Have you ever pet a dog’s ears and been surprised to find them cold to the touch? I’ve noticed this on certain dogs. Their ears might feel cold, but the rest of their body is warm as usual. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “why are my dog’s ears cold?,” I’ve looked into the topic to determine if this trait is normal or a health concern.
Are Dog Ears Supposed to Be Cold?
Dog ears aren’t supposed to be cold, but it’s not a huge concern if they are. Some dogs have worse circulation than others and some get cold ears in cold weather.
If it happens once in a while and isn’t bothering your dog, you likely don’t need to worry. Yet, in rare cases, it can be linked to illnesses, so it can’t hurt to talk to a vet just to be safe.
Why are My Dog’s Ears Cold?
There are lots of reasons dog ears could be cold. Take a look at the following explanations to see if any of them make sense for your dog.
Cold Weather
When you’re outside in the winter, your ears are probably one of the first body parts to get cold. The same is true for dogs. Like humans, dogs have ears made of cartilage that don’t have insulating fat. So, when it’s cold outside, your dog’s ears may feel cold before the rest of their body does.
If your dog’s ears only feel cold after a walk during cold weather, that’s probably not a cause for concern. They just need a chance to relax in their cozy home so they can warm up again.
Frostbite or Hypothermia
While some exposure to frigid temperatures could make your dog’s ears feel cold to the touch, extreme temperatures could lead to more serious concerns like frostbite and hypothermia.
Frostbite occurs when prolonged exposure to cold weather causes tissue damage. If your dog has frostbite in their ears, they won’t just feel cold, but they will likely display other symptoms too. Frostbite typically results in blue/gray skin, swelling, and blisters in the affected area.
Hypothermia occurs when your dog’s overall body temperature becomes extremely low due to prolonged cold weather exposure. A dog’s body temperature is typically around 101.5°F, and hypothermia usually occurs when the temperature drops to 99°F or 98°F. Dogs with hypothermia will likely experience extreme shivering, muscle stiffness, lethargy, pale gums, difficulty walking, and confusion.
As frostbite and hypothermia worsen, dogs could experience more extreme symptoms, leading to further discomfort. So, if you suspect that your dog’s cold ears are due to one of these conditions, visit a vet right away.
Poor Circulation
Some dogs just have poor circulation. Their ears might get colder more easily than the rest of their bodies, similarly to how some people frequently have cold fingers. So, certain dogs may have cold ears because they’re not getting enough blood flow to their ears.
In most cases, poor circulation isn’t a reason to worry. However, if your dog’s ears are always cold or the lack of circulation seems to be causing them discomfort, talk to your vet. They may have suggestions for how to help warm your dog’s ears up.
Age, Breed, and Size
Genetics can play a role in how your dog’s ears feel. Senior dogs, small dogs, and puppies typically get cold easier than the average dog, making cold ears more common for them. Dogs with short hair and underweight dogs are also more likely to have cold ears. So, if your dog only occasionally has cold ears, it could just be normal for their age, breed, and/or size.
Underlying Illnesses
Certain health conditions can lead to poor blood circulation and cold ears. Parvovirus, hemorrhage, and dehydration are just a few examples. If your dog’s ears are suddenly colder than usual or cold more frequently, consulting your vet is a good idea. Your vet can ensure that a serious illness isn’t to blame.
What to Do About Cold Dog Ears
If your dog’s ears only get cold occasionally and don’t seem to bother them, you might not need to do anything. Just make sure you bring them in for regular vet checkups to ensure that they still seem healthy from nose to tail.
Since cold ears are often associated with cold weather, make sure your pup stays as warm as possible in cold months. During extremely cold weather, don’t leave them outside for too long. After a cold walk, make sure they have plenty of warm, cozy beds and blankets to snuggle with.
When to Worry About Cold Dog Ears
If your dog’s ears are cold once in a while, it’s probably not an issue. Yet, if your dog’s ears are frequently cold even when you’re in a warm home, it could be linked to a health concern.
Feel your dog’s ears. If your dog shows any signs of pain or discomfort when you touch them, such as whining, flinching, or growling, contact a vet. You should also seek veterinary care if they’re showing other unusual symptoms in addition to cold ears.
Cold ears alone isn’t a cause for concern, but in extreme cases, it could be related to health issues for your dog. That’s why I always advise bringing it up to a vet just to be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dog Ears Supposed to Be Warm?
Yes, dog ears should naturally feel warm to the touch. However, they shouldn’t be hot or inflamed. If they’re hotter than usual, it could be a sign of an ear infection or fever.
Why is My Dog’s Nose Cold?
Since dog noses are usually wet, they’re also usually cold. Their noses feel cold because the wetness evaporating from their nose and breathing in and out helps dogs cool down.
Are Dog Ears Sensitive?
Dog ears are a lot more sensitive than human ears. Dogs can hear over twice as many frequencies as us. Their ears also feel sensitive when you touch them, which is why they might flick their ears or move away if you pet their ears.
Are Dog Ears Supposed to Smell?
No, dog ears shouldn’t have a strong odor. If your dog’s ears smell, you may need to clean them to get rid of the build-up of yeast, earwax, and debris.
How Can You Tell if a Dog Has a Fever?
Some signs of a dog fever include red eyes, warm ears, warm nose, excess shivering, excess panting, coughing, runny nose, and decreased energy. Check your dog’s temperature if you can, and if it’s above 106°F, take them to a vet right away.
Keep an Eye on Your Dog’s Cold Ears
If you’ve ever wondered, “why are my dog’s ears cold?”, hopefully the above explanations helped you determine the cause for your dog. If it seems to be a normal feature for your furry friend that’s not bothering them, there’s likely no cause for concern. Yet, don’t hesitate to talk to a vet if you feel that it’s something out of the ordinary. Dogs are important family members, so it’s crucial for us to do whatever we can to ensure they stay healthy and safe.