How to keep your dog warm at night

The nights get pretty cold here in Britain, and even if we have the heating on, our homes can still get a bit chilly.

Most dogs can do fine with that thick coat of theirs, but some are prone to getting cold at night, particularly puppies, senior dogs, and small ones with thin, short coats.

It’s essential to make sure your dog is at the right temperature. While overheating is a more common concern, being too cold is a risk, too. Even if the temperature isn’t going to make them unwell, we still want our furry family members to feel comfortable.

Here, we share the signs your dog is cold, how to keep a dog warm at night and our recommended methods to keep your pup nice and comfortable as the nights draw in.

Do dogs get cold at night?

Dogs can get cold at night. But how cold they get really depends on the dog, your environment, and how cold the temperatures are. It’s not uncommon for some dogs to get too cold even if it seems mild to us, especially when the sun goes down in winter.

So, what temperature is too cold for dogs?

• 7°C (45°F): Only dogs well-suited to the cold will feel comfortable.

• 0°C (32°F): Dangerous for most dogs, but especially for small, thin-coated, young, and older ones. These dogs may be in danger if they spend too much time outside.

• -6°C (20°F): This is too cold for most dogs. In this range, cold-related health problems, like hypothermia, are a risk.

But instead of following this scale, it’s more important to monitor signs your dog is too cold, as a dog’s ability to handle the cold varies.

Signs your dog is cold at nighttime

• Anxiety

• Cold to touch

• Huddling near you or other pets for warmth

• Hunched posture

• Naturally seeking out warm spots

• Lethargy

• Restlessness

• Shivering

• Tucked tail

• Whining

Each of these signs individually may be okay, but if they have a combination of them, then it’s a strong sign you should take some action to warm up your dog.

Now, we don’t want to ring alarm bells too much, but signs that the cold is causing major issues, like hypothermia, include:

• Confusion

• Decrease in alertness

• Loss of consciousness

• Muscle stiffness

• Slowed breathing

• Very strong lethargy or weakness

These will all need urgent care from your vet.

Is your dog actually cold?

Sometimes, your dog may be reacting to the cold, but won’t actually be cold. Behaviours like curling up to conserve heat and burrowing for comfort are instinctive reactions to colder temperatures and soon pass.

It’s mainly the combination of signs above that should ring alarm bells.

How to keep your dog warm at night

Consider heated dog beds or mats (if your dog is comfortable with them)

Some dogs like a pet-safe heated dog bed or mat. Others will find it too warm and will get annoyed. It really depends on your dog’s personality. As a pet parent, you know your dog best, so if you think they’d benefit from this, give it a go.

Controlling drafts

Dogs often sleep on the same level as the floor, which means they can feel drafts a lot more than us. We recommend checking and blocking off drafts from doors and windows and, in some cases, using a raised bed in the winter so your dog can avoid them.

Dog clothing

Dog clothing is a bit of a grey area. Some dogs don’t mind wearing clothes, while others hate them. If your dog likes wearing clothing, you can consider getting them a pet-safe coat or sweater for the house on cold nights.

These are especially good for short-haired, small breeds. If you're wondering how to keep a small dog warm at night, clothing is a good option.

Of course, if your dog gets stressed out wearing clothing, don’t force them to wear something. Pick a different option to keep them warm instead.

Make sure their bed is in just the right spot

Moving your dog’s bed to a warm, draft-free area can work wonders. If your dog’s a little cold, try moving them to the warmest part of the house. Place their bed near a radiator if they’re comfortable, but make sure it doesn’t get too hot; dogs are known for lying against radiators and giving themselves a burn.

The trusty old blanket

You can’t beat a trusty old blanket. This will only work if your dog is a little cold, but having an old blanket for your dog to get wrapped up in or create a “burrow” with can do a lot to warm them up and help them feel comfortable.

How to keep your dog warm in a crate

Crates are a little different, and they do get cold pretty quickly. But warming up a crate for cosy night’s sleep isn’t too difficult. You can try things like:

• Covering a part of a crate with a blanket to trap heat. But never cover the whole crate, as this can reduce airflow.

• Moving the crate to a warmer part of the house.

• Use a raised bed or put a pet-safe heat pad inside the crate (only do this if you know your dog is comfortable with it and needs it).

What heating methods shouldn’t I use?

We don’t recommend using heating methods made for humans, like human heat pads and electric blankets. These are too dangerous for dogs to use, and can lead to overheating.

Some dogs enjoy hot water bottles, and if you choose to use one, make sure it has warm water (not hot or boiling), wrap it in a blanket or towel, make sure it’s secure and always supervise your dog when they use it. Some dogs love to chew on the rubber of a hot water bottle, and it can lead to an upset stomach or obstruction. Never place it against their body either.

What types of dogs are more prone to being cold at night?

Typically, breeds more prone to the cold are those with short, thin coats. But they aren’t the only ones. Small breeds are at risk too, as they tend to lose heat more quickly; not having a thick coat means they have less protection against the elements.

Flat-faced dogs are at more risk, too, mostly due to their airways, and other dogs at risk include puppies, senior dogs, and thin dogs. Those with certain health conditions, like arthritis, can feel the cold more, too.

Overall, breeds prone to cold include:

• Those with flat faces, like Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs and Pugs.

• Hairless breeds.

• Short-haired breeds, like Greyhounds and Whippets.

• Small breeds, like Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinschers and Italian Greyhounds.

Winter care tips for dogs

Our video below shares some winter care tips for dogs and their pet parents:

How dog insurance can help

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