How Cold is Too Cold for Dogs? Complete Winter Guide!

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When the seasons change and the temperatures begin to drop, you need to take the same precautions for your dog in the cold weather as you do for the rest of the family. You may be wondering, how cold is too cold for dogs? People tend to forget about their four legged friends, thinking that their fur can help keep out the effects of the cold. Here are a few helpful tips and advice to make sure man’s best friend stays warm and healthy during the chilly winter months.

How Cold is Too Cold for Dogs?

How cold is too cold for dogs? A good rule of thumb is to take extra precautions when the weather is 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below. The answer can be different depending on how insulated the dog is due to the density of their coat as well as how large the dog is. The more body fat a dog has the longer they will stay warm. It is important to keep an eye on how your dog is doing while out in the cold weather and to head back inside if they show any signs of distress such as shivering, lethargy or not acting quite like themselves. It is good for dogs to spend time outside, but it should be done in short outings throughout the day during cold weather.

The dog’s coat is their best protection against the cold temperatures during the winter months. Though you may shave their thick coat to keep them cool in the summer, it is important to keep it thick and long in the winter. The thick hair will help insulate the dog’s body like parkas do for humans.

If your dog has a double coat and is going to be living outside during the winter months, put them outside towards the middle of the fall season. This will help the dogs with double coats the chance to develop a thick undercoat needed to keep them warm. Outside dogs tends to burn up more calories to help them keep warm as the cold weather rolls in. Make sure to provide extra food for your dog so they can keep their energy up.

Best Cold Weather Dog Breeds:

There are some dog breeds that tolerate the cold winter weather better than other dogs. If you are currently looking to add a dog to your family and you live in an area that is often cold and snowy these breeds will tolerate the environment better than others.

Siberian Huskies
Samoyed
Newfoundlands
Alaskan Malamute
Great Pyrenees
Tibetan Mastiff
St. Bernard
Bernese Mountain Dog
Chow Chow
American Eskimo Dog
Tibetan Terrier
Norwegian Elkhound
Keeshond
Kuvasz
Icelandic Sheepdog
Anatolian Shepherd
Karelian Bear Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Karakachan
Komondor
Pyrenean Mastiff
Estrela Mountain Dog
Old English Sheepdog

How Cold is Too Cold for Puppies?

When it comes to puppies, they should never be kept outside in the cold weather. Their body has not had the chance to build up their resistance and they will have a hard time keeping themselves warm. Make sure to keep them inside in a heated environment.

You need to take extra precautions with your dog if they do not have long hair or are toy or miniature versions of the larger breeds. These dogs will get cold faster than the ones with double coats or more weight. To help protect your pet from the winter elements, it is a good idea to find a sweater for them when they venture outside for any length of time. They make various sizes of dog sweaters in any design or pattern you could imagine!

How Cold is too Cold to Walk Dog?

Just like it’s hard for us to venture outside when the weather is cold, it’s hard for your pet too. What is a safe temperature to walk a dog? Typically, 45° F or higher is safe to have your dogs outside in the winter for a walk. If the weather is colder than 45° F, you should pay close attention to your dog’s overall behavior to make sure they are tolerating the weather well.

When to Head Back Inside:

You know when your dog isn’t acting like themselves. Is your dog shivering, wanting to be held or acting anxious? Then it’s time to head inside and give your dog some warm shelter. Small breed dogs will especially need to spend very minimal time outside when the weather is very cold. Dogs are also susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, so be sure to take their winter protection very seriously.

Dog Paw Protection in Winter:

Cold weather conditions means two things, salt on the sidewalk and chemicals, like anti-freeze, on the driveway. Make sure to clean your dog’s paws when they come inside from their walk and never let them roam around in an area where these potential hazards are on the ground. You do not want to find yourselves being exposed to veterinarian bills because your dog decided to lick the ice that was coated in harmful chemicals.

Some dog owners swear by using dog booties to protect their dog’s feet. Maybe they would be the perfect paw protection option for your dog, too!
Also, in the winter weather your dogs paws can become cracked and dried out. You can help keep your dog’s paws protected by using a paw balm.

Dog Snow Tips:

Though your dog may like to go outside and play in the snow, it can cause problems for them down the road. Make sure to check over your dog when they have been outside in the snowy condition. Small balls of snow can turn into hard ice crystals quickly and develop in their paws, behind their ears and tail. This can be quite painful for the dog if they are left there for any length of time. The best solution for this is to wash the area with a warm wet cloth to help the ice crystals melt. If you are going to send the dog back outside, make sure their coat is dry before they enter the colder temperatures.

It is helpful to shovel away the snow in a small area for your dog to take care of their business. Now your dog will not have to scamper through the snow until they find an area when they can be comfortable. By doing this, it will be easier on you when you are cleaning up after them.

Remember dogs are warm blooded creatures that may only appear better suited for the cold than us. If there are weather advisory in the areas, make sure your dog has adequate shelter or bring them inside to help protect them from the elements. If you follow these few tips, your dog will thank you.

We have compiled a list of great winter dog products to help keep your pup from getting too cold.

Recommended cold weather dog products:

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How Cold is Too Cold for Dogs? Complete Winter Guide!