Is my dog cold? 6 signs and how to keep them warm in winter
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Many dogs love winter, but others struggle as soon as temperatures drop. These are the most common signs that your dog is cold, plus a few simple ways to protect them.
6 signs your dog is cold
- Shivering or hunching up on the walk.
- Walking slowly, stopping or wanting to go home.
- Lifting their paws off the cold ground again and again.
- Looking for shelter: pressing against your legs or ducking into doorways.
- Tucking their head in or hunching their neck.
- Cold ears and paws when you touch them back home.
How to help
- Shorter, more frequent walks on the coldest days, ideally when the sun is out.
- Dry them well when you get back if they got wet in rain or snow.
- Look after their paw pads: clean off salt and ice after the walk.
- Keep them warm where they feel it most. Many short-haired dogs lose heat through the neck and chest; a neck warmer keeps that area warm without the hassle of a full coat.
If your dog shivers a lot, seems listless or the cold affects them more than usual, talk to your vet.