We've all felt the effects of cold at night, especially throughout the winter months. But have you considered how your pets are faring in the chillier months? Especially for dogs who might not be able to wedge into a warm space and curl up like a cat can?
There's no need to worry, though, as we've thought all about our four-legged furry friends. From where to position their bed to tips on keeping them comfortable overnight, here's everything you need to know about keeping a dog warm in winter.
Do dogs get cold at night?
Put simply, yes – dogs do get cold at night. If you're worried about your dog getting cold, make sure you're bringing them inside on chilly evenings. Some breeds of dog, such as greyhounds or chihuahuas, can't cope well with the cold compared to breeds that have been bred to cope with the cold, such as Siberian Huskies or Bernese Mountain Dogs. Understandably, leaving them to sleep outdoors is unpleasant for them at best, and dangerous at worst.
Dogs have a higher natural body temperature than humans, as their fur acts as a layer of insulation. This means dogs with finer coats will feel the cold more than those with thick fur. If your furry friend is shivering, whining or whimpering, or curling up tightly in a ball, these are all signs that they're feeling the cold.
Ideal temperature for dogs to sleep in the UK
Most dogs are comfortable at the average ambient temperature of your house. If your house feels extremely cold, it's likely your pet will feel this too. A dog's natural body temperature sits at around 38-39 degrees Celsius, so this is the temperature you should be aiming to keep them at. Once the temperature in the home falls beneath around 7 degrees, your dog may start to feel uncomfortable.
Do dogs need covers?
A quick, easy way to ensure your dog is warm and comfortable throughout the night is by providing them with some bedding or a dog blanket. Any old bedding can easily double as a dog blanket and help keep your pooch cosy overnight.
Overnight, cold temperatures rise upwards from the floor. This is why human beds are typically raised above the ground. If you don't have a raised dog bed, padding the floor with an old duvet or blanket is ideal, as it creates a barrier between your pet and the floor and keeps the cold at bay.
Can dogs sleep in bed with you?
One of the best ways to keep dogs warm is simply to cuddle up and share body heat. It's a completely personal choice whether you opt to let your furry friend in bed with you on a night. Some people love the opportunity for extra cuddles, while some maintain boundaries at bedtime. If you are open to sharing your space, though, it's a win-win – both you and your dog benefit from the extra heat!
If you're a pet parent and you're unsure whether to let your pet in bed with you, we've put together a post detailing the surprising benefits of sleeping with your pet.
How to keep a dog warm in a crate at night
You might not be a 'pet in bed' kind of person, and that's totally fine. There's no right or wrong answer, and many people find they sleep better without a pet in the room.
If your pet is sleeping in a crate, downstairs, or in a separate room from you, there are still steps you can take to ensure you both get a comfortable night's sleep.
Invest in their dog bed
A high-quality, padded, comfortable dog bed will help keep pets warm and snug throughout the night. Like a human bed frame, raising the dog bed from the ground keeps them away from cold floors and draughts. If you don't have the space for a raised pet bed, padding the ground with extra blankets can also help keep your dog warm.
Find a warm spot
It's important you find somewhere for your pet to sleep that is protected from draughts. Some people allow their pets to sleep in their bedroom, which is often warmer than the rest of the house overnight. However, many dogs will sleep in a kitchen or another room downstairs. Make sure their bed is positioned away from any draughty windows or doors – a warm corner or close to a radiator is ideal.
Buy them heated toys
If your dog isn't a chewer, a hot water bottle (safely secured within a cover) or a microwavable heated toy is a great way to provide extra heat during the night. Plus, it gives your pooch a comfortable presence to cuddle up with!
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.
Keep them dry
Your dog is much more likely to feel the cold if their coat is wet. Dog fur also takes much longer to dry naturally in the winter, so ensure that they've been fully towel dried if they've been bathed or outside in the rain close to bedtime.
Are you struggling to keep warm at night?
Keeping your dog warm is important, but keeping yourself warm is equally as important during the cold nights! If you're struggling to keep warm on a night, we've also put together a handy guide on How to Sleep Warm in Colder Months, which is packed full of clever tips and tricks.
To snuggle up in true comfort, explore our bedding and accessories collection, where you can find pillows, duvets, and mattress toppers – all great for a warm and cosy night's sleep.
