Keeping dogs warm in Winter

Believe it or not, it's common for first-time pet owners to assume dogs can stay warm all year round automatically. It's justifiable – dogs have fur, keeping them warm. But that's furthest from the truth.

Like us, dogs can significantly benefit from the extra warmth delivered by blankets, pet beds, dog clothing and even having their own pyjamas for sleeping in. Some breeds may need it more than others, especially in glacial Australian Winter.

This brings us to a frequent customer question: how do you keep dogs warm in Winter?

This handy guide provides the best ways to keep dogs warm in Winter. Some tips may work better than others depending on your dog, so ensure you experiment to learn what works best for them.

DO ALL DOGS GET COLD?

Yes! Even if your dog has a thick fur coat, they might still get chills during Winter. Without the proper protection outside, dogs are even susceptible to frostbite (frozen skin and tissue) and hypothermia (low body temperature), just like us. As such, it's essential to keep in mind the following.

What temperature is too cold for dogs?

Typically, temperatures seven degrees and below are uncomfortable for puppies. Senior or sick dogs should not be left outside for long if the temperature dips below this. Dogs are vulnerable to frostbite and hypothermia if the temperature is negative seven degrees and below.

How do you know if your dog is cold?

Telltale signs are usually shivering, shaking and a hunched posture with a tucked-in tail. Some may even resist when you bring them outside for their daily walk. Bear in mind your dog's breed as well. For example, smaller species would benefit from the extra warmth.

4 REASONS FOR A DOG TO WEAR CLOTHES

If you're a first-time dog owner and keeping puppies warm in Winter is a concern, fret not because there are plenty of ways to address the cold season. One of the best ways to do this is using dog clothes, whether a coat for outside, pyjamas for bedtime or a dog robe if they've been bathed.

1. SMALL BREEDS AND PUPPIES NEED HEAT REGULATION

🐾 Small breeds struggle to retain body heat due to their size, so the best way to keep dogs warm in Winter is through dog coats. If you need more clarification, take a look at the breed of your puppy or the age.

Dogs with thinner fur like Beagles, Greyhounds, Frenchies and more, may need extra warmth to help regulate body temperature. That said, we advise dog coats to be used for outside only.
Dogs can overheat quickly, especially inside the home. If they stay inside, opt for lighter clothing like dog pyjamas or even use a blanket that they can push aside if it's too hot.

2. SUPPORTS THEIR HEALTH

🐾 Clothes may mitigate certain health conditions your dog might be experiencing. Senior dogs are especially prone to arthritis; cold weather can make their joints ache more than usual.

Dog clothes can provide welcome relief to their bones if outside, which is helpful if the temperature drops. Moreover, if your dog suffers from Cushing's disease, they are prone to losing fur, which makes it all the more important to protect their body and regulate their body temperature.

3. ASSISTS WITH ALLERGIES

🐾 For itchy dogs or ones with allergies, dog clothing makes the skin less accessible, eliminating the temptation to chew, scratch and lick themselves. The clothing acts as a barrier between the dog’s skin and allergens, reducing the symptoms. Moreover, it can also trap the allergens that can affect humans, being washed away during laundry instead of spreading throughout your home. As a result, sneezing and discomfort can be reduced for both you and your puppy.

4. KEEP YOUR DOG (AND HOUSE) CLEAN

🐾 This benefits both you and your pooch. Puppies have plenty of energy to burn, so while it's always a joy to watch them play outdoors, digging and rolling in dirt can make grooming challenging. Wearing dog clothes is a great way to reduce the dirt that attaches to their fur and the soil that enters your home.

Once playtime is over, you can easily remove the garment and put it in the wash. Meanwhile, if your dog is a frequent shedder, the clothing can trap fur inside them, preventing it from spreading in your home. In other words, bask in a tidy house and reduce clean-up while maintaining your dog's health.
It's a win-win for everyone.

ARE THEY COMFORTABLE IN JACKETS AND COATS?

Generally, yes, provided the jackets and coats are specifically designed for dogs. It also helps to do research into the material as well.

At Stylish Hound, our winter coats use 100% recycled fabric polyester fleece. We chose this material because it's breathable, easy to maintain, yet incredibly warm for dogs – perfect for the Winter. The high collar also ensures their neck is protected and is suited to dogs with long necks.

The easiest way to ensure the jacket and coat are comfortable is by knowing your dog's measurements and buying the correct size. Dogs need to be introduced to wearing clothing in a positive and gentle manner. They may show signs of resistance, discomfort or dislike for wearing clothing simple due being unfamiliar and different sensory experience. Easy training and positive reinforcement will help dogs to develop have positive association to wearing clothes.

Below are extra tips to help them get comfortable with wearing a jacket and coat in winter:

🐾 Show them the coat

Place the jacket on the ground several metres away and observe their reaction. If they show any signs of stress like yawning, barking or turning their bodies away from the coat, you’ll need to put more distance between the jacket and your dog.

🐾 Reward your dog for being coat-friendly
Once your dog shows no reaction or even allows you to put the coat on them, give them a treat to reinforce the positive behaviour. Treat and repeat until they’re entirely used to the coat.

🐾 Bring the coat closer while rewarding them
Continuing from above, bring the coat closer each time you
reward them with a treat. This will help them learn that the coat is not a threat. Don’t rush the process; eventually, they’ll be comfortable enough to sniff and wear the coat comfortably.

HOW TO KEEP DOGS WARM IN WINTER DURING BEDTIME

All you need are the right accessories to make sleeping in Winter an enjoyable experience for your dogs and puppies.

Dog pyjamas are an excellent way to keep puppies warm during the night. Opt for designs made with pure natural cotton for maximum comfort and breathability. A relaxed fit will also adjust to the dog's body so there won't be any constrictions if they change sleeping positions throughout the evening.

Warm dog beds for Winter are also essential for keeping puppies warm at night in Winter. Like us, dogs may not like to sleep on cold floors. The best mattress for dogs is sorrel convoluted mattress foam, which supports their spine and sleeping position, making it versatile enough for all-year-round use.

If your dog sleeps inside a crate, create a bedding arrangement that promises a good night's sleep. That being a proper bed or mattress, blanket and most importantly a crate cover.

The crate cover will block out light and distractions to encourage a complete sleep cycle for your dog. That being said, it's imperative to crate-train them as soon as possible to help them adjust to the sleeping arrangement.