Your pet might ‘struggle’, the RSPCA has said
Dog owners have been told the exact temperature range to keep their homes this winter. Temperatures dropping beneath this threshold could cause pets to “start to struggle”.
With the UK experiencing cold conditions, it’s not just humans who are feeling the chill. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has issued guidance highlighting how winter weather can affect your dog’s wellbeing. Within the charity’s winter recommendations, maintaining household temperatures between 10C and 25C is advised.
Its website said: “To keep dogs warm in the winter, try to keep inside temperatures between 10C and 25 C (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. Meeting the needs of dogs when they’re kept outdoors is very hard – even more so in very low temperatures.”
The organisation has also provided the following guidance:
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 infections
Signs of hypothermia
Hypothermia is a risk dogs face during 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 cease if they become severely cold)Lethargy 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.
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“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 crucial to bear in mind that various dogs feel comfortable at differing temperatures. Your pet’s age and build will also influence their capacity to cope with chilly conditions.
The RSPCA continued: “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 additional details, visit the RSPCA website here.
