The optimal temperature for most pets ranges between 18 and 22 degrees, although some dogs tend to prefer the the former, especially if they have a very generous coat. This temperature should ideally match the temperature what you set on your thermostat during winter.
Dial in the Ideal Temperature for Your Pet
Coat Type: Dogs and cats with thick, long coats tend to be more cold-tolerant. In fact, they often overheat faster than humans. On the other hand, pets with thin, short fur, or hairless pets, do not retain body heat as well and therefore prefer warmer temperatures.
Some dogs love snow and cold weather, while others get cold very easily and can not stay outside in the cold for very long. As a general rule of thumb: at 45°F (7°C) and below, most dogs will dogs will start to become uncomfortable.
In general, you should set the thermostat between 75 and 78 degrees F when you're at home in the summer. If you have a large, long-haired dog, such as a Husky or Samoyed, around 75 degrees may be best.
In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45° F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable.
Is it safe to put a blanket on my dog? As a general rule - yes! Dog blankets (or regular blankets, for that matter) are generally very safe for dogs because they can move around under them and will simply get out and move away if they feel uncomfortable.
Do Dogs Get Cold at Night? It is possible for dogs to get cold at night, even if they're kept indoors. "If you think your dog is getting cold at night, consider giving him a cozy blanket to snuggle up to in bed.
Since excess humidity and heat can raise a dog's internal temperature, it's important you keep your air-conditioner on when you leave your dog at home.
50-60 degrees and higher are safe temperatures for your dog. 85+ degree temperatures are a different beast in itself, but we're just talking about cool to cold temperatures here. 45 degrees or so are generally acceptable, but you'll still want to keep an eye on how your dog is handling itself in these temperatures.
At around 12 – 15 degrees most pets will probably be quite safe. At 10 degrees, you need to keep an eye on them as it can be potentially unsafe depending on their age, general health, and breed.
“For dogs that have medical issues that require rest, blankets may be necessary for comfort, to prevent injuries like bedsores and to act as a cushion should they fall,” she says. According to Dr. McCullough, blankets can help dogs with health and behavior issues, too.
Pets will also start to avoid lying on cold tiles and will choose to rest in places with warm flooring or carpet. Generally, if you're indoors and you're feeling cold, then your pet will be cold too. The same symptoms can apply to small animals, too.
Do Dogs and Cats Sleep More in the Wintertime? Werber says dogs and cats are likely to sleep a little more in the wintertime. And most of this is due to the same sorts of reasons humans are less active: they're cold! "They'll look for a cozy blanket to cuddle up with and a warmer place to sleep.
Dogs are meant to be in warmth. They have been wired to be able to keep their paws warm, as well as the rest of their body with how they sleep, and how they act. It is normal for dogs to love being around heat because it is apart of their nature, just as humans should not want to drop their body temperature.
Dogs, like humans, take comfort in having a warm body next to them while they sleep, which is why they crawl into bed with us in the first place.
Moderation is key: As with any treat, ice should be given in moderation. While it's a great way to help your dog cool down, too much can lead to an upset stomach or dental damage. Observe your dog: Always supervise your dog when they're eating ice or drinking ice water, especially the first few times.
While some dogs were bred for colder temperatures, most will feel comfortable in temperate environments, around 70 degrees indoors or outdoors.
Thus, letting them sleep in an air-conditioned room becomes inevitable during such times. Most dogs love an excellent air-conditioning environment. And why not? Air conditioners provide much-needed relief from the summer heat to pets as much as it does to humans.
Ambient temperature, or the air temperature surrounding the animal (USDA, 2013), must not fall below 10°C (50°F) for dogs not acclimated to lower temperatures (USDA, 2013) or rise above 29.5°C (85°F) (USDA, 2013) for dogs in indoor facilities.
Animal expert Jennifer Dean said: “By and large, our cats and dogs are designed for the outdoors and unless they're particularly vulnerable in terms of their health, or they're young puppies, you don't need to leave the central heating on for them when you're out of the house, even if the mercury plummets outside.
Science proves that part of the canine brain is associated with positive emotions and they do, indeed, feel love for their human companions.
Below 32°F – Owners of smaller breed dogs, dogs with short or thin coats, and/or very young, senior dogs, dogs with health conditions, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet's well-being. Below 20°F – All owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop hypothermia and frostbite.
Provide them with blankets
As mentioned, old blankets and duvets are great for keeping your dog warm and cosy overnight. If they're sleeping in a crate, draping old bedding over the top can also help keep heat inside the crate, keeping your dog comfortable in colder weather.
Once you bring a dog into your home, you become part of their pack. They enjoy sleeping with you because it makes them feel safe and comfortable. Sleeping together gives dogs an emotional connection to their owners.