Do you live in a freezing or snowy area? Have you ever thought if your Chihuahua can tolerate this chilly temperature? Chihuahuas do not, however, enjoy the cold and get very cold quickly at night. They’re a cold-sensitive breed that can get sick when the temperature drops. Chihuahuas, like people, can also catch colds. As a result, Chihuahuas are known to shiver so that they can remain warm in the cold weather.
Possibly, you’ve wondered whether or not Chihuahuas get pretty cold. A characteristic of this breed’s small built structure makes it more susceptible to cold conditions. Their bodies cool down more quickly than those of other dogs, and their enlarged soft palates cause them to have respiratory issues.
HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CHIHUAHUA IS FEELING COLD?
It is indeed the Chihuahua who had the most difficulty keeping its body temperature under control. Chihuahuas are prone to frostbite due to their small size and lack of body mass to act as insulation. There are many possible elements why your dog is shaking, and one of these is because of being cold.
If your Chihuahua is cold, it will remain insistent about not going outside whatever tricks and treats you give. Instead, it may prefer laying on its bed, and you may see it yanking at the blankets or digging itself in the bed. As mentioned earlier, consistent and frequent shaking is common not because your dog is nervous but because your Chihuahua is cold. Aside from these, your Chihuahua will experience being sluggish. Your dog will also unlikely touch the ground and may start making noise that you may not identify if it is barking or whimpering.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOU LET YOUR CHIHUAHUA IN COLD AREAS?
There may be a circumstance that you forgot your dog in front of your door. Unfortunately, it may take hours before you notice that your Chihuahua is missing because your mind is preoccupied with other things. In this section, you will know what will happen if your Chihuahua is left in the middle of a cold night.
>> Hypothermia
Hypothermia is the dropping of body temperature that affects the overall system of the body. For example, suppose you let your Chihuahua stay in a cold area for a more extended period. In that case, it will quickly shiver and tremble to help itself increase its body temperature. But, if your Chihuahua can’t tolerate the cold, there may be sudden inactivity or difficulty in movements.
Physically, you may test coldness in a Chihuahua by touching its outer coat because it may release too much coldness inside the body through its fur. Observe also its eyes. Chihuahua’s eyes, especially the pupil, are noticeably dilated, and the eyelids and gums are visibly pale. Lastly, keep an eye on your Chihuahua’s breathing pattern.
The heart rate of a chilly Chihuahua may be affected that causes lethargy and catching its breath. If you notice that your Chihuahua is breathing hard, go to the vet as soon as it is observed.
>> Dry eyes and runny nose
Frequent sniffing and inflamed eyes must also need Chihuahua owners to take precautionary measures. This is commonly the result of having the home being excessively dry during the winter season. However, it can also lead to Chihuahuas snoring and wheezing at night because of the stress of the weather.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHIHUAHUA WARM
❄️️ Ensure to regulate your surrounding’s temperature.
Chihuahuas tolerance must be between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature depends on the age and weight of your Chihuahua. Be mindful of its current health condition because the temperature’s dropping may worsen its health crisis.
❄️️ Health check.
Chilling may cause deterioration of health. In addition, there may be some complications like coughing that lead to infection. Taking your Chihuahua to the vet is essential if your dog is throwing up phlegm, has clogged nose, has thick and foul odor nasal secretion, is feverish, does not recover with homemade treatments like regulating moisture with a humidifier, or is experiencing any severe stress as a result of the symptoms listed above. Depending on the circumstances, these signs and symptoms can be an infection requiring a more effective treatment. A dust mite allergy or another health condition requiring medical attention.
❄️️ Put an item of warm clothing.
To keep them warm, buy them a winter clothing like a sweater or a jacket. They can stay warm whether they’re indoors or out. Don’t get a winter clothes that do not fit perfectly. Not too heavy, please. Even if your dog has coverings using clothe insulation, it must still be able to roam around freely. Allow your it’s a body to breathe even if your dog is wearing a sweater. Wash your Chihuahua’s clothes frequently so that it can feel at ease while wearing clothes.
❄️️ Avoid having outside walks
This is the fundamental way to keep your Chihuahua warm. If it is cold outside, then stay inside. You can still do some exercise inside your home by letting it roam in every corner. Staying inside is also helpful to avoid your Chihuahua getting wet because of snow or raindrops. Always prepare a towel to keep them dry. You can also do potty training so that it will not be a stress whenever your Chihuahua wants to empty its bladder.
❄️️ Check its sleeping area
Even when you’re inside the house, your Chihuahua can still get cold. How can this happen? The cold breeze can enter your home, making your dog chill. So, check the position of your Chihuahua’s sleeping area. Change its place if it is under the window or near the door. Provide it also a thick, soft bedding because Chihuahuas love to lay in their bed during the winter season. It is ok to add more blankets but make sure that it is not too heavy for your dog.
❄️️ Maintain hydration
Cold weather can be a reason to dryness of the surroundings unless it is raining. The same scenario with Chihuahuas, cold temperatures can make them dehydrated quickly. So, always give them water as this can also help wash off the phlegm or secretions in their throat. It is also good to provide them with extra food but do not let them overeat. Chihuahuas may experience obesity, especially if it is stagnant or has less movement due to the cold season.
BOTTOM LINE
Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with thin coats who are susceptible to cold and hypothermia. When your Chihuahua burrows, it could be due to a variety of factors, including fear of the cold. Lastly, if you see your Chihuahua shivering, don’t get alarmed. This is a natural reaction to cold to help keep blood flowing.
Allowing your Chihuahua to lie with you or carry them is also advantageous. All you need to consider now is to make sure your Chihuahua is healthy and free of parasites. Chihuahuas enjoy nothing more than snuggling up to their owners and being petted. For your sick and cold Chihuahua, the most astonishing thing is the presence of its owner. Stock up on soothing goods and your scent every time your Chihuahua is ill.
Here at ILoveChihuahua, we share our personal experiences as owners of this feisty breed. We talk about recommended methods, dog supplies picks, and advice on common Chihuahua problems. Our goal is to promote responsible dog ownership, so there would be fewer Chihuahuas in shelters.
