Hypothermia is one of the risks dogs face in the winter
Experts have revealed the exact temperature to keep your home if you have a dog. Anything below this will mean your pet may “start to struggle”.
As temperatures remain chilly in the UK it is not only people who will be feeling the cold. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) issued a reminder that winter can impact your dog’s health and behaviour. As part of the charity’s winter advice, it recommended keeping your home between 10C and 25C.
On its website it said: “To keep dogs warm in the winter, try to keep inside temperatures between 10C and 25C (below this, dogs more susceptible to the cold may start to struggle).
“When the temperature reaches freezing, all dogs are at risk of hypothermia and frostbite – especially small, slim, young and old dogs, and those with little or no fur. We don’t advise keeping dogs outside in any weather.
Hypothermia is one of the risks dogs face in the winter(Image: Getty)
“Meeting the needs of dogs when they’re kept outdoors is very hard – even more so in very low temperatures.” It also issued the following advice:
Make sure they have a clean, dry space: Provide somewhere clean, comfortable and dry to sleep in, with a heat source to keep the temperature above 10CConsider warm beds or heated blankets: Some dog beds and blankets are heated to provide extra warmthBuy a dog jacket for winter: For dogs that feel the cold, are exposed to the cold for a long time, or any dogs out on walks in wintry weather, you can buy a warm dog jacket, coat or jumper. Make sure it’s a comfortable fit, so they can behave normally (for example, easily able to go to the toilet)Buy dog boots for outside: Dog boots protect their paws against the cold ground, and prevent contact with poisons like rock salt, grit and antifreezeTrim their paw and ear fur: To stop painful ice balls from freezing into their fur. For medium-haired or long-haired dogs, you can also trim the fur around their back legs and bum.Dry them off after a walk: If the dog gets wet, use a towel or hair dryer to dry them off to prevent skin irritation and matting that can lead to infectionsREAD MORE: Sausage dog ignores owner until she asks specific question he’s been waiting forREAD MORE: Warning issued to people with Christmas trees ‘near a window’
Signs of hypothermia
Hypothermia is one of the risks dogs face in the winter. It can occur when their body temperature drops too low – typically after exposure to freezing temperatures, or having wet fur.
Symptoms include:
Shivering (shivering will stop if they become severely cold)Drowsiness and confusionPale gumsLoss of coordination and consciousness/collapse
The RSPCA said: “If you notice any of these symptoms, take them to the vet immediately. Hypothermia in dogs can be fatal if not treated quickly. Meanwhile, gradually warm the temperature around them (the house or car), and wrap them in blankets.
The RSPCA recommended keeping inside temperatures between 10C and 25C (Image: Getty)
“Don’t heat them up too quickly or place anything hot directly on the skin. Only use warm, not boiling water, in hot water bottles, to prevent the risk of burns, and always cover bottles with a thick towel or blanket. Dry the dog if wet and offer them lukewarm water if they’re still conscious.”
It’s important to remember that different dogs are comfortable in different temperatures. The age and size of your dog will also affect its ability to withstand cold.
The RSPCA added: “All dogs react differently – you know your dog best. If they’re exhibiting other unusual behaviours, such as not wanting to go for walks or going off their food, speak to your vet.”
For more information, visit the RSPCA website here.
