In this article, we will answer the following question: Should I cover my dog with a blanket? We will talk about the pros and cons of covering your dog with a blanket and discuss how to keep our loyal friends safe from the cold nights.
Should I cover my dog with a blanket?
It is okay to cover your dog with a blanket and you should do it if you notice that your dog is cold. The well-being of our pets is essential at any time of the year, but especially when temperatures are too low we must be much more aware of the different ways in which we can protect our little friends so that they are comfortable in any situation.
As we know that the protection of your pet is essential for the well-being of all the members of your family, since your dog is part of your family, we want to show you some pros of using dog blankets, so that you know and understand how you can keep your pet warm no matter where you are.
Dogs feel temperatures differently than we do.
The first thing you should know when talking about the pros and cons of using dog blankets is that generally, dogs have a body temperature much higher than ours, theirs is around 38 degrees Celsius, so they feel cold at different temperatures to which we feel it. Besides, each dog will experience the cold in different ways and will even react in different ways.
The blanket can be a useful clue for your dog
If your dog has a bit of trouble with orientation or is desperately looking for a place to lie down inside the house, a dog blanket can be the essential tool to delimit a space, that is, you can clearly establish his space inside the house.
The blanket will ensure heat for your dog
Again, taking into account the previous point, this delimitation of the space can help you position your pet as close to the heat as possible, this may be obvious to you, but your dog can feel much better being very close to a burning stove and hurt yourself, so a blanket will solve all your problems.
The blanket will keep your dog warm
Remember that the skin of animals in low temperatures can undergo some changes and not be as resistant. You should be careful if the texture or type of fabric that the blanket you provide has, in some way, can affect the body health of your dog. You should also be on the lookout for any kind of allergy. In case of allergies, it is recommended to consult with your trusted veterinarian about the treatment for your pet.
How to know if your dog is cold?
When it starts to get cold, it is very important that you are aware of your dog’s reactions in order to prevent diseases, such as muscle injuries, numbness, or the beginning of hypothermia. The main symptoms of a dog when he is cold are tremors, muscle stiffness or lack of mobility, drowsiness, slow breathing, and clumsy or dry skin. If you notice that your dog is breathing slower than normal or that he is having difficulty breathing, he may be cold.
If you notice that he sleeps more than usual, it can also be a cause of the cold. Also, if when he’s doing it he squirms a lot, wanting to cover himself with his own body, he will be giving you a signal that he needs heat. Winter or low temperatures will also cause a part of her body to stiffen, so you will have to massage the area carefully to warm her and cover her with blankets.
If after a few minutes he does not improve, you should take him to the vet for possible illness. Therefore, if you see that your pet has any of these symptoms, you will have to take immediate measures to combat the low temperatures and that it does not get cold.
Tips to protect your dog from the cold
The most important thing to combat the cold of your pet, although it seems obvious, will be to cover it. Today there are a lot of clothes invented especially for our dog, depending on its size, coat, etc. Therefore, there is no excuse to go to a store and see what is the best option for our pets. This clothing for dogs should not be chosen based on fashions, or which one is the most beautiful, since otherwise we may choose the one that is less warm.
Choosing your clothes well is essential so that you can walk your dog on the street properly. In the months when the cold is more intense, it is advisable that you take it out for a walk in the hours of the day when the sun is hotter so that the walk is more pleasant. On the days that are not possible, reduce the distance of the journey and complement the exercise with games at home. For example, try throwing things at him to bring them, pulling the rope, or hiding toys.
Remember also that you should not leave your pet on the balcony or in the patio or garden in the open. If you do not want to have it indoors, build or buy a house suitable for low temperatures in an outside place where the wind blows less or where it is more sheltered. If possible, allow him to spend some time indoors to avoid being continuously exposed to the cold, especially if it rains, snows, there is a lot of wind, etc.
Both inside and outside the home, leave a blanket within reach, on the floor or resting place so that he can cover himself with it or lie on top of it as a bed and not catch a cold from the floor. They will also look for a source of heat at home, such as radiators or fireplaces. When they are away from home, remember that you must put on suitable clothing for dogs.
Another tip to take care of your dog in the cold is to take care of his ears. Many breeds have a particularly sensitive ear area. Therefore, this area must be properly dried so as not to expose it to otitis. In addition, many dogs, especially those that go for a run in the fields of snow, have an added problem with their paws.
The pads of their soles crack in the cold and when they dry they cause severe pain that forces them to walk with difficulty. To solve this problem, we advise you to use some recommended creams that will hydrate your dog’s paws.
The ears and tail if they are cold, white, red, or gray and are dry and hard, it is because there may be frostbite. Remember that not acting against the symptoms that your dog is cold can cause serious problems. The consequences that the cold causes in dogs are serious and must be taken into account. The most common illnesses are colds, bronchitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, and pneumonia.
Some remedies to protect your dog from the cold
Like the owner, the dog feels cold in low temperatures, especially when they are not used to it. To keep your pet warm, it is important that you consider its breed. We give you some basic remedies to protect your dog from the cold.
You should avoid trimming, shaving, or cutting your dog’s coat, as it is their main source of heat during winter. But it is also important to keep that hair well-groomed. It must be brushed to avoid knots since when it is tangled it is less efficient as an insulator from the cold.
You have to make sure that your dog is completely dry before going outside in the cold weather. At this time give him shorter baths with warm water, not cold, and dry him as quickly as possible. It is also important that you bathe her indoors so that she does not catch a cold due to the low atmospheric temperature outside. Keep the fur around the paw pads neatly trimmed.
This will prevent ice and snow from getting between them. After a walk, check that there are no cracks, as we have already noted above and that there is no residue between the pads. Another tip is to dry their paws well when you get home.
Food is also important during the colder months. Eating well and regularly will help your dog conserve energy and warmth during winter. The increase in food is only necessary for dogs that spend more time outside than inside the house and for those who do more physical activity. Also, make sure that the water you give him to drink does not freeze.
Remember that if your dog sleeps outside, you must provide him with a suitable shelter against the cold. It must have a sloped roof and insulation. When it rains, make sure the entrance to the kennel is closed, to prevent rain from entering where the dog will be. Insert blankets inside her so that she lies on them and has greater protection. The food also put it inside, to avoid getting wet. Check every day that your shed is in optimal conditions, clean and humid, to protect it from the cold.
Final thoughts
As a final recommendation, note that if temperatures drop below zero degrees, the dog should not spend much time outdoors. If the dog is indoors and is used to being at home, do not leave him outside, since the animal needs time to acclimate to changes and low temperatures.
Taking into account these tips and recommendations, you will have your dog safe from the coldest months. If you have any comments or questions on the content, do let us know.
FAQ on Should I cover my dog with a blanket?
Do dogs like being under covers?
Most dogs like being under covers, as it provides them with a warm, comfortable, and safe face while they are asleep.
Do dogs understand blankets?
While dogs don’t understand blankets, they do understand comfort and warmth! If you pet your dog and put a fuzzy blanket over him, he will interpret it as a sign of care and love.
How do I know if my dog is cold at night?
If your dog is cold at night you will see him shivering or shaking, he may even bark or whine and look for a shelter.
Do dogs get cold at night in the house?
Sometimes dogs may get cold at night in the house, depending on the temperature both inside and outside. Consider getting your dog a special heating mattress or a simple blanket to keep him warm and safe.
References
Dogforums.com
Petmd.com
