The sleeping place in winter

Can ground cold make the dog sick?

The feeling of comfort in a living room for dogs does not only depend on the air temperature indicated by the thermometer. The temperatures of the walls, ceilings and floors also contribute to this. Like the human body, the dog's body reacts very sensitively to differences in temperature and, above all, to drafts entering through leaking windows and doors. And unfortunately not every home has underfloor heating.

Is draught a risk?

Draughts or lying on a cool floor can lead to illnesses such as cystitis or a weakening of the immune system. Since dog beds usually lie on the floor, dogs are exposed to these negative influences especially in the winter months. Some dog breeds can protect themselves with their winter coat in the cold season; many have a natural coat change. The top coat and undercoat form longer and thicker hairs in autumn than in spring and keep the dog pleasantly warm even in the cold season. Breeds with short fur and no undercoat lack this natural protection.

Some breeds are particularly sensitive

In Rhodesian rigdebacks or Podencos, for example, the warmer climate is "anchored in the genes", which is why they do not cope so well with the cold. Even in summer they like to lie under a warm blanket. The thin fur of Dobermann, Boxer or Weimaraner dogs can also not protect so well against cold and draughts. The same applies to shorn dogs. Sighthounds have only a thin coat of hair and do not develop any protective fat pads against cold. Since it gets cold very quickly, a warming blanket or a natural or synthetic fur can often help.

Small dogs have a handycap in winter

Also short-legged dogs, like dachshunds, or French Bulldogs are more exposed to the ground-cold than its high-legged relatives. Observe your dog whether he has problems with it or not! Small breeds lose body heat faster than large breeds. The larger body surface allows them to cool down faster in relation to the body volume. In addition, sick or very old dogs often need more warmth than healthy dogs because they are less agile and can move less.

Good reasons for a cuddly blanket

With all these dogs it can be necessary to give them in the cold season in the sleeping place additional protection with a comfortably warming cuddly blanket or a fur.