Brrr it’s getting cold down here!!
Australia recorded record low temperatures across the country over the last few days. You’re probably thinking of putting on an extra jacket to stay warm. But what about your dog?
So how do you know if your dog is too cold? How cold is too cold for your pet?
Like most answers when it comes to the wellbeing of your dog, it depends mainly on their coat. However, most dog breeds can handle the Australian winter chills.
However, there are some important things to remember to ensure that your dog doesn’t suffer during the colder months.
One Coat Or Two?
Does your dog have one coat, or two? Dogs that have a double coat include Kelpies, German Shepherds, and Huskies. But if you’re not quite sure, here’s how you can tell.
Simply part your dog’s hair and see if they have a downy layer between the glossy top coat and their skin. The downy layer should be pale in colour.
Dogs with heavy or multiple coats, like Huskies, are better equipped to handle the cold.
If your dog has a double coat, then it should be able to handle the Australian winter just fine. Their undercoats are really dense which reduces heat loss. Their coats are adapted to much colder climates than what we typically experience in Australia. Besides, it’s the hot Australian summers that you should be worried about for dogs with double or heavy coats.
For single-coated dogs, you need to pay closer attention to their body temperature during the winter. Dogs with single coats include Staffies, Greyhounds and Malteses.
Is My Dog Cold? Remember The Golden Rule.
The golden rule is the surface area to volume ratio. A small dog has more surface area for their volume compared to bigger dogs. Thus they tend to lose heat faster than their heavier counterparts.
This is why small dogs without a lot of fat will struggle more in the cold than other dogs.
Provide your dogs with a lot of blankets to help keep them warm.
How To Tell If Your Dog Is Cold.
Just like humans, dogs will shiver when they are cold. Other behaviours that dogs do when they’re cold include hunching their back and tucking in their tails, and lifting their legs off the ground and keeping it close to their body.
Also pay attention to where your dogs are resting at home. If they are curled up in a ball or covering themselves in blankets, they are cold and trying to keep themselves warm. If your dog is tossing and turning during the night, or getting up a lot, you should check if they’re cold. It might also be a good idea to provide them with more blankets.
You can also give your dogs jumpers to help keep them warm, although make sure to take them off if they get too hot!!
Can I have a single-coated dog in Australia?
Yes, you can have thin and single coated dogs in Australia, even in Tasmania. But if you do, make sure that you provide a lot of layers for them. Thus, they can use the blankets when they feel cold and they can remove it when they feel a bit warmer. Make sure to look after them during the winter chills. They’re our best friends after all.
