Is 10 degrees Fahrenheit too cold for a dog? Here’s the Answer

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Hypothermia in dogs

If your dog is exposed to low temperatures for longer periods of time, they could also suffer from hypothermia. This can be experienced locally, for example, freezing ears or paws. An overall hypothermia of the body can cause deep organ damage and even be deadly. Signs of severe hypothermia include tight and dilated pupils, difficulty in breathing and even coma.

Use caution when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (around 7 degrees Celsius). It’s potentially unsafe for little-or-medium-sized dogs with thin coats to be outside, but big dogs with heavier coats are probably OK. When the temperature drops to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and below, all dogs are at a higher risk of hypothermia and frostbite.

Call your vet, move them into a warm area and cover them with blankets. You can also incorporate heating blankets or bottles, but make sure to put several layers between the heating elements and the dog to avoid burning the pup’s skin. It’s a good idea to sign up for Fetch by The Dodo pet insurance, too, so if your pup needs treatments for their recovery, Fetch can help cover the cost.

Safety also depends on whether your dog is used to being outdoors during colder conditions. If they’re a cold-friendly breed (like Siberian Huskies) or are used to being outdoors in colder temperatures, then it’s OK to trust your individual pup’s comfort level. ‍However, dogs generally shouldn’t sleep outside, especially when temperatures hit below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. ‍

Stay near your dog while they’re playing or hanging outside. If the temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s too cold for your dog to swim. And if you plan on leaving your dog in the car for a few minutes on a day that cold, make sure to keep the heat running. You’re your dog’s best advocate when it comes to cold weather safety, so if you feel uncomfortable, chances are your dog does, too.Â

When deciding if the weather is safe for your best friend, consider their coat thickness, too. Dog breeds like Siberian Huskies, Samoyed and Newfoundlands have denser coats and are usually more comfortable in colder temperatures. But, if your dog has a thin coat, like greyhounds or Xoloitzcuintles, and the temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to bundle up. ‍‍

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There is no one answer; different dogs tolerate cold temperatures differently.

A dog’s ability to withstand the cold depends on many factors, such as breed, size, body fat, fur, health and medical condition, and whether they are an indoor or outdoor dog.

Some dogs love snow and cold weather, while others get cold very easily and can not stay outside in the cold for very long.

As a general rule of thumb:

  • at 45°F (7°C) and below, most dogs will dogs will start to become uncomfortable
  • at 32°F (0°C) and below, small, thin-coated, young, old and sick dogs should not be left outside for long
  • at 20°F (-7°C) and below, dogs become vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite1

    • How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs | Dog Tips | Fetch by The Dodo

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