How to keep your dog warm whilst sleeping this winter
Pet owners are being advised on how to keep their furry friends warm whilst they sleep during the cold winter months.
Sleep experts at WinstonsBeds.com have offered some advice to households on how to keep their dogs warm as temperatures drop.
Dogs also feel the cold at night just like us despite their heightened body temperatures. Once your home reaches below 7 degrees your dog may begin to feel uncomfortable.
These dreary days don't only get us down, our four legged friends also tend to experience lower moods due to the bad weather conditions, this is something you may have noticed.
There are many things which may be causing your dog to act differently this winter, just like us, having less sunlight means they want to rest more to conserve energy and therefore end up sleeping more.
Spending less time outside may also affect your dog's mood and behaviour, meaning less mental stimulation occurs and more rest is required.
Rebecca Swain, mattress expert at WinstonsBeds said "Keeping your four legged friend warm at night during these cooler months is definitely something you should prioritise. Although their body temperature is higher they can still feel the cold.
Many people are aware how vital it is to keep your dogs cool during hot weather conditions but forget they can also feel the cold too so it's just as important to keep them nice and warm.
Consider investing in a quality dog bed, providing them with blankets or a heated toy for when it gets really chilly."
Here are five tips from experts to help you keep your dog warm this winter:
- Invest in a dog bed
A good quality dog bed can help keep your pet warm and comfortable at night. Consider raising the dog bed too as it will help keep them away from cool draughts and cold floors, even padding the ground with a blanket or two will make a difference.
- Find a warm spot
It's important to keep your dog's bed in a spot which is away from draughty windows or doors. Some people opt for the bedroom which is often warmer than the rest of the house or you can try a warm corner or close to a radiator.
- Give them a blanket
If your dog sleeps in a crate, drape a blanket or duvet over the top, this can help to keep the heat inside. An old blanket is a great way to keep your dog cosy and warm at night.
- Buy a heated toy
Provided your dog isn't a chewer, a microwavable toy or a hot water bottle (within a cover), can be a great way to ensure your dog is toasty at night. This also gives them a comfortable presence to snuggle up with.
- Keep them dry
Dogs fur takes longer to naturally dry in winter months so if they get wet from being out in the rain or washed make sure to properly dry them. Dogs are also a lot likelier to feel the cold if they are wet!
