I’m a pet expert, here are the signs that your dog is too cold at home – if they display odd behavioir it’s time to act
THERE’S still two more months of winter to get through, and many of us will be continuing to reach for the thermostat with some areas of the UK expected to drop to -5C this week.
But it isn’t just us who will be feeling the chill but our four-legged friends too.
Stephen Hankinson, heating expert at Electric Radiators Direct collaborated with Sue Ketland, Behaviour and Training Specialist from Wood Green, The Animals Charity to provide advice on how to keep your dog or cat a comfortable temperature indoors this winter.
The good news is that most four-legged companions are perfectly happy with the usual indoor temperatures we enjoy, with 18–20°C generally being just right. That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.
Cats and dogs, for example, have an average body temperature of 38–39°C, so it’s important to help them maintain this to stay within their comfort zone.
Since every pet is unique, there are three key things to think about when keeping them cosy this winter…
Watch Out for Odd Behaviour
Pets are ultimately part of the family, and before long, you’ll start noticing all their little quirks. For example, if they’re curling up in a tight ball or camping out by the radiator, they’re probably feeling chilly.
On the flip side, if they’re sprawled out, panting, or acting restless, they’re likely too warm.
Learning to spot these signals early on means you can tweak your home’s temperature to keep your furry friend perfectly cosy.
Consider Your Dog’s Breed
Different dog breeds have coats of varying thickness, which play a key role in determining their ideal temperature.
Pets with thick fur, such as Huskies or Norwegian Forest cats, are better suited to cooler conditions, while those with shorter fur – or no fur at all, like Sphynx cats – are less capable of staying warm.
Thicker-coated pets may struggle in warmer temperatures and often seek cooler spots, like drafty areas, which might suggest setting the thermostat slightly lower for their comfort.
In contrast, pets with thinner fur, like Whippets, are less efficient at retaining heat and are more comfortable in warmer environments.
As a general rule, a pet’s coat thickness serves as a reliable guide for determining their ideal temperature – the thinner the coat, the more susceptible they are to the cold!
Factor in How Old Your Pet Is
Age is another determining factor when it comes to maintaining body temperature for pets.
If your animal companion is on the older side, they may find it harder to regulate their body temperature and in turn need to be in a slightly warmer environment, so keep this in mind when considering their home heating needs.
Use Artificial Heat
Electric radiators are a fantastic way to keep your pet comfortable, offering efficient and consistent warmth.
They combine convection and radiation to heat both the air and surrounding surfaces, providing deep, long-lasting warmth for both you and your pets.
Vet Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the 5 dogs she'd never own
By Marsha O'Mahony
HUSKY
Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy.
If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him.
It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold – look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs.
DACHSHUND
Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive.
The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. “Because of their long backs, they’re really prone to intervertebral disc disease,” said Dr. Rachel.
You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive.
GREAT DANE
These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are “goofballs.”
But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak.
DOODLE
These are the current “it” dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed.
Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth, said our vet.
“These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently,” she wrote.
Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems.
BULLDOGS
These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog.
“I just would not own them,” she said. “They’re just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces.”
Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease.
Making use of the timer function allows you to create a heating schedule that fits around your daily routine and your pet’s needs.
For example, if you walk your dog at the same times each day, you can set the radiator to switch off while you’re out and back on before you return, saving energy while keeping your home cosy.