Whether you are the proud owner of an adorable pug or are considering adopting a pug from a local animal shelter, you may be wondering how best to care for your four-legged best friend. One aspect of keeping a pug happy is knowing whether or not your pug is cold. Do pugs get cold easily in cold weather?
To learn more about whether pugs get cold, and the best methods for keeping your pug warm, continue reading below.
All About Pug Dogs
Pugs were originally created by breeding two different types of small dogs that originated in Great Britain. Made specifically to be lap dogs, pugs are small and stout with flat noses and muscular little legs. They are considered part of the American Kennel Club’s Toy dog breed along with chihuahuas and Shih Tzus and tend to be both loving and energetic companions.
The lift span of a pug can be anywhere from 12 to 15 years, but pugs who are kept very healthy can even live a few years longer. Though they are small in size, they need a lot of room to run around and play and will dig into carpets and furniture if they are starting to feel cooped up.
A pug’s fur coat is thick and short to nearly medium length depending on the bloodline. Typically, pugs are beige with black feet, noses, mouths, and ears, but they can also come in different colors, including black, brown, and white. Most pugs have big loving black eyes, but occasionally pugs can be seen with bright and clear blue eyes. Their coats are smooth and slick rather than wirey, meaning that they shed a lot but do not necessarily need constant grooming.
Dogs and Cold Weather
Domesticated dogs and most relatives of canines handle cold similarly to cats and people. While most dogs are equipped with a warm winter coat of fur, they will occasionally need jackets, sweaters, or raincoats to keep them warm and dry.
Their feet are also prepared for the outdoor conditions with pads similar to callouses which can withstand chilly weather. However, just like people, they need shoes to protect them from scalding summer burns or frozen cement in winter.
In general, all domesticated animals should be kept indoors when the temperature is severely cold. Horses and farm animals should also be given shelter to protect them from the elements. This is because animals, just like people, are susceptible to injuries from extreme cold, including hypothermia and frostbite.
Leaving dogs outside in extremely cold weather can lead to injury and even death. During averagely cold weather, however, dogs like to be kept indoors as a matter of comfort.
Do Pugs Get Cold Easily?
Pug dogs are a resilient breed with a lot of endurance and a thick, short coat to match. Unfortunately, thick coats can only keep them warm in the cold for short periods, meaning that pugs do get cold easily. During rainy or snowy weather, pugs will protest when asked to go outside or come along for a daily walk.
What Temperature is Too Cold for a Pug?
Typically, pug’s need to be indoors with temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit, which will allow their coat and body heat to generate warmth to keep them comfortable. If your pug is at an indoor temperature between 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 45 degrees Fahrenheit, it should wear a sweater and warming shoes.
If a pug is going outside in weather below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, it should wear a coat or warming vest. For pugs being taken outside in very rainy or freezing weather, shoes, a coat, and a rain jacket or cosy sweater are best for the health of your pet.
How to Know if Your Pug is Cold
You can find out whether your beloved pug is cold by using three methods. These include the following:
- Touch: If you touch your pug’s nose, ears, or footpads and feel that they are cold to the touch, your pug is likely feeling chilly. If you touch their body and their fur feels cold, you should get them warmed up immediately.
- Sound: You’ll be able to hear if your pug is cold because they may whine without stopping. If their breath sounds shaky in cold weather, get them warmed up immediately and call an emergency veterinarian for advice.
- Appearance: If your pug is visibly shaking, they are likely feeling cold. Take them inside and warm them up. If their paws, nose, or lips start to look a little bit blue, warm them up immediately and take them to the nearest animal hospital right away.
The Best Treatments to Warm Up Your Cold Pug
If your pug is feeling relatively chilly on a fall or winter day and you want to warm them up a little bit for their comfort, you can use the following at-home treatments to help your pug feel toasty and comfortable again:
- Dress your pug in a sweater
- Dress your pug in a warmth-retaining vest
- Put warming booties on your pug’s feet
- Consider a specialized pet heating pad
- Give your pug warm water or pet-approved bone broth to drink
- Let your pug cuddle up under the covers with you
- Cuddle with your pug to share your body warmth
- Allow your pug to sit in front of a pet-safe heater or fireplace
A Warm Pug is a Happy Pug
Just like humans and many other breeds of cats and dogs, pugs love to stay warm. Though the summer heat of warm climates can be too intense for pugs, they also do not prefer to be wet or chilly for prolonged periods of time. Make sure to satisfy your pug by being prepared on outdoor walks and leaving a pet-safe heater on during chillier nights. Your canine best friend will thank you with increased energy, unconditional love, and appreciation.
