Understanding Dog Thermoregulation: Key Tips for Winter and Summer Care
A dog’s temperature regulation is a complex cooperation between tissues and organs, with the body temperature being monitored and maintained by the thermoregulatory center in the brain’s hypothalamus. Many factors affect how successfully a dog can maintain an appropriate temperature—coat type, age, diet, health, and other elements should be considered, as every furry friend is unique, and even dogs of the same breed can have very different abilities to adapt to various temperatures.
Winter – What to Consider?
Winter brings cold temperatures, frost, and snow, which can be challenging for dogs. Some dogs are unfazed by the cold, while others need our help to stay healthy in freezing weather. Why is this?
Coat Quality Matters
Different dog breeds have varying coat qualities. Some dog breeds have a double coat, meaning they have a protective outer coat and, in addition, an insulating undercoat that changes yearly. These breeds are generally better equipped to handle the cold and don’t need a jacket in winter, as the undercoat acts like a down jacket, protecting them from the cold. While all dogs’ coats require care, it’s especially important for double-coated breeds. A dirty, matted, or un-shed undercoat won’t do its job properly, and the dog may feel cold despite having a double coat. Additionally, illness, poor diet, or age-related issues that disrupt the shedding of the undercoat can cause problems with temperature regulation.
Proper nutrition, brushing, bathing, and other basic care are essential to keeping the undercoat in good condition so it can do its job, even in cold weather.
Breeds with double coats include Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, Samoyed, Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Corgi, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Finnish Spitz, Finnish Lapphund, and Long-haired Collie.
Dogs with a single coat have only the outer coat and little to no undercoat. The fur types of single-coated dogs vary greatly: their coat can be thin or dense, and its length or texture can vary. No matter how long or thick the outer coat is, it doesn’t insulate like an undercoat. For this reason, it’s recommended to put a weather-appropriate coat on these dogs to keep them warm.
Breeds with a single coat include Poodles, Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, Bulldogs, Lagottos, Bichon Frisé, Labradoodles, Coton de Tulear, Yorkshire Terriers, and Papillons.
If your dog is not one of the mentioned breeds or is a mixed breed, you can determine its coat type by gently pulling back the fur. Double-coated dogs will have an outer coat and shorter hairs closer to the skin. The shorter hairs are the undercoat, which feels wool-like and soft compared to the outer coat.
Protecting Paws from Ice, Snow, and Salt
In winter, a dog’s paws are subjected to cold, ice, and road salt. Salt can irritate the paws and even cause sores, while icy surfaces can damage the pads. Additionally, snow has an annoying habit of clumping between the paws and pads. How can you help your dog?
Regularly cleaning your dog’s paws after walks and applying paw balm helps protect them.
Trimming the fur between the pads regularly with blunt-tipped scissors is also a good idea. Short fur won’t provide as much warmth as long fur, but it significantly reduces the chance of snow clumping.
The best solution is to use boots designed for winter conditions. Proper winter boots protect the pads from snow, stay securely on, and keep the paws warm, making walks as enjoyable for the dog as they are for us in our winter shoes.
Exercise and Muscle Health in Winter
Cold weather may reduce a dog’s desire to move, but regular exercise is still important. Before going outside, ensure your dog warms up properly to prevent its muscles from stiffening in the cold. Long periods of standing still in the cold can lead to chills or muscle stiffness, so continuous movement is key.
Feeding and Energy Needs
Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors in winter may require more energy to maintain their body temperature. This is especially true for working and hunting dogs or other active dogs. On the other hand, indoor dogs that spend most of their time in a warm environment typically don’t need extra food. Overfeeding in winter can lead to weight gain, which can strain a dog’s joints and overall health.
Summer – The Challenges of Heat and Sun
Dogs regulate their body temperature primarily by panting. They have very few sweat glands, and they are located in the paw pads.
As a result, summer heat can be challenging for dogs. Overheating can be dangerous and, in extreme cases, lead to heatstroke. However, with the right precautions, you can protect your dog from the heat.
Preventing Overheating
Dogs regulate their body temperature through panting. However, recent studies suggest that it’s not just through the mouth, but significant airflow also passes through the nasal cavity. The blood circulation in the nasal mucosa is directly connected to the blood vessels in the brain, thus regulating brain temperature. The longer the nose, the larger the surface area of the nasal mucosa and its cooling effect. Thus, during summer heat, it’s especially challenging for short-nosed dogs to cool themselves naturally.
Regardless of nose length, never force a dog to stay in the sun, in a hot car, or any other too-hot place against its will. It’s also important to avoid excessive physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day. Shaded areas and cool spaces, such as air-conditioned rooms or those with ventilation, help keep the dog cool. If your dog is outdoors, ensure it always has access to shade.
Water Supply
Adequate hydration is essential for a dog’s well-being in hot weather. Fresh water should always be available, and for longer walks, it’s a good idea to carry water and a travel bowl. Placing water bowls in multiple locations both indoors and outdoors can help ensure the dog drinks enough.
Sunburn
Thin-coated or hairless dogs are susceptible to sunburn. Areas like the nose, ears, and belly are particularly vulnerable to burning in the sun. Special sunscreens made for dogs can be used to protect these sensitive areas.
Summer Paw Care
Hot asphalt and sand can burn a dog’s paws. A good rule of thumb is to test the surface with your hand: if it feels hot to your hand, it’s likely too hot for your dog’s paws.
You can buy summer boots to protect your dog’s paws from hot surfaces. When choosing summer boots, keep in mind that dogs sweat through their pads, so the boot’s sole should protect against excessive heat, but the boot itself should be breathable to allow the pads to participate in temperature regulation.
Regularly applying paw balm is also highly recommended to keep the pads soft and supple.
Cooling Techniques
You can make your dog more comfortable by cooling its environment. Cooling products for dogs, such as scarves and mats, can help keep the dog cool.
Many dogs love swimming, and it’s an excellent way to cool down in the summer heat. However, for dense-coated dogs, it’s important to ensure the dog dries completely between swims. Prolonged moisture on the skin can lead to the development of hot spots, a skin infection we’ve covered in more detail [here].
Summary
Regulating a dog’s temperature requires attention during both winter’s cold and summer’s heat. In winter, it’s important to protect dogs from the cold and ensure paw health. In summer, preventing overheating, ensuring adequate water intake, and protecting paws are critical. Every dog is unique, and their needs vary, but general precautions can help ensure your dog stays healthy and happy all year round.
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