As the cold weather approaches, we get many emails regarding how Havanese handle winter temperatures. In this article, we’ll discuss their tolerance to the cold and cover some important safety tips every owner should know.
Havanese do get cold easily despite having a double coat. Not only are Havanese small, but they are short and close to the ground, making it difficult for them to retain body heat.
Why Havanese Get Cold Easily
As explained above, Havanese do get cold easily and owners should take extra caution throughout winter.
So although these fluff balls have a double coat, why is it that they get cold?
- Small dogs find it hard to retain body heat in general
- Havanese are short and close to the cold ground
- Their double coat is not actually very thick to begin with
- Havanese are not a breed accustomed to cold climates
Due to all of these reasons, Havanese feel the cold easily.
It’s also worth noting the last point on that list, which is that Havanese as a breed have never had long-term exposure to cold weather. For most of their history, this dog has been climatized to hot countries, like Cuba, where the breed originated.
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What Temperature Is Too Cold For a Havanese?
How cold is too cold for a Havanese?
If the weather conditions are favorable then 5C (40F) is tolerable for a Havanese. However, if it’s wet and windy then 5C (40F) would be too cold for a Havanese.
It’s crucial to think about the weather conditions before taking your Havanese out. The same temperature can feel dramatically different, depending on the conditions.
A winter jacket or snowshoes could increase your Havanese’s tolerance. This leads us to the next question.
Do Havanese Need Coats In Winter?
Many owners wonder whether their Havanese needs a doggy winter jacket or not. After all, if it can keep them warmer for longer, then that allows us to continue exercising them further into the winter.
Yes, winter coats are a great idea for any Havanese, young or old. Winter jackets will keep your Havanese warmer for longer and may even keep them dry in light rain.
Dog jackets come in a range of styles materials and have different features. In our experience, the Kurgo jacket is one of the most comfortable jackets that doesn’t seem to irritate the dog when walking and running. It’s also reflective and easy to see in low light.
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Do Havanese Like Snow?
After speaking with as many Havanese owners as I could find (online, forums, Havanese groups on Facebook) I found that most Havanese loved playing in the snow.
As long as the weather is favorable and there isn’t a snowstorm or risk of losing her, it’s perfectly fine to let your Havanese dash around in the snow. She will absolutely love it!
Just keep the sessions short, remain conscious of the fact she is probably getting wet, and once she is, will get very cold very quickly.
If the snow has already turned slushy and is part ice, then it’s not recommended to take your Havanese out in it.
Tips To Keep Your Havanese Warm In Winter
It’s always best to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to matters of health and safety. The following tips will help ensure you keep your Havanese warm and safe throughout winter.
1. Exercise indoors
One of the perks of having a smaller dog is that when the weather gets too bad, you don’t need to take them out! If the weather conditions aren’t favorable and it’s lower than 10C (50F) then simply stay inside play fetch, hide and seek, tug of war, or get a flirt pole and go nuts.
2. Paw wax & nose balm
A great way to protect your Havanese’s paws and nose is to use wax and balm. Paw wax will protect the paws from harsh ice-melt chemicals and grit, while nose balm will stop the cold weather from drying out your Havi’s nose.
3. Lukewarm drinking water
If the temperatures get really low, be sure to provide lukewarm drinking water instead of water straight from the cold tap. Remaining sufficiently hydrated is important for your Havanese to properly regulate their body temperature, so anything to encourage more drinking is highly recommended. If the water is too cold, many dogs will refuse it.
4. Don’t walk too far from home
Although we might like to go on long walks and hikes, it’s not a good idea throughout winter when the weather can change at any moment. Getting caught in rain, hail, or snow when far away from your home is a quick way to hypothermia.
5. Wash and dry paws after walks
One way to warm your Havanese up after a cold walk is to wash her paws with warm water and dry them thoroughly. Not only will this remove any grit, antifreeze, or leftover wax, but it will warm her entire body and keep her clean. Just be sure to dry her paws thoroughly before walking on any cold surfaces.
6. Extra blankets
An extra blanket in her dog bed will go a long way in making her feel warm and cozy throughout winter. A real blanket is ideal, but if you don’t have one, a spare towel or one of your old sweaters is better than nothing. This will also ensure she doesn’t get cold throughout the night when temperatures drop.
7. Heated dog mat
If you don’t mind splashing out a little, you can literally get a heated dog mat. This will without a doubt keep your Havi warm and comfy without needing to do anything else! You can buy ones like these from Amazon. They have great reviews, are safe, and your pooch will love you for it.
Are Havanese Good In The Cold? Last Thoughts
Havanese definitely get cold easily, so this is something that every owner must consider throughout winter.
Despite having a double coat, Havanese dogs find it hard to retain their body heat when the temperatures drop.
When it comes to going outside, it’s more important to consider the weather conditions, rather than the actual temperature. 5C (40F) on a sunny and dry day will be fine, but the same temperature when it’s wet and windy will be too cold.
I hope this helped! Stay safe and enjoy the winter.
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Additional info
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/preparing-your-pets-for-winter
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/cold-weather-animal-safety