2024-01-04 18:00:00
Let us rest assured: in winter, the bodies of dogs and cats are much more resistant to the cold than ours. Their coat indeed constitutes good protection. The more the animal belongs to a breed with thick hair, the less sensitive it is to the drop in mercury. Logical clarification if you have a dog: avoid shearing it or cutting its hair too short as winter approaches.
But be careful, we must not overestimate the cold resistance of your four-legged friend, especially if he lives more inside your house than outside.
Can a cat or dog sleep or stay outside in winter?
There is, strictly speaking, no breed of dog or cat adapted to difficult conditions, but rather coats that adapt to low temperatures. A dog or cat can stay outside even when it’s very cold, provided they are used to living outside in all seasons. In this case, its coat is denser, its undercoat thicker and developed, and it will have benefited from the transition between seasons to prepare for winter, explains Dr. Nicolas Massal, veterinarian.
This physical adaptation is done from the start (during a molt) and is only reversible if the animal is required to live indoors for a prolonged period (in this case, hair loss is spectacular). This is why you must choose the indoor or outdoor option for your pet from the start, and stick to it for the long term. No repeated changes, but constant living conditionsthis is the course of action to remember.
For animals that stay outside, simply provide permanent access to a shelter (shed, garage, doghouse) where they can protect yourself from humidity and wind, two threats more important than the cold. In the garage, for example, install a mattress on a raised slat to isolate the animal from the ground and from drafts.
What temperature can a cat or dog tolerate in winter?
A cat can tolerate temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. However, if the temperature drops below 5°C, some cats may start to feel cold; as soon as the ambient temperature drops below 8°C and gets closer and closer to 0 °Csome dogs may start to feel cold.
How do I know if my dog or cat is cold?
If your chat a cold ears, paws, pads or nose, this means that he is cold; If your dog trembles, adopts a curled up posturerefuses to sit outside or looks for heat sources… This means he is cold.
How do I protect my cat and dog from the cold in winter?
There are ways to protect dogs and cats from the cold in winter.
Do we need to equip them with a coat to go out?
The coats are only suitable for dogs (cats cannot tolerate them), and are recommended for those who usually live indoors. Their coat is then not adapted to extreme conditions, so the coat is welcome for walks, especially for older dogs, says the veterinarian.
Can also coat their pads with some high fat products to insulate them from snow, ice, cold and avoid the formation of cracks.
Should we change their diet during the winter?
Yes, if the animal, dog or cat, spends a good part of its days outside. In general, the quantities of food should be increased. And to help them cope with the cold, bring more energetic foods and richer in fat. Water must remain self-service permanently ; make sure it does not freeze.
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