Pit bulls aren’t a small breed, but they have thin coats and can be sensitive to winter weather. … If you’re letting your pet outside for a few minutes, he’ll likely be fine without winter gear, but if you’re going for a long walk or spending a while in the outdoors, winter gear may be a necessity.
What Temperature Is Too Cold For A Pit Bull?
Temperatures in the 45° F/7°C and below are beginning to get uncomfortable for your Pit Bull. It would be my suggestion that a coat is needed at this point. When temperatures hit 32° F/0°C and below this will definitely be too cold for a Pit Bull without a coat.
As a general rule of thumb when it comes to my Pit Bull I know it is too cold for her to go without a coat, when it’s too cold for me to go without a coat. I live in a cold winter climate and regardless if she is going for a quick pee or a short walk, she wears a coat once it hits the 32° F/0°C temperature.
Once the extremely cold days come when it can get to -0° F/-17°C for several weeks here, we are outside for potty breaks only. These temperatures are too cold for a Pit Bull. This is where risk of hypothermia and frostbite become a real hazard regardless if your Pit Bull is wearing a coat or not.
Keep your dog inside as much as you can. If you live in a place with these kinds of cold winter weather temperatures. Potty breaks is about all you can safely do with your Pit Bull in this kind of weather.
What Makes Pitbull Susceptible to Cold?
There are several characteristics or traits that are involved to make a dog susceptible to low temperatures. Most dogs have one or more traits without being sensitive to cold temperatures. However, those who might have several of these characteristics might be troublesome during the winter.
Below are some characteristics that are included in the list:
For pitbull, their hairs are their skin’s protection and body insulators as well. Dogs are warm-blooded animals that generally produces heat from their body. The more their body retain this heat, the more they feel warmer.
It simply means that their hair acts like a sweater. So, the thicker and longer are their fur, the warmer they’ll stay in cold weather. However, pitbulls are short-haired animals. That’s why they are susceptible to low temperatures.
Generally, dogs have a heavy coat of thick hair that protect their body and retain heat. Moreover, other dogs from the cold climates, like huskies, usually have an undercoat. This serves as a second coat of dense and softer hair that helps them insulate their body. Unfortunately, pitbull lacks this undercoat, which makes them suffer from cold weather.
Mammals living in cold climates have a higher tendency to insulate themselves with a thick layer of fats. Aside from their hair, their body fat is also an effective insulator of heat. Meaning, thin dog breeds are more vulnerable to cold than those breed with more body cushions.
Small-framed dogs have fewer body tissues to produce heat compared to larger dogs. This appearance serves as an initial disadvantage for them. On the other hand, they have more surface area relative to their size. This means that heat escapes easily from their bodies making them chilled.
Elongated, slender dogs or dogs who have lengthy legs are more vulnerable to low temperatures compare to pudgy pooch with petite lower limbs. Those with thin, slender hips also suffer from the same case.
Dog’s ears are thin and full of blood vessels. This serves as a very effective radiator. Their ears are very helpful during summer for cooling off. In short, big-eared dogs are more prone to experience chills during cold weather than dogs with modestly sized ears.
Keeping your pitbull warm this winter season is your number one goal right now. Here is a list of winter pet safety tips to ensure that you and your bowwow have a safe end of the season.
Your cold-sensitive dog might be comfortable if you would let them spend most of their time inside the house. Provide them with a heated dog bed or kennel, and a warm blanket as well. These things would allow them to hollow out a nest.
Temperatures To Watch For With Pit Bulls
Typically your Pit Bull should be fine with cold weather up until about 45° F/7°C. Once the weather begins to drop below that you might notice your Pit Bull getting a little uncomfortable. When the temperature hits below 32°F/0°C small, skinnier, and older Pit Bulls will need some protection. By 20°F/-7°C it’s time for all dogs to get bundled up.
Monitor your Pit Bulls behaviors in cold weather. Not all climates are the same and temperature doesn’t always determine how cold it actually is for your dog. Some climates can be very damp, and though it only says 32°F/0°C on the weather app, it may feel much colder.
Alternatively if your Pit Bull is very active and running around in the cold weather, they may generate enough body heat to feel just fine. There are many such variables at play here. It is very important to keep an eye on your Pit Bull and look for signs they are not handling the cold well.
Extreme cold weather can very quickly lead to hypothermia and frostbite with your Pit Bull. Things like their ears, paws, and tails can get very cold, very quick. Frostbite is not something you want to risk on your pup.
If your Pit Bull is shivering, becoming lethargic, and/or is getting pale skin get them inside and warmed up immediately. These are the first signs of hypothermia.
FAQ
At what temperature does a Pitbull need a coat?
Do Pitbulls hate the cold?
Why do Pitbulls wear clothes?