up on furniture can help them stay warmer. Couches and beds are elevated off cold floors and retain human body heat, making them cozy spots for chilly pups.
7. Warm Up After Outdoor Time
When your dog comes in from a cold potty break, dry them off with a towel if they’ve gotten wet. This prevents them from staying chilly indoors after exposure to cold temperatures outside.
Which Dogs Are Most Vulnerable to Indoor Cold?
Not all dogs feel the cold the same way. Some are particularly sensitive to cooler indoor temperatures:
- Short-haired breeds: Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, Boston Terriers
- Toy and small breeds: They have higher surface-area-to-volume ratios and lose heat faster
- Elderly dogs: Older dogs often have less muscle mass and fat to insulate them
- Puppies: They haven’t fully developed their temperature regulation
- Dogs with health conditions: Particularly those with hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism
- Very thin dogs: Dogs with less body fat feel cold more easily
Final Thoughts: Finding the Balance
While it’s important to keep your dog warm enough, it’s equally important not to go overboard. Dogs can also overheat if rooms are too warm or they’re wearing too many layers. The key is observation – pay attention to your dog’s behavior and adjust accordingly.
Most dogs are quite good at letting us know when they’re uncomfortable, whether too hot or too cold. By recognizing the signs of a chilly pup and making simple adjustments to your home, you can ensure your furry friend stays comfortable year-round, even when indoor temperatures drop.
Remember, if you’re comfortable in your home, your dog probably is too – but for those extra chilly days, a cozy blanket or warm bed can make all the difference to your four-legged companion. Stay warm, friends!
What Are Some Common Cold Weather Problems for Dogs / Pets?
Sore and stiff joints can be a common condition in the cooler months, especially when it comes to our senior pets. You might notice your pet is having difficulty rising after a nap or is a little slower in the winter months.
Dry skin is another problem, especially if it is very cold outside and then they sit inside by the heater. Using a hairdryer to dry your dog after a bath may also cause dry and flaky skin. If your pet is outside, make sure to thoroughly towel dry them to remove any excess water from their coat. Try to avoid any extreme temperature changes.
Talk to your local Greencross Vets to discuss about winter preventative care for your pet.
Common Signs Your Dog / Pet Is Feeling the Cold
Your pet may be shivering, trembling or cuddling into warm spaces. Dogs and cats may curl up on your bed, lounge or near the heater as they seek warmth. Pets will also start to avoid lying on cold tiles and will choose to rest in places with warm flooring or carpet. Generally, if you’re indoors and you’re feeling cold, then your pet will be cold too.
The same symptoms can apply to small animals, too. If you have a guinea pig or rabbit, watch for them trembling or shaking as well as burrowing and hiding in their hay.
How pets feel the cold compared to humans
FAQ
Do dogs feel cold?
While dogs do have a body temperature that’s naturally higher than humans, they still can and will feel the cold if they’re spending long periods of time in frigid temperatures.
Do dogs get cold when temperature drops?
Dogs are just like humans and will get cold when the temperature drops. Of course, they have an added layer of fur that ensures they can handle more than the average human. However, there is a limit to this. Make sure the temperature doesn’t drop too much and maintain room temperature to keep the dog content.
Is a house too cold for dogs?
A house is too cold for dogs when the temperature falls below 45° F. It is always recommended to maintain a higher temperature as this will improve the dog’s quality of life and ensure they don’t start panicking due to the cold. Do dogs get cold in the house? Dogs are just like humans and will get cold when the temperature drops.
Why does my dog feel cold at night?
Just like humans,lack of warmth, poor sleeping conditions and changes in weather can all make your dog feel cold at night. Dogs are sensitive to weather, and as they lose heat faster than normal, they can become distressed when exposed to colder temperatures.
What happens if a dog eats cold weather?
Even dogs with thick fur will feel the effects of cold weather if their fur becomes wet or stay in the cold for a prolonged time. Hypothermia. Most often, when dogs are exposed to the cold for too long, they are at risk for hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when your dog’s temperature falls far below its normal body temperature.
How do you know if a dog is too cold?
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from hypothermia, so it’s important to know the signs that they’re feeling too cold. These include shivering, whining, lifting their paws off the floor, lethargy, and weakness, and shouldn’t be ignored.
How do I know if my dog is cold inside the house home?
Do dogs like blankets over them?
Yes, many dogs love blankets over them for physical warmth, a sense of security, and to satisfy their ancestral burrowing instincts, though some may not, depending on breed, coat type, and personal preference. Providing a blanket can reduce anxiety and create a cozy, den-like space for a dog to feel safe and comfortable.
How do I tell if my dog is warm enough at night?
Depending how they lie/sleep, you can tell their temp. If they’re curled right up, they’re probably chilly (think husky covering their nose with their tail in the snow). If they’re spread out they’re warm.
How do I know when a dog is cold?