How to keep your pets warm this season

With another winter upon us, I am often asked whether dogs need a coat to keep warm. Some folks like to suggest that because dogs have fur coats, they shouldn’t feel the cold but I would like to point out that all dogs are not equal and wintry weather can be a challenge for some breeds. Dogs with thin body frames, with thin or short coats, with short legs and bellies nearer the cold ground can benefit from coats. These include most toy and small breeds such as poodles, whippets and Yorkshire terriers to name a few. Larger breeds with short coats like Great Danes can also feel the cold. 

In Hong Kong, our dogs do not encounter snow or ice, but the ground can still feel cold to them in winter and in the shade. Like all warm-blooded mammals, dogs can control their body temperature within a narrow range. If your dog feels cold, he may shiver and shake, try and find a spot to lie in the sun or curl up and snuggle up beside a warm body – which could be you! Tolerating the colder months also varies with underlying medical problems, age, and body condition. While a French Bulldog may only require a sweater at lower temperatures, a thin Sydney Silkie or Chinese Crested require thicker jackets/coats. In cold areas, dogs can get frostbite but be aware that dressing dogs in winter fashion can lead to them overheating too. Be careful the fabric does not cause irritation or a contact allergy. Fashion items must fit your dog properly or they can become a hazard if your mutt decides to chew it off, buttons and all.

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With the recent cold snap, what can I do to keep my cat warm?

Normal healthy adult cats thermoregulate: this means they have the ability to maintain their temperature within certain boundaries between 37.7-39.1℃ (100-102.5℉). Most mammals can do this. If cats feel cold, they will move to a warmer spot. If that isn’t enough, their internal physiology kicks in. Vasoconstriction helps to reduce heat loss via the skin: their hairs will stand on end to trap air, which further insulates, and shivering helps to generate heat from muscle contractions. You can help by leaving out a nice enclosed bed or box with blankets; window seats also provide an opportunity to lie in the sunshine. Be aware that kittens under four weeks have difficulty controlling their body temperature because their metabolic activity isn’t yet developed. As such, it is important to keep them in warmer environments.

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