Is Your Dog Well-Equipped to Handle the Cold?
Does your dog enjoy playing in the snow? Maybe your pooch prefers to stay inside when the temperatures dip. Either way, it’s important to realize that some dogs handle cold weather better than others. And that can help you determine how much or how little you should allow your pet to be exposed to the elements. Learn more here as a veterinarian Spring Hill, TN discusses some factors that affect your dog in cold weather.
Coat and fur type.
Of course, your dog might be more comfortable than others during a cold spell depending on the type of coat they have. Some dogs have thick, double-layered coats that have evolved to be very cold-resistant, like the Siberian Husky, for example. But other dogs have single-layer coats that don’t offer much protection against the chilly weather. A Greyhound is one example. Learn more about dog coats by contacting your veterinary clinic Spring Hill, TN.
Ask your veterinarians Spring Hill, TN about your particular dog’s coat type and whether or not it’s well-suited to winter weather. Your dog might need a parka, jacket, or sweater to stay warm when the temperature drops.
Weight.
Body fat is a great insulator for most animals, and humans as well. It’s true that the more body weight a pet has, the better they’ll fare against cold weather. Learn more about the science behind this by calling your vet Spring Hill, TN.
To put it simply, a pudgy dog will probably stay warmer in the winter than a skinny pet would. But the trade off really isn’t worth it. There’s too many health risks associated with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and a host of others. Consult your vet clinic Spring Hill, TN if your pet needs to lose weight.
Size.
Small dogs tend to get cold more easily than large dogs. That’s because a small dog has a larger surface area-to-volume ratio, meaning that they have more skin in relation to their internal organs. Basically, smaller dogs have more skin through which they’ll lose heat! Ask your pet clinic Spring Hill, TN for advice on keeping your small-breed pet warm.
Conditioning to the elements.
Is your dog used to cold weather? A dog that’s been experiencing cold weather their entire lives will be used to it, and will fare better during winter than a dog who has lived in a warm climate its entire life. Your animal hospital Spring Hill, TN can tell you more based on your own dog’s details and experience.
Age and health.
As is the case with humans, a healthy adult dog will be the best prepared for cold temperatures. On the other hand, dogs with compromised immune systems, as well as elderly dogs and young puppies, aren’t as well-prepared to handle the frigid temperatures of winter. Ask your vets Spring Hill, TN for help with your dog’s wintertime health if they fall into one of these at-risk groups. We can help!
Does your dog need medical attention? Want more advice on keeping Fido warm this winter? Get in touch with your pet clinic Spring Hill, TN for help from professionals. We’re always here for you.
