Is my pet sensitive to cold ?

3 December 2021

Just like us, dogs and cats feel the cold. However, in general, it seems that our furry friends are much better able to withstand drops in temperature than we are, thanks in part to their coat. You may wonder if some are more sensitive than others ?

Even if it is true that dogs and cats are more adapted to the cold than we are, we should be careful: some are much more sensitive than others. This is particularly the case for :

Young animals,
Aging animals,
Naked or short-haired dogs and cats, such as the Chinese Crested Dog or the Sphynx,
Overweight animals or those with a low body score.

In order to prepare for winter, animals that are used to living at least partially outdoors have their subcutaneous fat tissue thicken and their undercoat become denser. Animals that live exclusively or almost exclusively indoors are particularly susceptible as they do not have the opportunity to adapt their bodies to low temperatures. To help protect your pet as much as possible, we recommend that you do not shear or cut your pet’s hair too short as winter approaches.

Smaller breeds, like the Chihuahua, are also potentially more sensitive to cold. However, this can vary from person to person. Some small, active dogs may not be bothered … while larger dogs may prefer to enjoy their baskets by the fire instead of rolling around in the snow.

For animals that spend time outdoors, it is important to give them the opportunity to shelter from the wind and rain. For cats, a cat flap or window well that is left open allows them to come in and get comfortable and warm. For dogs, a shelter of suitable size (not too big to feel safe, not too small to lie down and even turn around easily) is essential. In order to make the shelter as cosy as possible, it is a good idea to insulate the walls and add a basket or mattress.

For animals living outdoors or those with a high level of physical activity, it is also important to adapt the ration so that it is higher in fat. Do not hesitate to ask your vet for advice, he will be able to advise you in the best possible way.

Finally, as always, make sure that your hairball has enough clean water available. Indeed, one might think, wrongly, that when it’s cold, the risk of dehydration is less… it’s not! In very cold weather, the effort required of the body to maintain a constant temperature is considerable, and this process consumes a lot of water. Also, make sure that the water does not freeze, or is not too cold (which could cause digestive problems). It is best to change it several times a day.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.