As the coldest days of the year arrive, it is common for us to take out the heaviest coats and accessories that will help keep our temperature balanced. For the little dogs in your home, the scenario may vary according to the breed and the environment in which it usually stays, but wondering if dogs feel cold when the thermometers drop is super common. The fur areAre your dog's cold enough to protect him or do you need to do something to make him more comfortable? Find out below how to identify if your dog is really cold and how to solve the problem!

Some dogs are more sensitive to temperature changes

Dogs feel cold, yes, but as with humans, some of them are more sensitive to low temperatures and, consequently, need more care on these days. Puppies and the elderly, who usually already have the most fragile health, are the first on the list. In addition to them, small, skinny and short-haired dogs tend to feel the drop in thermometers more.Even if your friend doesn't fit into any of these boxes, it's always good to analyze the environment, especially if he usually stays in the backyard or in uncovered areas of the house or apartment. If the weather is too cold for you, it probably is for him too - and it's better to err on the side of protecting too much than too little, right?

The signs that your puppy is cold

As well as keeping an eye on the weather in general, you can also look out for some signs that your dog gives you when they're cold. Keep an eye out if they are:

• has body tremors;
• has a very low body temperature - feel it mainly through the ears, muzzle and paw pads;
• spends a lot of time lying down tightly curled up (he usually puts his paws together and tucks his tail in);
• look for corners to lie down and try to keep warm;
• is sleeping more than usual;
• "complains" whining everywhere he goes;
• became slower in breathing and movement.

How to keep your dog warm during cold days

The first thing you can do to ease your dog's discomfort when the weather is cold is to bring them indoors - especially at night. If you can't do that for whatever reason, the ideal is to offer the option of a warm, comfortable corner, protected from rain and sleet, so your dog can stay warm. It's worth putting down a rug, blanket or..,even a comforter in their house or bed to increase heat sources and decrease their contact directly with the floor.

The cold clothes are also a great option for these days. You can buy the versions suitable for animals or take advantage of the t-shirts you already have at home and no longer use. In this case, it is important to tie the bar of the garment at the height of the animal's belly to prevent it from getting dirty when it needs to pee and poop. Those who prefer to give a chance to the versions of dog clothes availablein pet shops you can find, in addition to the thinner shirts, reinforced versions, made of sweatshirt or plush and are ideal for the groups of dogs that feel colder mentioned above.

What exposure to cold can cause in your dog

In addition to the initial discomfort, leaving your dog exposed to the cold without protection for too long can have consequences of different intensities for his health. One of the main ones is the cold, which has symptoms similar to those of humans, such as sneezing, secretions from the muzzle and eyes and indisposition. In addition, it is always good to remember to leave the vaccine for Canine Flu - alsoknown as "kennel cough" - up to date, with annual boosters.

The drop in body temperature can also cause hypothermia and lower immunity - which can be the gateway to a host of other problems, such as infections caused by viruses and bacteria.

In more serious cases and more common to street dogs, which have been abandoned, freezing of the extremities of the body can also be a consequence. This happens when the body temperature drops too much, it becomes very cold and, as a defense, the organism directs the flow of blood to the vital organs. In these cases, the paws, legs, tail, muzzle and ears can be damaged.