How Cold Is Too Cold: Depends on the Dog
Just like with people, some dogs tolerate winter weather better than others. While one dog might be overjoyed to roll in the snow, another small dog might not even want to step foot outside. Here are some of the factors that affect cold tolerance:
The double-layered, thick coats of dog breeds like Siberian huskies, Newfoundlands, Alaskan malamutes, and Bernese mountain dogs tend to be the most cold-tolerant. On the other hand, dogs like Greyhounds, German shorthaired pointers, or American pit bull terriers who have short, thin coats will have a more difficult time maintaining a warm body temperature in colder weather.
Smaller dogs and toy breeds like Chihuahuas have a harder time in the cold. They tend to lose body heat faster than larger dogs. Deep snow can reach their chest and make them cold and wet, so they are more at risk in colder temperatures.
Thinner dogs generally get colder faster when temperatures drop than heavier dogs because body fat is a good insulator. BUT this doesn’t mean you should fatten your pup up for the winter! There are greater health risks for overweight dogs than any warmth benefit of a little extra fat. Making your dog overweight is animal cruelty.
Older dogs, puppies, and sick dogs have weaker immune systems and might not be able to generate or retain body heat compared to healthy dogs. These dogs normally need assistance to help stay warm, such as a dog coat or jacket.
Dogs can tolerate cold weather because of their fur.
But the reality is, even with conditioning, it can get too cold for dogs to spend long periods of time outside without proper shelter and nutrition.
Just like people, dogs’ cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat density, age, nutritional status, amount of body fat, activity level and health. Northern and mountain breeds with a thick undercoat tend to do best: Siberian huskies, Samoyeds, Alaskan malamutes, Great Pyrenees, Icelandic sheepdogs, Newfoundlands and others. But even members of these breeds need to acclimate to cold weather and are at risk during subzero temperatures.
In a blog post for petMD.com, Jennifer Coates, DVM, noted that cold temperatures shouldn’t be a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, temperatures at which some cold-averse dogs might start feeling uncomfortable. Owners of small-breed dogs, thin-coated dogs and very young, old or sick dogs should watch their pets carefully for cold-associated health issues when temperatures dip below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit). Once temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, all owners should be aware that their dogs could potentially develop weather-related problems such as frostbite and hypothermia.
But what about dogs who live in those areas of the country where winters can be brutally cold?
As beautiful as a dog’s coat may be, fur isn’t a perfect insulator, especially when it’s very cold. Regardless of breed, even thick- and double-coated dogs are vulnerable to cold-weather health threats such as frostbite and hypothermia.
Most frostbite danger occurs when the temperature or wind chill are near or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged exposure to the cold results in severe tissue damage in a dog’s extremities such as the ear tips, paws or tail.
Hypothermia occurs when a dog’s body temperature falls below normal. (Normal temperature for dogs is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.) The most common cause is prolonged exposure to extreme cold temperatures.
In very cold weather, a majority of dogs — even huskies and malamutes — need your help to avoid these health threats.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs should be kept inside during cold weather and especially during extreme cold. But if you can’t keep your dog inside, he or she needs an insulated, dry shelter that’s positioned away from prevailing winds. An appropriate dog house should be just large enough so your dog can stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. The shelter’s floor should be off of the ground to minimize heat loss and bedding should be thick, dry and changed often. Clean, dry straw works better than towels, blankets or rugs which can absorb moisture and freeze in subzero temperatures.
Some state laws specify the type of shelter dog owners must provide if they keep their dogs outside during dangerously cold (or hot) weather. Other states, such as Pennsylvania, have legislated how long you can have your dog outside during extreme weather. You’ll want to be aware of and comply with any state or local regulations.
How cold is too cold for dogs?
According to Dr. Burch, no dog should be out for a walk if the temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
“Below 20 degrees Fahrenheit is too cold for almost all dogs to go for an actual walk, and [they] should only take short trips outside to do their business,” Dr. Roberts said.
“Please account for wind chill when looking at the temperature for a walk,” Dr. Roberts said. “Wind chill can significantly drop core body temperatures very quickly.”
Additionally, be extra careful in moist and wet conditions. “A wet coat causes body temperatures to drop rapidly,” Dr. Roberts said.
How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs | Dog Tips | Fetch by The Dodo
Winter is here again; the outside is cooling down and the indoor heating is cranking up. But just how cold is too cold for our dogs? Should they be going out on winter walks or snuggling up inside?
Dogs are generally pretty hardy creatures, but even they can get cold. Sometimes winter can be simply too cold for dogs. Let’s take a look at the safe & unsafe chilly temperatures for dogs, possible dangers, and how to keep them warm in winter.