Oct 01 2021 10 mins
Petland Iowa City shares helpful tips to keep your pet warm in cooler temps & seasons:
1. Monitor Nutrition - When Your Dog Is Shivering, They're Burning Calories
2. Fight Off Dry Skin - Use A Dog Conditioner
3. Add Extra Layers - Sweaters, Jackets & Paw Guard are Excellent Options.
If You Are Cold, Your Puppy Is Cold Too!
Your pup is a part of the family, and although he enjoys the beauty of nature and spending time outside, it is never recommended that a puppy “lives” outside. If you’re cold, your pup is too, and regardless of your pup’s breed, spending extended periods of time in frigid weather is not healthy or safe. Even if you were wearing a fur coat, you would not want to spend several hours outside in the cold, and your pup does not want to either.
Everything In Moderation
Let your fur-ever friend “enjoy” being outside. He loves to burn off extra energy and dash through the snow. And although this is healthy and safe for your pup, it needs to be allowed in moderation. Monitor him while outside, especially in frigid weather. Younger and healthy pups tend to handle these conditions much better than senior pups or pups who have medical issues. Certain breeds with thicker and or double-layered coats, such as Akitas, Bichon Frises, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, tend to better handle cold weather than breeds with thinner coats French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and Pugs. Regardless of the breed, all dogs will eventually get cold and need a warm shelter. Remember, the purpose of letting your puppy outside is so he can enjoy himself, have fun, and feel good!
Known Effects On Pups That Are Left Outside In The Cold
Like people, dogs can experience pain and severe medical conditions if left outside in cold weather. These conditions can begin as minor shivering and discomfort and extend all the way to death. It is very important to understand that your pup is a living being, and like a human, can only sustain freezing temperatures for a certain period of time. Below are known issues and symptoms that dogs experience when left outside in freezing weather. Knowing what to look for can save your pup’s life.
Shivering is a common initial symptom that takes place when a dog is too cold. His body naturally begins to shiver in an effort to stay warm. Although shivering will temporarily help him maintain his body temperature, it is not effective for more than a few minutes. Moaning and howling take place due to discomfort. Essentially, your puppy is in pain from the cold weather, which is affecting his body.
Moaning and howling is his way of expressing it and asking for help. Never ignore these early signs as they can quickly lead to very serious issues. Frostbite is a condition/injury to body tissues caused by exposure to extreme cold. This typically affects your dog’s nose, paws, and or ears and creates a painful burning sensation. If the affected area is not tended to, the condition can quickly escalate to much more severe health issues.
Hypothermia sets in upon the dog’s internal body temperature dropping below safe levels. This condition slows your dog’s heart rate and breathing down to very unsafe levels, which can lead to neurological problems. Your puppy’s kidney functions also rapidly begin to decrease during this health emergency. Essentially, your puppy is beginning to freeze to death. If not immediately treated, your dog can fall into a coma, which often leads to permanent health issues and even death.
Help Your Pup Stay Warm!
Puppy coats, jackets, and boots add an extra layer of insulation for your dog. Look for coats that offer a water-resistant outer layer and several layers of insulated inner material.
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