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 Protecting your dog from harsh winter weather is crucial. Being proactive is the best approach to keep your pet safe and also guard them from common cold weather related illnesses, such as hypothermia. In this article we discuss symptoms and treatment of Hypothermia. Unleash also provides safety tips on keeping your dog warm during cold temperatures. Not a dog owner yet? Before making a commitment to a particular breed, review the list of breeds that are suitable for different climates.
Hypothermia is when the body's temperature becomes too low that is not able to function normally. The body temperature of a healthy dog ranges from 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Regardless of breed, all dogs are susceptible to hypothermia. Symptoms include shivering, decreased physical activity, and a drop in pulse rate and blood pressure. Risks are greater for dogs that are older, smaller and to those who are exposed to the cold for long periods of time.
If your dog shows signs of hypothermia he should immediately be taken to a veterinarian for treatment. The following are several methods you can do to help bring your pet's body temperature back to normal and make him more comfortable.
Blankets or Towels: Immediately get your dog to a warm, dry room and wrap your dog up in several dry blankets or towels. This will give them a solid insulation and cause their body temperature to increase.
Hot Water Bottle: Fill a hot water bottle up with warm water and wrap it in a towel. Place in the armpit and/ or the groin of the dog. These are places with less hair and more heat can be absorbed.
Hair Dryers: Hair dryers can be very helpful if your dog is wet. Keep the hair dryer on a low setting to prevent any burning or injury from the heat.
Tips on Keeping Your Dog Warm
Tips on Keeping Your Dog Warm
Make Warm Shelter Accessible: Shelter should be accessible to your dog at all times. Most dogs do best living indoors. However, if your dog must live outdoors, provide a heated dog bed and adequate shelter.
Provide Extra Layers: Regardless of the size or breed, dog jackets and sweaters can be used to keep your dog warm. Choose something that has a waterproof nylon covering if you plan for your dog to be in the snow or rain.
Bedding: Your dog’s bed should be anywhere from 3 to 5 inches off the floor. Placing it on a platform will work. This will prevent exposure to cold drafts. Also provide blankets and warm insulation for additional warmth and comfort.
Increase Food Intake: More calories are burned in the winter months trying to stay warm. You should feed your dog a little more in the winter, especially if he spends a lot of time outside. It's also a good idea to add warm water in their food to aid in maintaining body temperature and reducing the chances of dehydration.
Water should be available: Dogs are susceptible to dehydration not only in the summer, but also during the winter months. To keep your dog properly hydrated make sure it has fresh water at its disposable throughout the day.
Breeds Suitable for Cold Weather
There are certain breeds of dogs that are better equipped for winter weather than others. They have an outercoat that is long and an undercoat that is short and thicker. Their coats provide protection against harsh below freezing temperatures. These breeds include: Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, American Eskimo Dogs, and Samoyeds. They are commonly used as sled dogs because of their tolerance to extreme low temperatures. Other familiar breeds that are built to withstand cold weather are the Saint Bernard, Great Pyrenees, Chow, Old English Sheepdog, Bernese Mountain dog, and the Newfoundland. These dogs are strong, heavy and typically have more body fat that acts as an insulator.
Breeds Suitable for Warm Weather
There are many breeds that do better in warmer climates. The American Pitbull Terrier, Chihuahua, Beagle, Schnauzer, Greyhound, and the Dalmatian are a few examples. Their short-hair coats are made to reflect heat and sunlight and are not dense enough to maintain body temperature in a cold environment.
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