Is It Too Cold for My Dog?
With the arrival of winter and the cold weather moving in, many dog parents find themselves wondering, is it too cold for my dog? Should I be limiting my dog’s time outside?
The truth is that there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer when discussing cold weather and dogs. Each pup’s tolerance is unique based on a variety of factors including their breed, the type of coat they have, their age, and their personal tolerance of cold weather.
To help you prepare for the cold temperatures, we’re going to dig into how cold is too cold for a dog and what you can do to keep your pup safe.
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How Cold is Too Cold for a Dog?
There are many different factors that pet parents need to consider when determining if it’s too cold for dogs outside. This includes:
- What style of coat does your dog have?
- How old is your dog?
- How long are you planning to spend outside?
- How active is your dog going to be while outside?
- Are you providing your dog with any cold weather protection?
By asking yourself these questions and analyzing the answers, you can make the best choices for your dog.
However, a general rule of thumb is that you should start being cautious when the temperatures hit 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Coat Style & Length
A major factor in whether it’s too cold for your dog is their coat style and length.
Dogs that have very short coats like Rottweilers, Greyhounds, Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, and Whippets have little to no insulation to keep them warm and protected from the cold temperatures.
On the other end of the spectrum, double-coated dogs like Huskies and Malamutes are uniquely suited for cold weather.
These coats have a shorter, insulated undercoat with a longer, protective top coat. Together they work to provide a layer of insulation to keep your dog warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
The one exception with double-coated dogs is young puppies. At this young age, they haven’t yet developed the coat that will protect them.
Time Spent Outside
If your dog is just stepping outside for a short trip to go to the bathroom, they will be able to handle lower temperatures than if you are planning a long walk or play date.
Level of Activity
If you are considering enjoying outdoor activities like dog sledding, winter hiking, or skijoring, your dog will be able to comfortably handle lower temperatures than if they are just standing around.
The more your dog is moving, the better they can keep their body temperature up at a safe level.
However, when the temperatures drop below -18 degrees Celsius or 0 degrees Fahrenheit, high activity levels may put your dog at risk of cold weather asthma.
Immediately stop your activity and bring your dog in to rest if you notice any coughing or wheezing.
Cold Weather Protection
For those dog parents that share their lives with higher-risk dogs, there are steps that you can take to provide your dog with additional protection.
This will allow you to enjoy the beauty of winter even if the temperature drops a little lower than your dog’s comfort level.
Some items that can help keep your dog warm include a winter jacket, winter dog booties, or a body warmer.
To choose the right products for your dog, you will have to consider not only their size but also the unique shape of their body.
A winter coat can fit one dog beautifully and not work at all for the proportions of the next. Take the time to carefully measure your dog’s chest, waist, and the length of their back to find a coat that will fit them comfortably.
As someone that has always owned dogs with longer, thicker coats or double-coated dogs, this is something I haven’t had to consider in the past.
However, our newest puppy Lucifer is very sensitive to the colder temperatures.
Our go-to options for him include a Shedrow Chinook Dog Coat and a pair of Muttluks Snow Mushers.
How Cold is Too Cold for Puppies?
Puppies and senior dogs are more susceptible to colder temperatures than healthy adult dogs, meaning that you will need to take more precautions.
Additionally, puppies are curious and playful with little concern for their body temperature or safety.
Knowing this, it is our responsibility to step up and protect them.
When considering the risks of puppies in cold weather, it is always best to err on the side of caution by limiting their exposure.
If you are going to take a puppy for a walk during the winter months, consider planning to do so at mid-day when the sun is out, and the temperatures are a little higher.
It is also recommended that you limit their time outside to approximately 15 to 20 minutes when the temperatures are below freezing, which is plenty of time for your puppy to go to the bathroom and burn off some excess energy.
Always supervise your puppy when they are outdoors and be prepared to bring them in at any sign of discomfort from the temperatures.
Can Dogs Get Frostbite?
Frostbite occurs when the skin is exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period, causing damage to the skin and underlying tissues.
The most common places that this occurs in dogs are on their paws, ears, and noses.
During extreme cold, your dog’s body will work to protect their vital organs by reducing blood flow to the extremities, which increases the risk of frostbite.
While the risk increases dramatically the colder the temperature becomes, it can occur anytime the temperature is below freezing.
Symptoms include:
- Pale skin or redness
- Swelling
- Blistering
- Pain or tenderness in the area
- Lifting paws uncomfortably when walking
- Whining or barking
- Weakness
- Mobility issues
- Black or dying tissue
- Curled nose or ear tips
- Fur loss in extremities
Mild frostbite, known as ‘Frostnip’, can be treated at home by bringing your dog immediately indoors and warming the area with blankets or warm (NOT hot) water as soon as you notice any discomfort or redness.
However, if it is allowed to progress to a more serious case, it can result in tissue death and necrosis, requiring amputation or removal of the dead tissues.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from frostbite, call your veterinarian immediately for their guidance as to the next best steps.
Can Dogs Get Hypothermia?
Dogs that are exposed to extreme cold for an extended time may experience a significant drop in their core body temperature.
Known as hypothermia, this condition can quickly turn life-threatening if it isn’t addressed quickly.
Signs of hypothermia include:
- Body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit
- Shivering (or suddenly not shivering any longer)
- Difficulty breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Blue-coloured gums
- Slowed or quiet heartbeat
- Lethargy
- Difficulty Walking
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness/Coma
If you notice any of these signs, it is necessary to get your dog in from the cold as soon as possible.
Minimize your dog’s movement, trying to keep them calm and relaxed. If they have damp fur, try to dry them off with a towel or blanket. Slowly warm your dog up using blankets or a radiant heat source.
Call your veterinarian as soon as possible and they will advise as to the next best steps.
In the event of severe hypothermia, your dog will require warm IV fluids and hospitalization to receive the necessary medical care for their recovery.
How to Tell If Your Dog is Cold
If you are spending time outside, how do you know if your dog is cold? This is a question that is likely on the minds of many dog parents!
To ‘speak dog’ and understand what your dog is telling you, you need to pay careful attention to their body language.
Your dog may try to get your attention by barking or whining, letting you know that they are uncomfortable. They may also try to lead you to shelter, it the opportunity presents itself.
Other common signs including hunching over, tucking their tail between their legs, shivering, or lifting their paws off the ground repeatedly.
Watch your dog closely. If you notice any behaviours that are out of the normal, ask yourself: “Is my dog cold? Should I move inside?”
When the temperatures are cold, be prepared to cut your walks short, if necessary.
There is no arguing that the winter months bring a special peace and beauty that many of us would love to get out and explore.
However, you must keep one question at the back of your mind: Is it too cold for my dog?
When the temperatures drop too low, it may be a good time to curl up on the couch and enjoy those puppy snuggles or break out your dog’s favourite interactive toys, saving your outdoor adventures for another day.
Is your dog sensitive to cold temperatures or do you have a dog that LOVES the winter weather?
Feature Image Credit: Krisztian Juhasz | Canva
I would have thought dog shoes are important for any dog owner to have nowadays, both from cold frozen winter weather but also in summer when the temperatures can get ridiculously high so they don’t burn the pads on their feet
It really depends on the dog and what activities you’re doing. Ours spend most of the summer playing on the grass and hiking in the woods where they refuse to wear boots, however, I do have ‘water shoes’ for them to protect their feet from zebra muscles when in the water. If we were living in a city and spending more time on the hot asphalt, I would focus more on summer boots for them.
It is really important to keep our dogs protected from the cold. I do agree with you that it does depend on age and breed of dog. Our dog is part Husky and she lives for the winter months, but even so, she often feels the cold, especially in her paws when she is out for more than a few minutes. We got her dog booties for when we take her on winter walks, but often times it’s too cold for us to do that.
It’s always interesting for us to watch our three dogs because they each have very different comfort levels when it comes to cold weather.
This was a really informative post. It has been many years since I last had a dog but I do consider adopting one, so this post was helpful to understand some things. Thank you for sharing!
There’s definitely a lot to consider to keep our pets safe and healthy.
Thanks Britt, this really helpful info. Most of the dogs I know love playing outside no matter how cold it is but only for short periods, then they’re straight back in front of the heater!
That’s what our boys are like. Dav girl, on the other hand, would stay outside for hours if I didn’t drag her in lol
Since moving to what we fondly refer to as the “frozen north”, I’ve really found that how dogs’ deal with the cold can be such an individual thing. I thought for sure my younger Alaskan Klee Kai would handle the cold better than my senior papillon. Nope! My Klee Kai, despite his thick husky-like double coat, always wants to come back inside long before my single coated papillon.
This is SO true! You can often get a good idea of what you might be in for based on your dog’s age and breed, but nothing’s guaranteed. The best thing that we can do as dog parents is to watch for our pups to communicate how they’re feeling.
This is so helpful – thank you!
These are great tips to help keep our dogs safe in the cold weather. Our house tends to be chilly in the winter. Our Maltese seems to like wearing a fleece coat inside too. (If it gets damp, I take it off and let it dry on the radiator.) I’ll put another coat on her in super cold weather, and Theo will wear one too. Our Pomeranian/American Eskimo mix loves winter. (I still don’t let her outside for long on extemely cold days.)
We’re lucky that our house tends to be too warm, if anything, but if we were in a colder house I’m sure that Lucifer would want a sweater or coat indoors too.
I go for walks daily and very often it is like -10 and I see the dog with no boots or covering not sure if they need that. But once again Britt your love for dogs shows in your writing and everything you do. Love your work and blog and continue to write amazing things for dogs in 2022
It’s definitely a very individualized decision. Some dogs do great with the cold or refuse to wear boots, while others will happily rock their booties to keep their feet warm.
I have a Goldendoodle and live in a very cold climate during the winter months. I keep her hair longer in the winter to provide an extra layer of warmth. She body doesn’t seem to suffer from the cold, but her feet definitely do. – especially once they form ice chunks. She is getting used to wearing boots which help a lot. She also has a little vest and a turtle neck sweater that I throw on her for longer treks.
The process of getting used to wearing boots isn’t always an easy one, but they do make such a large difference, don’t they?
Cold is definitely something all dog parents have to consider with their pups. I’m amazed at the difference in coats and sensitivity to the cold. My dog, Henry is a cockapoo, so his fur is pretty thick. He has several dog friends with much thinner fur, like Lucifer. Although they may all have on coats while playing, Henry doesn’t get cold. But his friends do and we will end the play session. I have to admit, I’m cold-sensitive too and never mind getting warmed up inside for a bit either. ???
It’s really interesting to see how different dogs respond to the cold, isn’t it? When we head out with the crew, we let Lucifer dictate the timing lol Daviana would keep us all outside all day lol
I didn’t know dogs could get frost bite, although I would expect people to really think before they took their dog out for a walk in extreme cold!
I would like to think that most responsible dog owners would.
I love your exhaustive summary of dogs and cold weather. Our dogs generally always loved the cold. My Rottweiler girl, though, she’s coming on ten years of age in a month, and her tolerance to cold is lower now. Typically, her feet get cold first, particularly when the snow gets packed between her toes.
That’s the same thing that happens with Indy. He generally enjoys the cold weather, but when the snow starts getting packed in the hair around his feet, that’s when he starts to get uncomfortable.
Love the information provided in this post! It is always a good idea to keep the weather in mind when it comes to your dog so you can adjust to what will make them the most comfortable, such as being out for a shorter time in the winter, booties in the summer, etc. Great post.
Definitely! We have a wide variety of different supplies to accommodate different temperatures and weather situations so that our dogs are always happy, healthy, and safe when we’re exploring outdoors.
Nice tips! thankfully it’s never too cold for my dogs when it is to me. Generally, we do limit our time outside during cold days switching to shorter but more frequent walks to cover all the needs. When it’s less than -18 C my terrier wears a knitted sweater, he hates it but it’s a must. thankfully it’s just for couple of days a year so we are not stresssed.
A sweater is a great way to offer a little extra warmth when the temperature drops.
My rule of thumb has always been if I’m not going out in the cold, my pets aren’t either. Mostly because I am a crybaby about the cold. But I can definitely see where it could be a problem for people who live in colder climates or take their pets out for more than a simple potty trip, and these tips are great for that.
We definitely hit temperatures here where I’m cold just taking them out to pee quickly hahaha The joys of living in Ontario, Canada! That being said, I totally agree with that rule of thumb. If I’m cold, I make sure that our temperature-sensitive little man has his jacket on.
My parents have a pitbull who loves to play in the snow. But once I’m a while I think she forgets her own tolerance because it’s not that high. Thanks for a good post!
That is surprisingly common. Our youngest pup will push past the point where he’s literally shaking to play outside and I have to force him to come in, which is why we invested in a really warm jacket and booties for the little guy lol
This is such a useful guide to being outside in the cold with your pups! I’ve actually only taken my dogs to the snow once – and honestly it was never very cold. Living in southern california I usually have to deal with heat-stroke (even in the winter!) rather than freezing temperatures. But I will definitely save this for if I ever have to travel or move to somewhere colder!
Living up in Canada, the idea of worrying about heatstroke in the winter is definitely foreign to me! The temperatures drop quite low here in the winter, so it’s something that we have to make sure that we’re familiar with.
Great information! I have 2 dogs & they’re so different in terms of cold tolerance. My Husky loves the cold to the point where I can’t get her to come inside! No clothing needed for her. My little one Phoebe always needs a sweater. I need to watch them carefully when we’re out in the cold or snow. Thanks for the tips on what to look for to tell if your dog is too cold. Very helpful.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Isn’t it funny to see how different they can be? Ours all are different with their own tolerance of the colder temperatures, ranging from Dav girl who loves the cold like your husky to little Lucifer who needs his coat if the temperatures get chilly lol