You’ve probably asked yourself, “Does the weather affect dog behavior?”
Many don’t realize it, but yes, the weather can affect your dog’s behavior. The sun, rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations can cause mood and energy changes in dogs. What happens to dogs is exactly what happens to us humans. Have you ever noticed that people, in general, seem more lively during the summer and spring? The weather not only affects our mood, but also the activities we do on a daily basis, such as sleeping more in the winter or enjoying the outdoors more in the summer.
Continue reading below to learn about how the weather may affect the behavior of your pup:
How can hot weather affect your dog’s behavior?
It is normal for dogs to appear more despondent during hot weather, especially when they are used to colder weather. On the first hot days right after winter, your pup may show more grumpy behavior, such as falling behind during daily walks.
It is also normal for dogs to be in a bad mood in the heat. Thus, it is important to be aware of encounters with strangers, children, and even other dogs in order to avoid any kind of potential problematic situation.
How to keep your dog safe in hot weather:
Did you know that very hot days can put your dog’s health at risk? On very hot days, always be aware of any signs of heat stroke, keep a bowl of fresh water close by, and never leave your dog in a confined car unattended.
For outdoor walks, you should consider your dog’s coat type, muzzle length, and the surface temperature of the concrete.
Dogs with thicker coats are more sensitive to heat and humidity than dogs with shorter coats. Breeds with thicker coats, such as the Shiba Inu, benefit from using the Furminator to remove their winter coat before the start of summer.
In addition, dogs with short snouts, such as bulldogs and pugs, tend to have a harder time keeping cool. Therefore, you must be careful when exposing your dog to intense heat.
You should also analyze if the surface temperature your dog is walking on is adequate so as not to burn their paws. Do a test first and put the back of your hand on the floor for 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s definitely uncomfortable for your pup.
Read more: What temperature is too hot to walk a dog?
How can cold weather affect your dog’s behavior?
Long-haired dog breeds that are more used to the cold can adapt better to low temperatures than short-haired dog breeds. Dogs with short coats will certainly prefer to curl up in their warm beds during the winter. They may also demonstrate a certain type of resistance to walk around. In this case, warm coats can make the weather more pleasant for dogs that have a harder time adapting to low temperatures.
Dogs are not animals that hibernate in the cold. However, their energy levels may drop due to the cold weather. In addition, your dog’s behavior during cold weather is quite influenced by your response to the cold weather. If you tend to be more withdrawn during the winter, your dog may receive less exercise and mental stimulation, which can lead to boredom and destructive behavior. To prevent this from happening, you should stay active with your pup in the cold weather. Or consider hiring a Dog Walking Service to ensure your pup gets enough daily exercise.
Read more: 10 Common Dog Behavior Problems
How to keep your dog safe in cold weather:
Dogs with short hair may need winter clothes to feel warm depending on the temperature outside. We use a winter jacket on our crew whenever it is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit outside. In addition, you should be extra careful with your pup in cold weather if he is a puppy or elderly, as they have more difficulty regulating their body temperature.
Whether in heat or cold, the dog’s behavior can change according to the weather. Therefore, you must ensure that your pup receives the proper care to enjoy each season of the year in the healthiest and most enjoyable way possible.
Dog Walker Astoria
If you require help providing socialization opportunities for your dog and you live in Astoria, you can enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with Buster and Whiskers. We offer daily 1-hour Socialization Walks. If your pup is under-socialized, we will work with them to help desensitize them and get them ready for our Group Socialization Walks. You must live within our Astoria coverage area. In addition, your dog must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Laying a strong foundation in socialization is the best gift you can give your pup for a long and happy life together!
Buster and Whiskers is The #1 Dog Walking Service in Astoria, NY. If your dog needs more exercise or social interaction, enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. Contact us for a professional and reliable Dog Walker in Astoria! Follow us on Instagram!
