While many dogs enjoy a good frolic in the snow, unfortunately, it’s not always safe to do so! Many dogs would be happy to go for a walk whatever the weather, but it’s up to us as owners to decide if it’s safe. Most dog owners are aware of the dangers of walking in hot weather, but did you know that we need to take extra care in cold weather conditions too?
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How cold is too cold for dogs?
While this will depend on several factors, a common-sense rule of thumb is that if you are uncomfortable in the cold, your dog probably is too!
How well a dog can cope with the cold will depend on many things, including:
- Breed and coat-type
Some breeds, such as Siberian Huskies, are built for cold climates, with stockier builds and a nice thick double coat. On the other hand, some are not! Dogs with a slim build, small size, and/or thin coats, such as whippets or chihuahuas, will struggle more in cold weather.
- Weight
Although not an excuse to gain weight, dogs with a layer of fat covering will cope better with the cold than dogs with minimal fat covering. Fat is a natural insulator. However, being fat or overweight carries many serious health risks, so it’s much better to buy your dog a coat than to allow them to gain unhealthy weight.
- Age
Very old or very young dogs will struggle more in the cold.
- General health
Dogs with an underlying health condition, such as heart disease or arthritis, are at a higher risk of hypothermia and ill effects from the cold.
- The weather itself!
It isn’t temperature alone that dictates how cold a dog will get. Wet and/or windy conditions will add to the chill factor.
It’s also sensible to consider whether your dog is used to the cold or not since just like people, dogs who are not used to cold weather tend to feel the cold more.
The Central Californian Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CCSPCA) suggests that some dogs may start to feel the effects of the cold when the temperature drops below 45°F (7°C), especially if the dog is in an ‘at risk’ group.
You need to take extra care with all dogs when the temperature goes below 32°F (0°C), and once temperatures get as low as 20°F (-6°C), then your dog is at serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
A common-sense rule of thumb is that if you are uncomfortable in the cold, your dog probably is too!
Signs of hypothermia in dogs
Hypothermia is when a dog’s body temperature drops too low. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on how low their core temperature falls, and the speed at which it drops.
The symptoms of hypothermia in dogs include:
- Shivering (although this may stop in the later stages of hypothermia)
- Lethargy or sleepiness
- Pale or blue-tinged skin or gums
- Ataxia (a wobbly gait, lack of co-ordination)
- Slowed heart rate and breathing rate
- Collapse
- Eventually coma
Hypothermia can be life-threatening, so it’s really important to keep a close eye on your dog if they’re out in cold weather. If they start to shiver, it’s time to find somewhere warm.
Hypothermia can be life-threatening, so it’s really important to keep a close eye on your dog if they’re out in cold weather.
What to do if your dog gets too cold
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from hypothermia, or is too cold, then you need to act fast. Take them somewhere warm and wrap them in blankets. You can use hot water bottles, as long as they aren’t so hot that they could burn the skin. It’s safest to place a layer of blanket between the hot water bottles and your dog. Next, it’s time to call your veterinarian!
Hypothermia often requires a stay at the veterinary hospital for treatment, which can include warm fluid therapy (into the veins) and close monitoring.
How to keep your dog safe in cold weather
Here are our top tips for avoiding hypothermia in dogs:
- Always supervise your dog in cold weather, so you can spot the signs they are getting cold early enough to prevent serious consequences.
- Consider buying a coat for your dog, preferably one with padding and a waterproof outer layer. You can also buy boots to protect their paws.
- Allow your dog to sleep inside in cold weather. If they have to sleep outside, make sure they have a suitable kennel. The floor should be raised off the ground and there should be adequate shelter from the elements. A thick layer of straw under their bed can provide good insulation. Always make sure they have fresh, unfrozen water to drink.
- Just as with hot weather, don’t leave your dog in a car in cold weather. Cars get very cold very quickly once parked.
- While many dogs love a good swim, dogs shouldn’t swim in cold weather. The risk of hypothermia is greater if your dog is cold and also wet, plus water currents can be more dangerous in cold or windy weather.
- When out for a walk, don’t forget your dog’s paws! They will feel the cold walking on snow or icy ground. If the ground is too cold for you to comfortably hold the back of your hand on, it’s too cold for your dog’s feet. You should also check your dog’s paws for salt when you get home since rock salt can damage their pads and is toxic if ingested (for example, if your dog licks it off). Give their paws a good rinse to be safe.
- It’s not advisable to walk your dog in very cold weather. Limit outdoor time to quick toilet trips. There are plenty of games you can play indoors to keep your dog (and yourself!) entertained, or you could consider puzzle feeders to keep your dog occupied.
Always supervise your dog in cold weather, so you can spot the signs they are getting cold early enough to prevent serious consequences.
Take home message
Hypothermia in dogs can be just as dangerous as overheating. So, we need to be just as careful with our dogs in very cold weather as we do in heat waves. If your dog is very young, elderly, thin, small, thin coated or has an underlying medical condition, then they are at greater risk of ill effects from the cold. If you suspect your dog is suffering from hypothermia, or even the start of it, then wrap them in warm blankets and call your veterinarian straight away.
FAQ
This will vary depending on the weather as well as the dog’s size, breed, coat thickness, age, and general health. As a general rule, keep an eye on your dog in temperatures below 45°F, below around 32°F is too cold for most dogs and below 20°F they are at risk of hypothermia and serious illness.
This will vary between dogs. It’s best to supervise your dog in the cold: if you aren’t comfortable, your dog probably isn’t either! Generally, dogs shouldn’t be left outside in cold weather.
Many dogs can safely enjoy short periods of play in the snow or cold weather. Many dogs are well equipped for the cold, with thick double coats. However, some dogs are more susceptible to the cold than others. Dogs that are old, very young, slim, small, have sparse coats, or have health conditions won’t cope well in cold weather.
