Ideal temperature for dogs: how to care for your pet in every season

On the other hand, large dogs can overheat more easily in summer and appreciate cool, well-ventilated spaces.

We can't always control the weather outside, but we can adapt our home to keep our dogs comfortable. Here's how to do it in both winter and summer, and what products can help maintain their thermal well-being.

In winter: how to keep them warm without overheating

During the cold months, dogs can get cold, especially if they are small, older, or short-haired. To help them:

· Avoid drafts and make sure their bed is not directly on the floor.

· Use soft blankets and beds with high edges that retain body heat.

· If it's very cold, you can add a thermal blanket for dogs or a warm sweater if your dog tolerates it well.

 Winter recommendations:

· Self-heating thermal blanket for dogs

· Bed with fleece lining and non-slip base

Caution: Do not use stoves or heaters near the dog without supervision. They can cause dehydration or burns.

When temperatures rise, the goal is to prevent overheating:

· Ventilate the house during cool hours (morning and night) and lower blinds during the day.

· Always keep fresh water available and place their bed in shaded areas.

· Use cooling mats or a low-noise fan near their resting area.

 Cooling recommendations:

Cooling mat for dogs – cooling effect without electricity

SUPVOX Portable USB Fan for Pets — silent cooler ideal for carriers or travel

Important: If your dog is panting excessively, is lethargic, or constantly seeks cool floors, they may be suffering from heatstroke.

Some products can make a difference:

· Thermal or heated blankets: ideal for dogs that feel cold easily or older dogs.

· Orthopedic memory foam beds: they insulate from the cold or heat of the floor.

· Fans: better if they are low consumption and quiet.

· Air conditioner: can be used in moderation, avoiding direct drafts.

How to control your dog's body temperature

Dogs don't sweat like we do, so controlling their body temperature requires paying attention to other signs. Knowing when your furry friend is too hot or too cold can help you prevent problems like heatstroke or hypothermia.

Signs that your dog is too hot

· Excessive panting, even at rest

· Very red or dry gums

· Lethargy or weakness

· Seeking cool floors or shaded areas

· In severe cases: vomiting, dizziness, or disorientation

In these cases, move it to a cool area, offer it water, moisten its paws with cool water, and if it doesn't improve, contact a veterinarian.

Signs that your dog is cold

· Constant shivering

· Hunched or tense posture

· Avoids moving or seeks heat excessively

· Cold paw pads to the touch

· Soft whimpering or signs of discomfort

Offer it a blanket, thermal coat, or move it to a warmer place. If it's a puppy or an older dog, you need to act more quickly.

How to take a dog's body temperature?

The best way is with a digital rectal thermometer for pets, which gives an accurate reading in seconds. A dog's normal body temperature ranges between 38°C and 39.2°C.

Recommended product: Fast-reading digital veterinary thermometer

The outdoor temperature has a direct impact on how and when you should walk your dog. It's not the same to go for a walk in the middle of August as on a cold January morning. Adapting the schedules, intensity, and type of activity is essential for their well-being.

In summer: walks early or late in the day

During the hot months:

· Avoid the central hours of the day (from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.).

· Choose shady routes and always bring fresh water.

· Before going out, touch the ground with your hand: if it burns, it also burns their paw pads.

· Consider using protective booties or paw pad protective spray if you can't avoid very hot areas.

Recommendations:

 Protective booties for dogs (adjustable sizes) - Perfect for hot or slippery surfaces, with adjustable closure

 Protective paw pad balm - Creates an invisible protective layer against heat, snow, or hard surfaces. Highly rated and safe if the dog licks it

In winter: keep the body active without getting cold

On cold days:

· Opt for shorter but more frequent walks if it's very cold.

· For dogs that feel the cold, small ones, or short-haired ones, use a waterproof or thermal coat.

· Avoid areas with ice or prolonged snow if they are not used to it.

· When returning home, dry their paws if they have stepped on wet or cold surfaces.

Recommendations: Waterproof thermal coat for small and medium dogs

· Only go for walks early in the morning or late in the evening.

· Always have fresh water available.

· Use cooling mats, fans or create shaded areas.

· Never leave your dog alone in the car, even for a few minutes.

In winter

· Use thermal blankets, fleece-lined beds, and avoid letting them sleep directly on the floor.

· Dress your dog in a waterproof coat if they are sensitive to the cold, small, or elderly.

· Reduce the intensity of walks if the weather is very extreme.

Conclusion

Taking care of your dog's temperature is another way to show them love and ensure their well-being. Each season requires certain adjustments, but with attention, affection, and the right accessories, your dog can always be happy and comfortable, whatever the weather. And remember: if you notice signs of overheating or hypothermia, act quickly and consult your veterinarian.