We all get to know our dogs well and notice even the smallest changes in them, whether behaviorally or physically. Because we pet them so much, we’re particularly aware of changes we can feel by touch. So it can be alarming when a dog’s normally warm and fuzzy ears are suddenly cold.
So, why are my dog’s ears cold, and should I be concerned?
Your dog having cold ears is, in most cases, innocuous and may simply be a result of colder temperatures. In this case, limit your dog’s exposure to cold weather and use dog clothing to maintain temperature. However, cold ears are also a possible sign of underlying circulatory issues or illness.
We’ll look at the reasons behind why your dog’s ears may be cold and also how to spot the warning signs that something more serious is afoot. We’ll also look at strategies to keep your dog healthy in cold temperatures.
What Do Cold Ears Indicate About Your Dog?
One of the more obvious causes of cold ears is simply the lower ambient temperatures as you move into fall or winter. There are temperatures that are too cold for every dog; these depend on your dog’s coat and other physical characteristics, there
As the ears are away from the body, particularly in the case of certain breeds that have constantly erect ears, they are susceptible to being exposed to the cooler weather for long periods.
Ears also have a high surface area. This is because they are 3D and have multiple surfaces exposed to the elements. Therefore, each face or surface of the ear increases its surface area.
Dog ears are primarily cartilage, a substance not known for its heat retention properties. The part you can see, known as the outer ear, has a network of blood vessels that allow the skin to be fed energy and blood to keep it alive.
This blood also contains the heat content that prevents your dog from getting too cold. However, as the blood travels to the outer ear, the high surface area of the ear allows the heat to dissipate into the surrounding atmosphere.
The body’s internal systems naturally prioritize vital organs when it comes to blood flow and heating. This can mean that warm blood gets diverted from the ears, particularly in extreme temperatures. The body will send just enough blood and heat to keep the ears alive.
The result is that the ears and other non-vital body parts get colder than other areas as the body tries to maintain body temperature homeostasis.
Older dogs will tend to have less efficient blood circulation and can suffer from colder weather more due to cold ears. Smaller dogs also have less capacity to generate heat as they tend to be leaner, resulting in less body fat and, therefore, insulation.
Circulatory issues may be underlying the cold ear issue, but this is not the most common cause. More severe signs of circulatory issues, such as loss of color, lethargy, and general listlessness, warrant an immediate trip to the vet.
Circulatory issues may be pointing to underlying anemia, heart defects, or even internally bleeding tumors. These are, of course, serious issues that will require the intervention of a professional.
Illness
Dogs, like people, will contract various diseases and illnesses over their lifespan, most of which they will recover from with no issues.
However, the symptoms of these illnesses often manifest in body temperature changes as the dog’s immune system tries to fight off the infection. This can result in cold ears, meaning your dog’s cold ears could indicate that something else is going on with your dog (hot ears can also be a symptom of medical issues.). In this case, monitor your dog for any other symptoms.
Other similar symptoms such as a runny nose and dry-heaving are the most common signs your dog may have contracted a virus, generally from another dog. The chance of a virus transferring to humans is low, but should still be monitored. In recent years, cases of leptospirosis have become more prevalent in dogs, and it can be contagious to humans.
Dogs tend to get confused and seek comfort when they are feeling under the weather, so it’s a good idea to provide a quiet, warm area for them to recover.
Clean, fresh water is one of the best medicines around, and it is no different for dogs. Unfortunately, dehydration is common with infection due to the loss of fluids as a result of excessive mucus produced.
Why Are There So Many Different Ear Types?
The tradeoff that evolution has to make is that the ear needs to be both thin and mobile enough to catch sound waves and also be able to be moved to face the direction of a sound. This can’t be achieved if the ears are too thick or heavy.
Notable breeds like the Basset Hound, Coonhound, Bloodhound, English Cocker Spaniel, and Poodles have long, floppy ears that cannot be moved in anywhere near the ways that dogs like German Shepherds, Corgis.
Some dogs have around 18 different muscles to move their ears, including the ability to move each ear independently.
The long, unmovable ears also may help trap odors and push them towards the dog’s nose; this is hounds tend to have this feature.
The ability to precisely move the ears allows dogs to track their prey without having to move their head, and ears can be finely tuned more so than neck movements. Similar to how radar dishes operate, a dog’s ear will act like a cone, capturing all sound.
Dog Breeds and Temperature Changes
Dogs with thick, luxurious coats that are bred for cold, snowy climates will be able to maintain their body temperature much better than small, lean dogs with light coats.
This applies to their ears as well, which likely have a protective coating of hair and fur to prevent frostbite and other cold weather climate-related damage.
Some dogs have double coats, which are comprised of a thick, coarse outer coat and a softer, insulating inner coat. The blood vessels in these dogs are also bunched together to increase their heating power further.
Breeds like the Siberian Husky will also have other adaptations to maintain their body temperature, like thickened paws and pads containing lots of fatty tissue. Dogs that don’t have these protective coats and body systems will likely get cold ears very quickly.
While specific dogs may have highly water-resistant coats, others will undergo rapid temperature drops when they get wet. Always have towels on hand to help remove the bulk of the water from your dog after a walk in the rain or swimming.
Strategies for Helping Your Dog With Cold Ears
There are various products that can help with your dog if you’re concerned about their cold ears.
The Zoni Pets Happy Hoodie will fit around your dog’s head and protect their ears. Made out of a combination of cotton, nylon, and elastic, it comes in both small and large to fit any dog breed.
While this is a targeted solution to cold ears, another strategy is a dog coat. A dog coat or knit will help maintain your dog’s body temperature, which can assist in keeping their ears warm by preventing heat loss from the surface area of the rest of the dog.
The Kuoser Waterproof Reversible Dog Vest can easily be put on your pooch and ranges in sizes to cover a Chihuahua to a St Bernard. Just because a dog has a coat of fur doesn’t mean they can survive any cold temperature.
Common Signs Your Dog Is Cold
Look for the behavioral signs that most mammals display when cold. These include shivering, cold extremities, slow movements, curling up, and excessive sleeping.
A dog will especially try to protect their limbs, nose, and ears when they start to feel cold, usually curling up in a ball and and tucking their head under the warmth of their body.
Long exposure to cold can result in hypothermia and frostbite. If you notice very bright, pink coloration of your dog’s skin after extended exposure to high levels of cold or snow, it is worth taking a trip to the vet to get it treated.
Final Thoughts
Your dog’s cold ears are likely not a cause for alarm. But if you observe other associated symptoms, it’s worth checking with your vet to make sure there isn’t a more serious underlying medical issue causing the symptom.
