How Do Dogs Keep Themselves Warm in the Winter?

Different dog breeds deal with winter temperature differently. While some larger breeds, like huskies, seem unperturbed by chilly temperatures, smaller dogs, such as Yorkies will shiver at the mere mention of snow. Understanding how dogs keep themselves warm in winter will help you decide what you need to do to ensure your pet has a safe and happy winter.

  1. Coat

    • The dogs that survive the winter the best have thick coats that repel rain and insulate their bodies from the cold. Breeds such as the Shiba Inu and Akita have a course topcoat and a dense undercoat that resembles wool. This undercoat protects them from feeling the cold when temperatures are well below zero. Dogs with inherently thinner coats depend on outside protection -- such as staying out of the weather -- to survive the winter.

    Feet

    • Dog paws are designed differently than human feet. A dog has better blood circulation in the feet, which means that as the blood close to the surface chills, the blood rapidly circulates the cold away from the surface and replaces it with warm blood. This process helps prevent dogs from experiencing frostbite or other damage caused by the cold. As with the thickness of the coat, the ability to withstand cold temperatures to the feet for long periods of time vary by breed.

    Size and Nutrients

    • In general, larger dogs with more body mass tolerate extreme temperatures better than smaller dogs, but keep in mind that if a pet is kept indoors most of his life, he will suffer from winter temperatures more than a dog that has spent his life outside. Dogs that must regulate their body temperature will burn more calories than an indoor pet and need healthy food that will allow them to generate more heat and stay active against the cold.

    Protection

    • While a dog's anatomy is an awesome work of art that is designed to keep them self-reliant, a dog can only do so much to survive harsh temperatures. Dogs will seek out protection in areas out of the wind where they can curl up and conserve heat. You may see a dog with his tail over his face, protecting the face from the cold, and his feet tucked beneath him. He will likely find a pile of leaves or hay to sleep in that is shielded against the wind by a building or tree. If he has a doghouse that is insulated and filled with dry blankets, he will create a nest that helps him conserve his warmth.