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. Most dogs will not feel cold at night or will seek out a warmer place if they do," says Satchu.
As long as your dog has a soft bed to lie on, and as long as the room temperature remains above freezing, dogs are unlikely to get too cold. The dog will curl up and snuggle down, its own body heat sufficient for a good night's sleep.
Common Signs Your Dog / Pet Is Feeling the Cold
Your pet may be shivering, trembling or cuddling into warm spaces. Dogs and cats may curl up on your bed, lounge or near the heater as they seek warmth. Pets will also start to avoid lying on cold tiles and will choose to rest in places with warm flooring or carpet.
Cold Temperature Breakdown
Below 45°F – Some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. 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.
As a general guide, above seven degrees is considered safe for most breeds. If the weather drops to below zero, it is beginning to become unsafe for most dogs. Below minus 12 degrees, while unlikely in Australia, is considered life-threatening.
“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.
While broad generalizations are difficult, cold should not become a problem for most dogs until the temperature falls below 45 F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable.
Dogs notoriously love their blankets. Whether it's at home or on the road, it gives them a place to snuggle up and be comfortable. No matter your lifestyle, this is an easy investment that every pet owner can make to improve the quality of life for their animal.
Best House Temperatures for Dogs
In the winter, 68 F to 72 F is comfortable for you and your dog. Don't set the thermostat lower than 60 F when you're gone.
According to Dr. Roberts, around 75% of a dog's sleep happens at night while the rest occurs in the daytime. The average dog sleeps around nine hours in a night and three hours during the day. That means humans can sleep with their dog each night.
A dog curls up to sleep for warmth
By curling tightly into a ball, and tucking their nose under their tail, they conserve body heat. Consider how you sleep when it's cold: bundled up under warm blankets, possibly with your knees drawn up to your chest, or even snuggled around your sleeping dog.
You may have noticed that your dog feels warmer where they have less fur. Their furry coat acts as a layer of insulation, keeping the warmth in and the cold out. That's why their sweat glands are on their paw pads, rather than furry body parts, so the sweat can evaporate to help regulate their temperature.
Signs that your dog is cold:
Shivering. They 'feel' cold to touch, especially their ears. Curling up into a small ball. Extra sleepy/ lethargic.
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.
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
Experts in dog behavior believe that, in general, dogs do not like being embraced. However, every dog has a unique personality. Some may dislike hugs more strongly than others, and some may actually adore them. The closest thing our furry family members do to a hug is something referred to as 'standing over'.
Typically, most large dogs are comfortable when the home's interior hovers between 69 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 21 Celsius). Small dogs are usually pleased when the home's temperature is 73 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 23 Celsius).
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, set the temperature around 75 for the dog's comfort.
On asking our local vet whether dogs feel the cold like we do, he answered of course they do! Just because they have a fur coat it does not prevent them feeling the cold on an icy wintry or windy day.
Secondly, dogs have a higher body temperature than humans, so snuggling under a blanket can help them regulate their body temperature and stay warm. It can be especially comforting for dogs during colder weather or when they're feeling anxious.
It comes as no surprise then that your dog loves laying by your side and occasionally snoozing under the covers. It is a sign of affection and your dog's way of showing you that he cares about you. By sleeping next to you and protecting you throughout the night he lets you know he considers you a member of the pack.
Oh yes, if you have a dog at home, it's quite likely that you've seen your pooch get under a blanket at least once. Dogs simply love this, for several reasons. And you really can't blame them - many humans love wrapping themselves snuggly with a blanket, too!
To make your decision about outdoor fun easier, we created a Cold Weather Safety Chart. Use caution when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (around 7 degrees Celsius). It's potentially unsafe for little-or-medium-sized dogs with thin coats to be outside, but big dogs with heavier coats are probably OK.
A dedicated dog bed is the best place for your pup to rest their weary head at night. But depending on your dog's personality, there might be other sleeping locations that they prefer, or ways you can make their bed more comfortable. Learn why dogs need their own beds and how you can help your pup get better rest.