You may have heard this question before, and if you have ever owned a Labrador you won’t be surprised to hear it is a common question.
It turns out these large, energetic dogs have a few things working against them.
Their double coats are short, the undercoat is dense, and they have a lot of surface area to dissipate heat from. Also, Labs do not have any natural protection against the cold.
So, they tend to feel the cold more than other dogs.
Origins of Labradors in the cold
The breed of beautiful Labradors originated in Newfoundland in the country of Canada. In Canada, the weather can be extreme when the weather and water freeze.
You grew up learning to swim in Newfoundland, where the water temperature is between zero degrees Celsius and thirteen degrees Celsius most of the time.
On land, temperatures are generally more moderate for them, staying at 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees.
Originally, the Labrador was not known as the Labrador, but rather as St. John’s Dog.
The island of Newfoundland was settled by fishermen from Great Britain and their St. John’s dogs. Fishing industry. Not only would they help pull the nets that were full of fish; They easily jumped into the freezing cold water to catch the released fish.
Not only did Labradors have a fairly high tolerance to cold weather from the start, but they also enjoyed the cold.
A Labrador’s Double Coat Most
People who have a Labrador complain about the amount of fur they shed, but these people don’t know that a Labrador coat is special. This coat will keep your beloved Labrador warm in winter and cool in summer.
How does it do that? Well, her coat is not a single coat, but a double coat.
The topcoat is called Guard or Topcoat.
It’s generally a bit rougher than the undercoat. which makes magic. It’s the one that keeps your lab warm in winter and cools in summer. Shaving your lab is never recommended as it removes the necessary insulation from the heat and cold.
Your Labrador’s fur, even when swimming, dries out by repelling water, so freezing water or weather will never touch your Labrador’s fur.
How cold can Labradors handle?
Most dog owners only consider temperature to determine if their dog is cold or not. We’ll look at some other factors later, but first, you need to know what temperatures not only Labradors but other breeds of dogs feel cold.
To give a general answer, most dogs, especially small dogs, need immediate protection as the temperature drops below 35 degrees Fahrenheit. All dogs, including those immune to cold weather, feel cold when the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
To give you an example of other factors, let’s consider a cold wind. For example, the temperature of 24 degrees Fahrenheit may not cool your labrador down. However, combine that temperature with a cold wind hitting your dog’s skin directly.
This temperature feels pretty cold so you need to consider other factors as well.
Tip for Dog owner`s during Cold weather
Even if your dog has a thick, heavy coat, he can feel cold in winter.
Frostbite (frozen skin and tissue) and hypothermia (low body temperature) are just as common in pets as they are in their owners, but this is easy to protect.
Your Dog FromThe Cold Many of the same safety precautions you take for yourself will keep your best friend safe and warm.
Limit time outdoors
No dog, not even the toughest sled dog in the Arctic, should spend much time outdoors in winter.
Thick fur does not protect all parts of the body. “Her ears are exposed, her paws are in direct contact with the cold concrete, her nose is in the wind,” said K. Theisen, director of animal care for the Humane Society of the United States. “Never leave dogs unattended outside for a period of time.
Only take them outside when they want to be active and exercise.” Even then, you may need to shorten the hike if it is really cold.
Dress them warmly
Small dogs and those with short hair need extra help when the air is cold. Puppies and older canines can also have a hard time controlling their body heat.
“A sweater or coat can be a really nice addition to make your pet feel more comfortable,” says Theisen. But leave their heads uncovered. “If it’s so cold that you think you should cover your head, you probably shouldn’t go outside.
To keep your friends’ fur healthy during the winter, add protein and fat to their diets.
Wipe down their paws
Ice, snow, salt, and toxic chemicals like antifreeze and deicers can build up on your dog’s paws. If you lick it, you could swallow the poison.
Antifreeze, in particular, tastes sweet but can be deadly. every time they enter, cover their paws with a towel.
Also, check your pads regularly for injuries. Ice and snow can cause painful cracks and bleeding. Trim the hair between your toes to prevent ice from building up.
Don’t leave them alone in the car
You know you can’t leave your dog in a vehicle in hot weather. The same goes for cold weather. “It’s really a bad idea,”.
People [often] don’t think about how quickly cars can cool down in winter.
While it doesn’t pose a direct health risk to pets, they are likely to be uncomfortable.
Pet-proof your house
Be on the lookout for winter hazards in your home, such as portable heaters. Dogs can get burned or even tip over and start a fire.
Heated carpets can burn your friend’s fur.
A dog bed or blanket should keep them hot enough, put your car’s antifreeze in the garage, clean up spills quickly, and keep the container in a safe place.
Products that contain propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol are safer.
Know the warning signs
Be on the lookout for symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia, and know when to call your vet.
Get your pet inside right away if they:
- Whines or acts anxious
- Can’t stop shivering or seems weak
- Has ice on their body
- Stops moving or slow down
- Looks for warm places to burrow
These could be signs of hypothermia. When they are no longer cold, wrap them in blankets and call the vet for further instructions.
Symptoms of frostbite may take longer to appear. Check your dog daily for any unusual changes, such as sore or pale spots, says Barry Kellogg, VMD of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association.
Protect against the elements
If you have no choice but to leave your dog outside for a while, make sure they have dry, roomy shelter from the wind.
The floor should be raised a few inches above the ground and sprinkled with cedar shavings or straw. Covered with waterproof plastic or tarpaulin.
Feed them plenty of food and check-in as often as you can to make sure the water doesn’t freeze.
Keep Your Dog Comfortable During Cold Weather
There are a few simple tips and tricks to keep your furry friend warm during the wintertime.
- Keep a close eye on the dog when the temperature drops. If you see any signs, take precautions to keep them safe.
- If the dog is more sensitive to cold weather or it goes on a long walk, you might want to invest in a dog sweater or perhaps a dog coat.
- While dog boots can be uncomfortable, they are handy if your dog has to go out, and the weather is extreme.
- Get your pet a professionally made dog house if it is an outside dog. Water should be fresh and not too cold. The dog house must be insulated and should feature a blanket and bedding. Keeping it off the ground will also help.
7 factors that determine how cold your labrador can handle
- Age
Puppies and senior labs feel the cold more easily than adult labs in their prime. Seniors and puppies should not be left outside in the cold weather as a general rule as they can’t regulate their body’s temperature as they can in their prime years.
- General Health
Sick dogs, or dogs with health issues, can’t tolerate the cold weather as healthy dogs can. They can also catch diseases and are more prone to serious issues from the cold than healthier dogs.
- Weight
Fat is a good insulator from the cold, and so overweight labs can tolerate the cold weather slightly better than fit labs can.
- Wind
Windier nights are colder on any living beings, even if the temperature is tolerable. That’s because the wind will always carry away any heat on your skin, forcing your body to constantly work on producing more heat which the wind will keep carrying away.
- Humidity
If you live in an area with high humidity such as coastal cities, the humidity will make the air feel colder.
- Clouds
a clear sky makes the air feel colder than a cloudy one. That’s because the clouds can keep more of the sun’s temperature trapped in the atmosphere at night and will even re-emit some of the heat emitted from the earth’s surface towards us.
- Dampness
If your dog has been swimming, had a bath recently, or if it’s been raining, your dog’s coat will still be a little damp (especially the undercoat) and this will make them feel the cold more than if they were completely dry.
So how can I tell if my dog is cold at night? There are some visible signs, but many pet owners overlook them. Keep an eye on your friend and react if you see something unusual.
If the situation seems problematic, hurry up. to a vet as soon as possible.
The good news is that whether you have a dog indoors or outdoors, there are several ways you can keep them warm and ensure a comfortable cold season.
