If you’re a Cavalier King Charles spaniel owner, you might be wondering if your dog is prone to getting cold.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the Cavalier King Charles spaniel’s coat and whether or not they are susceptible to cold weather.
We’ll also provide some tips for keeping your dog warm during those chilly winter months.
Although Cavalier King Charles spaniels are double coated which gives them more protection in cold weather, most spend their time indoors, protected from the elements. This means that when they do venture outside, they may not have the same cold tolerance as dogs that spend lots of time outdoors.
Do Cavaliers get cold?
Cavaliers are relatively hardy dogs that will tolerate most weather conditions.
This does not, however, mean that they cannot get cold, Cavaliers can suffer from the cold like any other breed and, if not handled correctly this could result in hypothermia or worse.
When taking your Cavalier King Charles spaniel out in cold weather, it’s important to keep an eye on them and make sure they’re not getting too cold.
Here are a few tips for keeping your dog warm
If the weather is bad and cold and you must go out with your dog then these tips can help:
-Dress them in a coat or sweater that covers their chest and belly.
-Avoid taking them out during extreme weather conditions, such as a blizzard.
-If possible, take them on shorter walks and keep them close to you.
-Make sure they have access to a warm, dry place to rest when they come inside.
-Feed your Cavalier a good quality, balanced dog food to help him to keep his energy levels up.
Remember that wind and rain, swimming, jumping in puddles and other activities that involve getting wet, can all combine to lower your Cavalier’s body temperature so make sure they’re dried off as soon as possible.
How cold is too cold for a Cavalier King Charles spaniel?
Most cavaliers will be fine in temperatures down to around freezing, but below that they may start to feel the cold.
If you think your dog is getting too cold, look for these signs:
-Shivering
-Whining
-Lethargy
-Loss of appetite
-Pacing
-Restlessness
If your dog is showing any of these signs, bring them inside and warm them up gradually.
Never try to warm them up too quickly as this can cause shock.
Wrap them in a blanket and place them next to a heat source, such as a radiator or fireplace.
You can also give them a warm drink, but make sure it’s not too hot.
If your dog does not start to improve within a few minutes, or if they become worse, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Can a Cavalier King Charles spaniel sleep outside?
When considering how well a Cavalier deals with cold weather it’s a sensible consideration to make as to whether or not the breed can live outdoors.
The spaniel in him will want to spend as much time outside as possible and, with the right kennel, suitably insulated with perhaps a heating source for the coldest conditions, a Cavalier will enjoy living outside.
The outdoor life will thicken his coat naturally, providing him with more insulation and weather protection for when you take him on walks in bad weather.
It is often true also that dogs that live outdoors enjoy better health than those that live in the house – provided that they have good, solid kennels that are dry and free from drafts.
So, if you provide the right conditions for him, a Cavalier can live outdoors.
Older dogs and puppies
Older Cavaliers and puppies can become cold very quickly and you should avoid taking them outdoors when the weather is bad.
In the case of young puppies these can even get cold during the summer months, particularly if they manage to get wet, so be prepared to provide them with an extra source of warmth.
A good rule of thumb is to dress puppies and older dogs in a coat or sweater whenever the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Whenever possible, try to keep your Cavalier indoors during extreme weather conditions such as blizzards, thunderstorms, and high winds.
Final Thoughts
While they are relatively hardy dogs, they can suffer from the cold like any other breed and it’s important to take precautions to keep them warm during colder months.
If the weather is miserable then it won’t do your Cavalier any harm to stay indoors where he is at no risk of becoming cold.
You probably wouldn’t want to venture too far yourself anyway, if this is the case.
