Like humans, dogs are more susceptible to sickness when they are cold. Hypothermia, which can be fatal, would be at the extreme end of the range.
Dogs and cold weather don’t mix, but fortunately there are several of ways to keep an indoor dog warm at night.
Here are my recommendations for keeping a dog warm at night when they are sleeping inside the house, without further ado.
Heated mats and bedding
Ensure that your dog has a cozy bed, and why not also provide them with a heated blanket?
As an alternative, you may actually get a heated dog bed during the winter. This one can be found on the Amazon website. It features high sides, which also aid in retaining heat inside the bed.
You might wish to use a heated sleeping pad if your dog is a bed chewer. Again, Amazon has a heated dog pad that has excellent reviews that you may purchase. It should get up to a comfortable sleeping temperature of roughly 40C (104F), which is more than warm enough to keep your dog warm at night.
Raise their bed off the floor
When the lower temperatures rise up through the floor and into their bedding, your dog will undoubtedly become cold at night. By lifting their bed off the floor and away from the ground, they can avoid this.
To assist keep your dog warmer at night, you can purchase raised dog beds on Amazon. If not, place some additional blankets or cushions under their current bed.
Build your dog a cosy nest at night
Wrapping blankets into a ring or loop that your dog may sleep in will help them stay warm. We frequently do this with our own dog; the motion almost resembles a donut.
Fleece dog blankets, which are once again readily available on Amazon and have received excellent reviews from pet owners, can make their nest even cozier.
If your dog eventually decides to adore their new winter blanket, wash it frequently over the chilly nights to help prevent unpleasant odors and allergy-inducing dust or mites. Your dog will then be able to sleep comfortably and warmly at night.
Buy a dog nesting bed instead
You don’t need to construct a warm nest for your dog; simply one will do. They are fantastic and cozy, resembling indoor kennels that your dog might sleep in to stay incredibly warm during the winter.
Not all dogs enjoy them because others could feel confined and anxious. However, if your dog is the type that likes to hide beneath your bed covers, it would be ideal for keeping them warm at night; here’s one that has received good reviews on Amazon.
Buy dog pyjamas
Although I doubt I could get our dog to wear them, if yours like dressing up, they would be the ideal way to keep them warm on chilly nights.
Why should your dog be left out of wearing pajamas when it gets cold at night like it does for my wife and I? This collection was discovered on Amazon.
Prevent draft in the room your dog sleeps in
Because we are not at the same height as dogs when they sleep, we may not experience the cold, which is why drafts are frequently neglected.
For pet owners wondering how to keep their dog warm at night, it’s one of the most crucial considerations.
As you are aware, dogs often lie on the floor or very near it, rendering them vulnerable to cold air that enters through air vents or under doors. Invest in draft excluders to warm up the space so your dog doesn’t wind up getting a chill.
Indoor grass patches
Once the weather becomes chilly, some dogs won’t even want to go outside to relieve themselves. You might use a fake grass patch for them to urinate on to keep them warm inside.
Because they feature a bowl underneath to catch the pee, your dog can stay warm indoors without having to brave the bitter cold. To learn more, click the image below.
Heated dog bowls
Water that is too cold to drink can really make your dog sick. Your dog’s body temperature may drop if they drink water that is almost frozen, which could cause health problems in the winter.
You may instead spend money on a heated dog bowl (view on Amazon). Instead of making their water warm, it only provides the slightest amount of heat to keep it from being too cold for them.
Handy Tip: I’ve compiled a list of additional non-electric ways to prevent your dog’s water bowl from freezing over.
Consider letting the dog in your bed
Personally, I’m not a fan of this because my dog, who isn’t even that big, snores excessively and takes up too much space in our bed. Additionally, my wife frequently experiences allergic responses to dog hair.
Although we won’t be choosing this route, if it works for you, you might occasionally deviate from the bed sleeping prohibition on chilly nights to keep your dog warm.
Don’t let them sleep too near to heating
Although it could be alluring, I would advise avoiding placing your dog’s bed close to a heater or radiator.
Some dogs, particularly brachycephalic types like the Pug, are prone to overheating and discomfort.
How can I warm up my dog’s bed?
Some dogs must spend the night outside for a variety of reasons. What can you do to make your dog comfortable outside if they won’t be spending the night under your roof?
Shelter is the primary need of every dog. Your dog needs a warm, dry place to hide from the elements, whether it’s a kennel, a particular doghouse, or even another kind of outbuilding. While covering up from the wind and the rain is essential, there are a few more items on this list that can also keep your dog warm during the winter.
What about dogs at night?
How Cold Are Dogs at Night? Even when confined indoors, dogs can still experience nighttime cold. “Give your dog a warm blanket to cuddle up with in bed if you suspect he gets cold at night. Most dogs don’t experience nighttime cold or, if they do, they will seek for a warmer location “Satchu” adds.
What overnight temperature is too chilly for dogs?
Most dogs shouldn’t typically have a problem with cold temperatures until they drop below 45 F, at which point some cold-sensitive canines might start to feel uneasy. Owners of small-breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and/or dogs who are extremely young, old, or ill should pay particular attention to their pets’ health when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. All dog owners should be aware that their canines may become susceptible to cold-related health issues including hypothermia and frostbite if temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
The easiest method to keep an eye on dogs in the cold is to closely observe their behavior. It’s time to go inside if you see your dog shaking, acting agitated, whining, slowing down, looking for a warm place to be, or holding up one or more paws.
How can I tell if my dog is feeling the cold at night?
Your dog certainly loves going for a run outside, no matter the weather—even in the winter! But as their caregiver, it’s crucial that you are aware of when your dog has to go indoors because of the weather.
At any time of year, but particularly in the sweltering summer and bitterly cold winter, never leave your dog alone in a car. Take regular breaks inside if you’re playing outside with your dog so that it can warm up and drink water.
- shivering or shaking
- hunched position with the tail tucked
- Barking or whining
- A shift in behavior, such as being uneasy or worried
- unwillingness to move forward or attempts to turn around
- searches for a place to stay
- removes paw off the ground
Frostbite and hypothermia can arise from protracted exposure to the cold (drop in body temperature)
If you see any of the following, wrap your animal companion in a blanket or coat, look for a warm place to stay, and seek immediate veterinary assistance for your animal family member:
- Frostbite (can take several days to develop)
- Frequently affects the extremities (ears, legs, paws, tail)
- skin that can be uncomfortable to touch and is pale and chilly
- may experience swelling, redness, and blisters on exposed skin.
- Skin could get dark.
- Hypothermia (can range from mild to severe)
- long-lasting shivering
- Weakness
- muscle rigidity
- Having trouble walking
- White gums
- Confusion
- Shallow, sluggish breathing
- consciousness loss
Even while it’s crucial to pay attention to these factors, you shouldn’t wait until you have any pain before ending your stroll or play session. Even while meeting your dog’s exercise needs during the winter is vital, it’s a good idea to shorten your walk when the weather is particularly chilly and supplement your pet’s exercise with some indoor activities and enrichment.
Should I put a blanket over my dog at night?
No of the season, dog owners are responsible for keeping their pets warm.
Here are some of the most often asked questions about keeping your dog’s bed warm in the winter, with responses ranging from blankets to winter.
Should I Cover My Dog with a Blanket at Night?
Yes, you should cover your dog at night if it’s cold or if he’s small. His dog bed will benefit from a blanket to keep him warm.
He’ll feel more at ease as well. In cold weather, your dog will particularly appreciate the extra blanket.
Do Dogs Like to Be Under Blankets?
Yes! Many dogs enjoy curling up under a blanket. This appears to be an instinctive response to keep them warm. Both burrowing under them and lying under them, according to experts, are something your dog may enjoy doing.
Keep in mind that dogs prefer to sleep in a warm environment, especially during colder months. Consider the fact that puppies sleep in heaps as evidence for this.
There are, of course, always exceptions. Although most dogs adore blankets, not all dogs do.
The first time your dog spends a significant amount of time under a blanket, kindly pay attention to his actions. If he likes it, you should be able to tell right away.
How Is Cold Too Cold for Dogs?
The dog will determine how chilly is too cold. Small dogs typically succumb to cold much more quickly. Then there are breeds that enjoy the cold, such as huskies.
Your dog will begin to feel cold at about 45 degrees Fahrenheit, as a general rule.
He might feel uneasy at this moment and could use some extra security. Small dogs need to be wrapped up as soon as the temperature reaches 32 degrees.
In these cold, it would be beneficial if you also supplied blankets or coats to puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with thin coats of any breed.
Remember to cover your dog’s paws in the cold, regardless of breed. He should avoid walking on chilly sidewalks. It can also be quite irritating to salt ice.
How Is Cold Too Cold for a Dog to Sleep Inside?
Even while he is inside, your dog’s body may get too cold to sleep comfortably at around 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep your home at a temperature higher than this, and think about providing your dog a blanket to keep him warm.
Do Dogs Need Blankets?
It’s a frequent myth that dogs can survive the winter thanks to their body heat and fur. In truth, they are limited in their abilities.
Even with his fur, your dog will still require blankets when the weather gets chilly.
Some dogs might value the additional warmth provided by electric blankets. Most people, though, won’t mind their pets’ beds having an extra blanket on them.
When determining whether to offer your dog a blanket on chilly evenings, use common sense. Electric blankets should always be used with caution, especially if your dog enjoys chewing on objects.
Do Dogs Like Being Kissed?
Hugs and kisses are expressions of love to humans. Dogs, however, do not comprehend what we mean when we do this.
However, you shouldn’t count on him to. Pay attention to how your dog or puppy responds, and attempt to reduce the amount of kissing if it seems to be upsetting him.
Will a Dog Suffocate UnderCovers?
You might be unsure if your dog can suffocate before covering him with more blankets. Your dog probably wouldn’t suffocate beneath the covers.
If your dog is small and the blankets are thick, you might roll over over them, which would be a problem.
This might also be a problem for puppies, particularly for little or frail ones that can’t get out of the blankets on their own.
Remember that if your dog tries, he can come out from under the blankets. You don’t have to worry about him accidently suffocating because of this.
Therefore, feel free to give your dog one or two blankets to keep them warm throughout the cooler seasons.
What kind of dog bedding is the warmest?
Over the years, many various materials have been utilized as dog bedding, but some have shown to be more effective than others. Some of the tried-and-true resources include:
Linens
Your dog can have a basic and functional bed made out of a decent blanket, sheet, or towel. In addition to providing some softness, linens don’t make as much of a mess as particle beddings (like wood chips) or readily harbor insects.
You don’t want to use your favorite duvet as your dog’s bedding since she will eventually destroy it rather badly. Instead, look for a sturdy blanket that is suitable for dogs that you won’t mind discarding after using it for a while (or years). To keep the blanket as fresh as possible and to help prevent odors from accumulating, try washing it occasionally.
Remember that blankets can act as hiding places for spiders, snakes, and other creepy crawlies; therefore, it is advisable to remove it and aggressively shake it once or twice a week to prevent these types of issues. Additionally, check the blanket frequently to make sure your dog hasn’t torn the seams apart or gnawed through the fabric. Dogs who ingest the filler substance, even unintentionally, may experience health issues.
Rugs
Your dog might have a really comfortable bed made out of a soft rug. Rugs provide many of the same advantages as linens do, plus they frequently have a rubberized back that helps to keep them from sliding around and protects them from dampness. Rugs aren’t as suitable for severely cold weather because your dog can’t easily crumple them up like she can a blanket.
Choose a rug with a long/high pile (length individual fibers) if your dog is well-behaved and doesn’t like to gnaw on items as this will increase comfort and warmth. To prevent chewers from tearing the threads out, chewers should be given beds with short heaps.
You could just use a regular rug (like the kind you’d use inside your bathroom or in front of your entrance), but an indoor-outdoor rug that is made to withstand the elements will last longer.
Dog Beds
A dog bed is one of the more expensive solutions, but it is also far and away the best option for keeping your dog warm and happy inside your home.
Your dog will appreciate the support offered by a sturdy orthopedic mattress (those who aren’t put off by the price should consider the Big Barker) or the warmth offered by a heated winter bed, which is available in electric or self-warming models.
There are undoubtedly some good bed options, but not many dog beds are made expressly for use outside, and cheap beds may quickly deteriorate if exposed to the weather for an extended period of time.
If you want your dog to use the bed for several winters, make sure to get a sturdy one—cheap bedding won’t do. For the fabric’s protection, you could also want to spend money on a waterproof cover.
Wood Chips
Another risk-free choice for the majority of dogs is wood chips, particularly those made of cedar or pine. The insect-repelling properties of cedar and pine chips will help keep fleas and other bugs from setting up shop in your dog’s home, and they also offer your dog excellent insulation and comfort.
Pine and cedar chips provide a pleasant aroma as well. Keep a watch out for symptoms of lung or nose discomfort, such as sneezing, as the same volatiles that give off the fragrant scent may irritate dogs with delicate respiratory systems or noses.
Be aware that some cedar and pine beddings contain tiny wood shavings, while others contain small blocks or chunks of wood. The shavings are a superior choice since they give your dog considerably more comfort—nobody wants to lay on a pile of hardwood pieces.
Keep in mind that wood shavings should never be used with females who are pregnant or nursing, or in dog houses where there are puppies. Although rarely an issue for adults, wood shavings can contain bacteria that can seriously illen puppies.
