When temperatures drop, many dogs head for the sofa, the rug or our bed. It's not a whim: the cold floor steals a lot of body heat while they sleep. A few small changes will help them rest better in their own spot.
Keep it off the cold floor
Tile or terrazzo floors draw heat away quickly. A bed with good thickness or an insulating base makes a real difference. If the bed is thin, put a rug or a folded blanket underneath it.
Away from drafts, radiators and doors
Look for a corner free of drafts: not next to the front door or under a window. Don't put it right up against a radiator or heater either, because they make dogs too hot and dry out their skin.
Edges to lean on and curl up against
In winter, almost all dogs sleep curled up in a ball. Beds with a high edge let them rest their head and hold in the heat. Basket-style beds are very comfortable for this.
Non-slip base
On a cold, smooth floor, a bed that slides around ends up crumpled in a corner. A non-slip base keeps it in place.
Older and short-haired dogs
These are the dogs that feel the cold the most. For them, it's worth getting a slightly thicker and roomier bed, plus a little blanket on top. If you notice your dog has trouble getting up in the morning, talk to your vet.
A washable bed
In winter, more mud gets into the house. A washable bed or one with a removable cover saves you a lot of hassle. We explain it in how to wash your dog's bed.
You can see all our beds in beds and rest for dogs.
You may also like: orthopedic beds for older dogs and dog coats.