From the time they are puppies, dogs have characteristics — colour, size, age and coat — that together let them develop a certain resistance to extreme temperatures, both high and low. That doesn’t mean they are immune to the ambient temperature, though. So, if you want your pet to be comfortable at home, here we’ll explain how to find the ideal home temperature for your dog.
Temperatures and their problems
When the temperature falls to between 7 °C and 12 °C, dogs start to show signs of discomfort through unusual behaviour. The ideal is to keep the home between 13 °C and 26 °C. When you go out for a walk, also bear in mind the change in temperature, and trim your dog’s coat if necessary, thinking ahead to the days to come.
Extreme cold can cause agitation, anxiety and reduced mobility in our pets. At temperatures below -6 °C, hypothermia can set in and put your dog’s life at risk. For this reason, vets at Tufts University created a “cold chart” that takes the characteristics mentioned above into account and warns owners about the dangers of low temperatures.
Some clothing (jumpers, boots, etc.) can be very useful to protect your dog when leaving the house. Indoors, another important moment for managing your dog’s temperature is bath time: when it’s cold, bathe it in lukewarm water and dry it quickly once the bath is finished.
Some dogs are more vulnerable to high temperatures and, when affected, can suffer symptoms such as rapid dehydration, very poor appetite or even breathing difficulty. This can lead to heatstroke, raising the dog’s body temperature to dangerous levels. If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a cool place, offer it water and contact your vet, who will bring its temperature down to safe levels and check its system.
Why your dog’s health depends on its environment
Thermoregulation is essential to your dog’s wellbeing. Bear in mind, too, that any medication your dog takes which alters its abilities can also affect thermoregulation. Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, protecting your dog from extreme heat and cold, and having good veterinary cover for any health scare are the best ways to keep your best friend happy and well.
