What part of your dog's body gets the coldest in winter?

Dry skin is one symptom that dogs feel cold, and the areas where our dog does not have hair, are more susceptible to drying out. For example, the nose area, the armpits, groin and at the ends of the ears. When dogs are cold, they can also get frostbite on the tips of the ears or tail. Cold burns on the paws can also occur due to a cold snap in dogs. Muscles contract and relax rapidly and repeatedly as a mechanism in our body to try to generate heat, and this can be seen in the form of shivering. The cold directly affects the respiratory system, which can make it more difficult for your dog to breathe and even make your dog sick, and for this purpose, you must be vigilant if your dog starts to cough or has mucus in the nostrils. Cold causes muscle stiffness, so your dog will generally move less and more slowly, as their muscles and joints will cause discomfort.

If your pet has been exposed to cold conditions, they could experience frostbite in their paws or ears or even hypothermia. Frostbite often won’t appear on the body until tissue damage has already taken place with symptoms ranging from discoloration of the affected skin to pain when touched. Pets have evolved to adapt to the conditions of their native environment over hundreds of years. Some pets, such as Huskies, are equipped to handle the cold with their double coat. In short haired pets, a coat can be a great substitute for their lack of a double coat. Shaking or shivering Tucked tail Whining Seeking out heaters and other sources of warmth Any change in behaviour, like seeming anxious or uncomfortable Seeking places for shelter or wants to turn around when on a walk If you have a guinea pig or rabbit, watch for them trembling or shaking as well as burrowing and hiding in their hay. Your pet may be shivering, trembling or cuddling into warm spaces. Dogs and cats may curl up on your bed, lounge or near the heater as they seek warmth.

Dogs can exhibit various signs of cold stress, which are important to recognise. Shivering, whining, pulling their paws back, tucking their tail, and avoiding going outside indicate that your dog is feeling the cold. If your dog shows any of these signs, it’s crucial to warm them up and prevent further cold stress immediately. Maintaining a dog’s body temperature is crucial to prevent frostbite or hypothermia, as extreme cold can limit blood flow to their extremities. Protecting your dog’s paws is crucial during the winter months. If we get a cold snap or experience freezing weather, getting out and walking with your dog is great fun. But it’s essential to regularly check their paws as ice and snow can ball up in the space between their toes, and there is also the risk of frostbite. Slim dogs with short hair, like Greyhounds, Whippets and Chihuahuas, are particularly susceptible to the cold. Small breed dogs, those with thin coats, and especially older or sick dogs are particularly vulnerable in cold weather. Temperatures below 7°C can cause discomfort for breeds sensitive to the cold. Dogs can generate extra body heat during physical activities outdoors, which helps them remain comfortable in lower temperatures despite the cold environment. However, individual tolerance can vary based on factors like coat condition, health, and acclimatisation. Vulnerable dogs, such as puppies, senior dogs, and those with health issues, are particularly sensitive to cold temperatures and require extra protection.