We’re now firmly in winter, and while temperatures are plummeting throughout the UK, it turns out it’s not just humans that struggle with the cold, but dogs too.
Everyone that owns a dog will know that regular walks are needed for their health – but this becomes difficult, especially in colder months.
However, British dog expert Lorna Winter, co-founder of puppy training app Zigzag said that certain breeds are more keen on the cold, while others struggle with it.
Breeds like Newfoundlands and Bernese Mountain Dogs adore the cold – and sometimes even refuse to return inside to their owners, due to their thick double coat which keeps them warm and dry.
Lorna told Metro: ‘If you need a hat and scarf to be standing outside, it’s likely your pup will be cold too.’
We’re now firmly in winter, and while temperatures are plummeting throughout the UK, it turns out it’s not just humans that struggle with the cold, but dogs too (stock image)
She added: ‘Breeds that are better at tolerating the cold (often because they have thicker fur, a double coat or a heavier frame) include Newfoundlands, Siberian Huskies, Tibetan Mastiffs and Norwegian Elkhounds.’
The dog expert explained that small dogs and those with shorter hair will feel the cold more, but if they exercise a lot this effect will be lessened.
She listed breeds like Chihuahuas, Whippets and French Bulldogs as amongst those who have to fight the hardest to beat the cold.
Puppies also made the cut as they’re so short that they’re physically closer to chilly pavements than a larger dog would be.
She advised owners of these breeds to wrap up their canines in a coat or even an adorable little onesie, to help them tackle their thin fur.
Dog shoes were also a solid option, according to Lorna as these will prevent your pup’s feet from touching the freezing ground.
But if temperatures fall and it’s below -5C, it’s a good shout to not walk your dog until the weather warms up a bit.
Signs indicating that your dog is unwell include them shaking, shivering or trying to lean onto you as a source of warmth.
Three Siberian Husky dogs with a black and white coat look around while in white snowy surroundings (stock image)
This comes after a study found that people care about their dogs more than their cats.
At the risk of upsetting those who favour felines, experts have revealed that people’s levels of attachment are greater when it comes to their dogs – and they are willing to pay higher vet fees for them.
Researchers sampled 2,117 people who owned either dogs, cats or both and participants were asked to answer questions about their pets’ care and their attachment to them.
Analysis revealed that people appeared to care more about their dogs than their cats in all countries and across all measures.
They had higher attachment scores for their dogs, insured their dogs more often, generally expected more treatment options to be available for dogs, and would pay more for that treatment.