Does a dog with a double coat feel cold?

 Does a dog with a double coat feel cold?

Tracy Wilkins

If you live with a puppy, you may have noticed that dogs feel cold when winter comes. Even though their bodies are entirely covered in fur, these animals are sensitive to temperature changes - and that goes for both heat and cold. But do dogs feel cold like humans? Or do different types of fur influence the way dogs feel?To solve this mystery once and for all, the European Union's Paws of the House has prepared a special article on the subject!

Does a dog feel cold, even if it has a double coat?

It's no mystery that dogs feel cold, but did you know that the type of coat can interfere with how the dog "receives" the temperature? And this isn't just restricted to coat length, as even dogs with a longer coat, such as the Shih Tzu, tend to feel colder than other puppies.

Dogs that have a double layer of hair, such as the Chow Chow, Siberian Husky, St. Bernard and Border Collie, are saved from this. This double layer works as follows: it is composed of the fur, which is more external and apparent, and the undercoat, which is hidden and has a shorter length. This combination gives the dog a more fluffy appearance, and at the same time leaves it more protected from the sun.That's why some pets are more resistant to low temperatures, while others - whether a pedigree dog or a mongrel - feel cold more easily.

It is worth remembering that when the dog's hair is double, the animal may not feel as cold, but it requires a more frequent care routine than other pets. The guardian must learn how to untangle dog hair with regular brushing to prevent the strands from spreading around the house.

Which dog breeds are the coldest?

Dogs with a very thin and/or short coat and who don't have a double layer of hair usually suffer more when the weather gets cold. That's why a Shih Tzu dog feels cold more intensely than a Siberian Husky, for example: the Shih Tzu, despite being furry, has hair with a very thin thickness, while the Husky has two layers of hair that help it withstand the cold betterIn these cases, the guardian should watch for any signs that indicate that the dog is uncomfortable with the weather, such as body tremors, slow breathing, excessive sleepiness and spending more time lying curled up than usual.

If your dog feels very cold, it is likely that he belongs to one of the breeds below:

  • Boxer
  • French Bulldog
  • English Bulldog
  • Chinese Crested Dog
  • Chihuahua
  • Dachshund
  • Italian Greyhound
  • Pinscher
  • Pug
  • Shih Tzu
  • Whippet
  • Yorkshire

See_also: How to identify the breed of cat by the size and shape of the ears?

See_also: Can you give a dog a bone? infographic shows the pros and cons

Here are some important precautions when your dog feels cold!

On colder days, it is important to pay special attention to your four-legged friend (especially if he is more chilly). One tip is to invest in a cold dog outfit, such as coats, jackets, sweatshirts and scarves. In addition to making the dog super charming, this is an efficient way to keep him warmer. But don't worry: if your pet is not a big fan of clothing, alsothere are other ways to keep your dog warm in the cold, such as blankets, blankets and thermal mats for dogs. The important thing is to make sure that your friend will not suffer from the weather!

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.