The winter season as a dog owner is a tricky time. When the temps drop every owner faces the delicate balance of providing their canine companions with their needed exercise while also ensuring they are safe in the frigid weather.
Determining when it is too cold to walk your dog involves understanding certain aspects of your dog such as their breed, age, health, and tolerance of cold temps. Some breeds were bred to thrive in the winter weather while others struggle to stay warm. It is also vital to recognize the signs your dog may be uncomfortable to avoid exposing them to potentially dangerous conditions.
Understanding your dog's breed
There are many variables you need to consider before determining if it is too cold to walk your dog. Every breed is different and certain aspects of each dog help to determine how they will respond to the frigid temps.
For example, certain coat types make dogs more tolerant of the cold. Siberian Huskies, New Foundlands, and Samoyeds have thick, double-layer coats which make them ideal for the cold. On the other side, the dogs with thinner coats like the Basenji and Greyhound will be more uncomfortable going out in the colder weather.
The size of your dog also has an impact on their tolerance to winter weather. Dogs lose the majority of their heat through their skin, therefore, the smaller the dog the faster they can lose heat. In the same sense, their weight can be a contributing factor too. Body fat is a great insulator, so thinner dogs get cold faster than the dogs who are on the chunky side. Although, it is never a good idea to allow your dog to become overweight for the sake of staying warm.
Signs your dog is getting too cold outside
It is vital to keep an eye on your dog while they are outside in the colder weather and ensure they are not showing any signs of discomfort or hypothermia.
There are a few clear signs your dog may give to let you know they are uncomfortable and need to go inside and warm up. The first is they may begin shivering/shaking. This is the first clear indication that they are trying to generate the heat they have lost. They may also begin whining or barking more to try to communicate with you their discomfort.
Another clear sign is when they lift their paws off the ground, avoid direct eye contact, slow down, or show a reluctance to move. You ultimately want to avoid them from getting to this point, but once you see them acting like that you need to get them to a place to warm up immediately.
When a dog is affected by the severe cold they may even become lethargic or weak. This could lead to your dog collapsing - which is a sign your dog is suffering from hypothermia.
If you see any of these signs, even the more minor ones, the best thing to do is to bring your dog indoors and warm them up gradually. Wrap them up in their favorite blanket. If it seems like they are still struggling to warm up, contact your veterinarian.
How cold is too cold?
It is difficult to determine a generalization of when it is too cold for your dog given the variables of each breed, but most of the time the cold may become a problem for your dog when the temps drop to around 45 F, this is when dogs who are extra sensitive to the cold may start showing signs of discomfort.
Once the temps drop under 32 F then the breeds with thinner coats, smaller in size, very young or old, or sick dogs could potentially be in danger of discomfort or hypothermia if they spend too much time outside. Even the dogs with thicker coats can be at risk for hypothermia and frostbite when temps reach below 20 F when they are left outside for extended periods of time.
In the end, your dog still needs to do their business outside, no matter how cold. In the freezing temperatures, your dog will likely take care of business quickly so they can get back into the warmth of their home as fast as possible. Ensure that your dog is never left unsupervised when temps are frigid and if you notice any signs of discomfort, bring them inside to warm up. Keeping all of this in mind will ultimately help you and your dog enjoy the winter months safely.