In some places, winter still has a stubborn hold. Is it safe for your dog to be walking up and down without a blanket?
It Depends
There’s a couple of variables to take into consideration.
- The size of your dog
- Their weight
- The length of their fur
- Acclimatization
- Breed adaptations
- Cold Exposure
- Temperatures
Either way, it’s always best to be safe and provide your dog with a blanket.
Isn’t Fur Enough?
- Even with a winter coat, it can often be inadequate – especially for smaller dogs. If it’s too cold for your comfort, it’s likely too cold for your dog as well.
- The same thing applies to your house. If it’s too cold for you to be in the house without a few extra layers, it’s likely too cold for your dog as well.
- Plus, just having the option of several pet blankets never did hurt anyone.
What Can I Do?
Never force your dog into someplace warm – only provide it as an option. Make it an accessible space – especially for old dogs – and keep it away from any potential sources of draft. Several blankets placed on a carpeted corner is usually more than enough
Pay close attention to them, and look out for signs of being too cold – or inversely, overheating. Then, you can adjust things accordingly – though if you’ve already provided someplace warm, adjustment shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Feature Image Source: Pixabay