Brits have been warned to ‘stay inside’ amid a cold snap sweeping the UK this week, and pet owners need to keep an eye on the temperature.
Yellow weather warnings have been issued across the country by the Met Office, as a blast of Arctic air brings snow, ice and travel disruption along with it.
While walking your dog in the cold is generally okay, snow may make it uncomfortable for them, and you’ll need to take some extra precautions if venturing out in the chilliest areas.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is it too cold to walk your dog?
‘If it’s around -5℃ or below, it’s best to keep them indoors or take very short trips outside,’ Lorna Winter, co-founder of puppy training app Zigzag, tells Metro.
‘If you need a hat and scarf to be standing outside, it’s likely your pup will be cold too. If they’re moving around then the exercise might be keeping them warm, but pavements are cold and puppies are close to it so feel the cold.’
Of course, we’ve all seen snaps of Huskies happily bounding through the snow in Lapland, but it turns out some breeds of dog feel the cold more than others.
‘Breeds that are better at tolerating the cold (often because they have thicker fur, a double coat or a heavier frame) include Newfoundlands, Siberian Huskies, Tibetan Mastiffs and Norwegian Elkhounds,’ explains Lorna, who’s also a director of the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter.
‘Breeds that have shorter hair and are smaller are less able to cope with cold weather. This includes Chihuahuas, Whippets and French Bulldogs.’
How to look after your dog when it’s freezing cold
Dog boots can be worn in some circumstances – if your dog’s pads are becoming chapped and sore after walking in wet ice – but a vet has warned that you shouldn’t rely on them for long periods of time as they can irritate some pooches.
‘Get them some clothes too,’ Lorna adds. ‘Whether you opt for a simple jumper, coat, or more of a onesie, it will help your puppy stay warm when they’re out and about. Some puppies who really feel the cold may benefit from wearing pyjamas overnight to keep them warm at night, too.’
Puppies get cold at night, especially if they’re sleeping in draughty rooms, the nighttime temperatures have dropped and the heating goes off. Keep them warm by giving them a comfy bed and a cosy blanket to snuggle up to, some pups even wear pyjamas.
‘You can microwave a heat pad for puppies that retain the heat to keep them warm at night,’ adds Lorna. ‘Some puppy heartbeat toys also have a heated inner you can microwave and give them to snuggle up to.’
Remember, only ever use heated products from a reputable retailer that are specifically designed for pets to keep your pup safe and sound.
How to tell if your puppy is cold?
- Seeking out a heat source – for example, they are desperate to sit or lie next to you or next to a radiator
- Curling up in a ball – dogs curl up to conserve body heat and provide warmth when they’re cold.
This article was originally published on January 18, 2024.
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