As winter sets in and temperatures drop, your furry friend will also appreciate a cozier environment. If you're wondering what you can do to keep your dog warm and comfortable indoors, a fluffy dog blanket can be the solution. Such a blanket makes the dog bed even more comfortable, keeps out the cold, and provides your dog with much-needed warmth during the cold season – because not all dog breeds can maintain this solely with their fur and body heat.
We'll explain when and for which dogs a blanket is useful in winter, and what benefits it offers in other seasons too.
Pay attention to the signs: How to tell if your dog is cold!
Since your furry friend unfortunately can't tell you they're cold, you as an owner need to be especially attentive! Always look for possible signs of cold: Perhaps you notice your canine tucking its tail and simultaneously arching its back, walking much slower than usual, adopting a strange posture, or moving unusually. These can all be signs of being cold. Most obviously, of course, is if your dog is already shivering from the cold.
Here's a general rule of thumb for you: If it's too cold for humans in winter, it's also too cold for your dog.
These dogs definitely need a blanket in winter
Generally, it's impossible to say across the board which dog gets cold when and which doesn't, because just like humans, all dogs get cold differently – sometimes even dogs of the same breed. While some dogs shiver at low positive temperatures and need dog clothing, a blanket, and appropriate dog shoes, other four-legged friends easily tolerate sub-zero temperatures. That's why it's so important to always be attentive to your dog.
Nevertheless, certain factors play a role in whether a dog gets cold (quickly) and consequently needs a cozy blanket in winter. Smaller dogs, such as dwarf breeds from poodles to Yorkshire terriers, lose body heat much faster due to their small size. The same applies to older dogs, who cool down significantly faster due to a reduced metabolism. But even dogs with thin fur and no undercoat, like Dalmatians, can poorly tolerate cold winter temperatures.
For all these dogs (and breeds), a fluffy blanket in winter is certainly sensible – in fact, it's necessary to protect the dog from frostbite. If you haven't found a suitable blanket yet, feel free to browse our range.
Advantages of a dog blanket
Cozy blankets, of course, not only provide warmth to your four-legged friend in winter but also ensure a comfortable and warm dog bed all year round. A dog blanket thus has the advantage that your furry friend can build their own little nest in their dog bed thanks to the blanket.
After all, dogs love to rest and nap in a comfortable spot. A cozy dog blanket greatly increases comfort in the dog bed, allowing your darling to sleep much more restfully – especially on cold winter nights!
Another advantage of a dog blanket can be the protection of your furniture: For example, if you spread the blanket in a spot on the sofa where your dog likes to rest, you protect the upholstery from dirty paws or fur. In this way, the blanket not only benefits your dog but also your home.
SABRO tip for winter: A dog blanket at home and dog clothing outdoors!
Dogs who are already cold indoors are usually also happy if they don't have to take too long a walk through the snow in winter when temperatures are below 7 °C – although exercise is, of course, important.
So, if your dog gets cold easily or is generally sensitive to cold, you should get a dog blanket for indoors and keep the unavoidable time outdoors during walks as short as possible. In addition, it's best to get your dog protective dog clothing like a dog coat or dog sweater when going outdoors in winter. Especially for dogs who are naturally more prone to getting cold (e.g., due to thin fur), warm protective clothing is a must!
Even if some dog owners still roll their eyes at the topic of dog clothing: sweaters, coats, and the like for dogs have a purely supportive function and are by no means intended to fulfill a fashionable aspect. Therefore, before your darling shivers from the cold or suffers from frostbite during a winter walk, you should rather resort to dog clothing.
Conclusion: Why dogs need a blanket in winter
The answer to the initial question of whether dogs need a blanket in winter can be briefly and concisely answered with YES. And that is always the case when you notice that your dog is cold on their body or paws. You can clearly recognize this as soon as your dog shivers, but an unusual gait or a hunched back can also be signs of being cold.
Therefore, indoors, you should offer your dog a fluffy dog blanket with which they can make their dog bed more comfortable and warmer. With cuddly blankets, your dog can build a nest at night to avoid freezing on particularly cold days. You can also place the blanket on your furniture to protect the upholstery from dirt and fur at the same time.
And because protective warmth outdoors is just as important for dogs as it is for humans, you should put warming dog clothing like a sweater, coat, or dog shoes on your shivering dog – whether it's a small or large dog breed, with or without an undercoat, young or old dog – before going into the snow in winter.
This way, you'll get through the winter together!
We welcome your personal opinion in a comment: Does your dog need a blanket in winter? What are your experiences?
