Is 45 degrees too cold for a dog? Here’s the Answer

Cold weather affects some dogs more than others

Chances are good you know someone who wears a sweater in the summer. Maybe you have a friend who keeps their air conditioner set to 68 degrees and still feels hot. Just like people, all dogs are different. A large, overweight breed will respond differently to the cold than a thin toy breed. Breeds with dense double coats like Alaskan malamutes, Siberian huskies, and St. Bernards can tolerate the cold much better than, say, beagles and Italian greyhounds. In terms of volume, small breeds have more surface area than large breeds, so they tend to feel the cold more intensely.

Even the color of your dog’s coat can impact his ability to withstand colder weather. When the sun is shining, dogs with dark coats absorb more heat from sunlight than dogs with light-colored coats. Your dog’s general level of health also comes into play. Cold air can exacerbate conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and asthma. Previous exposure to cold weather matters, too. If you’ve recently relocated from Florida to Maine, your dog won’t be able to tolerate the winter chill as well as a dog who’s spent his entire life in a colder climate.

The numbers on your thermometer aren’t the only environmental factors that come into play when determining how cold weather impacts your dog. A frigid, 30-degree day is miserable enough; 30 degrees with a wind chill cuts to the bone and leaves you — and your doggo — unable to properly insulate yourselves against the cold. The air also feels much cooler on days with heavy cloud coverage. Without bright sunlight providing additional warmth, your pup will get colder faster than he would on a sunny day.

Heavy snow, rain, and thick fog can all play a part in your dog’s ability to withstand the cold. Lastly, your dog’s activity level impacts how cold he’ll be outdoors. If your dog sprawls out in the snow, he’s likely to feel the chill much sooner than a dog who gets a case of the zoomies and runs through the yard.

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.

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

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.

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. ‍‍

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. ‍

Signs that your dog has a cold:

Yes, dogs can catch colds, just like us! Dogs who have caught a cold thanks to cold weather exposure will often show the following signs:

While these symptoms may indicate your dog has the canine cold virus, they could also indicate a more serious condition, such as dog flu (influenza), bronchitis, parainfluenza, or distemper². Be on the look-out if your dog displays these symptoms after being in the cold, and take your dog to the vet if you suspect they are sick.

⚠️ Additionally, if your dog is not properly dried and has been lying on cold ground, they may get a lung or bladder infection. Dry your dog thoroughly after being outside in the cold weather so they can quickly get back to their normal body temperature.

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

Can you tell if your dog can handle cold weather? Find out the potential risks of dogs and cold weather and how to best take care of your furry friend during the cold season!

Many dog breeds are highly affected by the freezing temperatures typical of the winter months. But do you know how cold is too cold for dogs? Your dog might be able to withstand the cold well – or may fall into one of the breed categories that is especially sensitive to cold and needs to be protected. Find out how cold is too cold for your dog so you can safely enjoy winter with your fluffy family. You might also want to check out our additional tips for keeping dogs healthy and safe during winter.