Are you aware of what cold weather brings about and how to tell if your dog is cold? It is our responsibility to provide our domesticated dogs with warmth so they are protected from the outside environment. If your dog is cold, they will display signs that you should warm them up.

Many pet owners do not realize that dogs get cold more frequently than they think. It doesn't mean a dog's fur will keep him safe from freezing temperatures just because it's furry.
Initially, your pooch may handle the mild cold for some time, but sooner or later, you will need to watch out for the signs that your pooch is getting cold.

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1. Joint Stiffness and Discomfort

Your joints may feel stiffer and more uncomfortable when the weather is cold, and that's not just an illusion. And your pup will feel the same way as well. Colder, wetter weather is thought to cause a drop in barometric pressure, determining how much pressure the atmosphere exerts.

An inflammatory response to this drop can cause swollen tissues in the joints, putting pressure on the nerves. A small amount of barometric pressure variation typically does not cause severe joint pain in dogs. However, they may experience uncomfortable discomfort and stiffness during these periods.
It is also possible that the changes in the body that occur with colder weather might amplify pain signals from joints, which could explain why joint discomfort and stiffness increase as the weather gets cooler. Additionally, winter can also lead to decreased exercise for your pet due to shorter days, harsh weather conditions, and colder temperatures, aggravating arthritis symptoms.

2. Danger of Slipping

The risk of falls increases during icy or snowy conditions. Even though salting is a convenient method to melt ice and snow for humans, some types of salt used to keep it from refreezing tend to be harsh on our four-legged friends.

Salts such as calcium and sodium chloride can irritate your dog's pads and can be toxic if ingested.

Photo Credit: https://www.thesprucepets.com/cold-weather-dog-breeds-4776288

3. Regulating Body Temperature in Elderly Dogs

In addition to affecting your dog's body temperature in numerous ways, older dogs and those with hormonal or kidney problems may have difficulty maintaining their body temperature.

A low body temperature may affect the heart's ability to work, cause irregular heartbeats, and impact oxygen levels or blood pressure. As a result, the immune system will be suppressed, causing a higher infection rate and slower healing of wounds.

The common cold can also negatively impact the gastrointestinal system, slowing digestion and causing the liver to have more difficulty metabolizing medicines.

4. Risk of Disorientation

To get their bearings and know where they are, dogs tend to rely heavily on their strong sense of smell. These smells can sometimes be obscured due to snow and ice, causing your dog to become disoriented in a storm.

Photo Credit: https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/snow-sports/20-best-cold-weather-dog-breeds/

5. Altered Metabolism

It takes energy for a dog to keep warm, so if the temperature falls below a certain level, it might need a slightly higher intake of calories to stay warm. This alteration of metabolism subjected to cold may result in weight loss in dogs. However, you must keep in mind that not all dogs need this boost in calories, especially those that are sedentary during winter - overweight pets face many health challenges. Find out how obesity affects pets.

6. Susceptibility to Frostbite

Cold temperatures cause your dog's blood vessels to constrict, which sends blood toward the heart and vital organs to keep the body warm. This occurs when the temperature drops below 32°F (0°C). As a result, they are prone to frostbite in their tails, ears, and paws. In combination with cold temperatures, decreased blood flow can cause tissues to freeze, causing severe tissue damage.

7. Skin Irritation

Those of you who have experienced dry or cracked skin during the winter months understand the pain and irritation that comes with it. Dogs experience the same thing also. Your pup's skin and coat may become dry from low humidity and heating.

Photo Credit: https://www.holistapet.com/home-remedies-for-dogs/itchy-skin/

8. Cold Cars

In the summer, we pay much attention to the risks of leaving an animal in a hot car, but the risks are just as significant in the winter. As the temperature drops, cars become like refrigerators keeping cold air resulting in hypothermia and even death.

Product Recommendation to keep your furry friend warm this winter

1. PET PUFFER VEST is made with high-quality soft fleece lining and it is very easy to open the near neck for collar access. This vest will keep your dog warm in cold weather and will prevent cold air coming in.
2. Weather Resistant Blanket coat provides resistant against wind and cold and protects your pet from cold water as well.
3. If you to get into Holiday spirit with your pet then Santa Elf Suit is best for your pet as it also protects the pet from cold weather and brings joy to Holiday.