How do temperature changes affect your dog?

Seasonal changes not only affect our daily lives, they also have a direct impact on the health, behavior and well-being of our dogs.

Whether it’s the change from hot to cold or the ups and downs of temperature in the same month, your dog’s organism can be altered in many ways: from variations in energy and appetite to the appearance of more serious health problems.

Below, we tell you how these changes affect them and what you can do to take care of your companion throughout the year.

Changes in temperature and their effect on the dog’s organism

The weather influences dogs’ bodies more than it seems. Sudden rises and falls in temperature alter their metabolism, their immune system and even their mood.

In addition, climate change has made winters warmer and wetter than usual, and that also has consequences. Increased humidity can lead to problems such as:

• Otitis and ear infections
• Joint pain and arthrosis in older or sensitive dogs.
• Behavioral changes such as apathy, drowsiness or irritability.
  

And as if that were not enough, these imbalances can weaken their defenses, making them more prone to colds, constipation and other respiratory ailments.

New threats: insects and parasites that weren’t here before

One of the most worrying effects of global warming is the presence of parasites that did not exist in our environment before. Due to rising temperatures, invasive mosquitoes and flies have arrived in Spain bringing with them dangerous diseases such as:

• Dirofilaria (heartworm).
• Thelazia (eye worm).
  

These pathologies can seriously compromise your dog’s health and are transmitted through bites. That is why prevention is more important than ever.

What can you do to protect your dog?

Stimulate his physical activity

Encourage him to play, go for daily walks with him and maintain a routine of constant movement. Physical activity helps keep his immune system and emotional health strong.

Important: on extremely hot or cold days, avoid going out at the most critical hours (midday in summer, dawn in winter).

Adapt your sleeping space

Your bed should be adapted to the season:

• In summer: light, breathable and placed in cool, ventilated areas.

• In winter: fluffier, insulated from the ground and protected from the cold or damp.

Small changes can make a big difference in your rest and recovery.

Take care of their pads

Hot floors or extreme cold can damage your pads. Check them frequently, moisturize them with appropriate products and protect them on demanding walks.

Reinforce deworming

No let your guard down: parasites are present all year round, although they are more visible in spring and summer. Deworm regularly with pills, collars, pipettes or specific shampoos according to your veterinarian’s recommendations.

Respect their natural cycles of light and rest

Changes in day length affect their biological clock. Some dogs are more active, others more sleepy. Adjust their routines and respect their resting times, especially when it gets dark earlier or dawns later.

Not all dogs are the same

The impact of weather also depends a lot on breed and coat type. For example:

• Huskies or Saint Bernards are adapted to the cold and tolerate it well.
• Small or short-haired breeds such as the Chihuahua or the Pinscher can suffer a lot from low temperatures.

Each dog is different, and as guardians we should observe how our dog reacts to changes. Pay attention to their behavior, energy, appetite and coat condition. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian.