Dogs and Cold Weather
Even though our dogs have fur, they get cold just like us! It’s easy to overestimate the amount of time they can be left in cold weather.
As most states across our country experience temperatures at or below freezing, it is vitally important that all pet owners understand what their dog’s limits are and the potential health risks of cold weather.
Minimum Temperature Dogs Can Go Outside
The general rule of thumb is that if it is too cold for you, it is most likely too cold for your dog. Once you start shivering, it’s time to find a warm, dry place for both you and your pet.
It is typically recommended that no pet should be left outside when temperatures are at or below 32 degrees.
Due to the wide diversity of breeds, genes, and characteristics of dogs, no universal temperature can be given to indicate “how cold is too cold” for all dogs. Each dog’s unique ability to tolerate cold weather varies based on several factors, some of which include:
Healthy adult dogs with long, thick coats, such as a husky or Newfoundland, may be more tolerant to the cold. It is still important to remember that even with their extra layers of fur, they have more exposed body parts than we do and require additional care when spending time outside in cold weather.
No matter what type of dog you have, their paw pads, ears, and noses are especially susceptible to injury from the cold. Using dog booties, jackets, and rubbing their paws and noses with pet-safe moisturizer can help to minimize damage on these sensitive body parts.
How Long Can My Dog Spend Outside in the Cold?
Since every dog is different, we suggest discussing cold weather safety with your veterinarian. Your vet can assess your dog’s individual needs and restrictions when it comes to spending time outside in cold weather and provide a personalized answer regarding minimum temperature and maximum cold-weather time.
For some dogs with certain characteristics or health status’, extra care must be taken during cooler seasons. If your dog falls into one of the categories below, try to limit their time spent in the cold as much as possible:
Senior dogs
Puppies (<6 months)
Short-haired dogs
Dogs with short legs
Dogs with pre-existing health conditions, particularly diabetes, hormonal problems, heart disease, kidney problems, and arthritis
To gain a greater understanding of your dog’s resilience to cold weather, discuss the topic with your veterinarian at your pet’s next
wellness visit.
When to Report a Dog Left in the Cold
Every year, hundreds of dogs are rescued due to the impacts of snow and ice, and over a dozen unfortunately pass away due to cold-weather related accidents or illness. If you notice a dog left outside in extreme conditions without access to adequate shelter or water supply, follow the following steps:
Try talking to the owners and explaining why their dog should not be left outside in the current conditions.
If the owner is not home or does not take action to bring the dog inside, contact a nearby rescue organization or your local non-emergency responder line.
Explain the situation to the authorities and provide detailed instructions as to where they can locate the dog.
If possible and safe to do so, take photos of the dog in their condition, provide the dog with some fresh, non-frozen water, and/or follow instructions provided to you by the authorities.
If you have questions or concerns about the impacts of cold weather on your dog, receive expert advice and personalized recommendations from your local Thrive veterinarian.
Contact your local Thrive Pet Healthcare today!
6 Tips for Keeping Pets Safe in The Cold
All animals have unique needs when it comes to cold weather. Some pets are more adept at handling the cold, while others may be more vulnerable to the elements. You know your pet and their needs best, but for additional support on keeping pets warm in winter, here are 6 things to consider to help keep your pet happy and healthy all season long.
1. Know When it’s Too Cold for Your Pet
We discuss this topic in greater detail on our information page “How Cold is Too Cold for My Dog?” but for a quick and simple answer - if it’s too cold for you, it is most likely too cold for your pet. All pets are unique in their temperature threshold, so it is important to consistently monitor your pet when the weather is cold and start to gauge where their limits are.
Some pets, like huskies and mountain dogs, are naturally more durable against lower temperatures, but that does not mean they can withstand long periods of time in the cold. A general rule of thumb is that no pet should not be left outside
Cold weather can affect your pet before you even realize it – frostbite and other forms of cold injury may not be fully apparent until much later. Watch for any warning signs that your pet is too cold. Signs that your dog is too cold include:
Trembling
Slow breathing
Difficulty / slower moving
Whining
Tucked tail
Seeking shelter
Lifting paws off the ground
Cold ears, paws, or tails
If your pet is displaying any of the above signs, get them into a warm, dry environment as soon as possible. Provide plenty of water and
call your local Thrive Veterinarian if symptoms persist after 30 minutes.
2. Provide Extra Layers of Warmth
Try to keep your pet’s fur as long as possible during the winter months (if possible).
Fur provides pets with an added layer of protection from the elements and helps trap warmth against their body.
Delay large haircuts and instead opt for sanitary trims and regular brushing until the temperatures rise.
If your pet’s fur is already short or shaving them is necessary due to matting or fleas, ensure you are prepared to provide them with additional options for warmth.
Use coats or sweaters designed for pets.
Especially pets with shorter hair, smaller breeds that feel the cold more easily, older pets with lower immune systems, and any pet when the temperature is below freezing.
The clothing must be snug to avoid catching on anything or causing trips, but not so tight that it constricts movement or breathing.
Always ensure the coat is dry before dressing your pet. Change it out for a dry sweater if it has become damp due to snow or rain.
Provide your pet with extra blankets in areas where they typically spend time.
Remember, when we are feeling chilly, we put on extra layers to stay warm. Our pets do not have this luxury. Providing cozy bedding will keep them comfortable without needing to turn up the heating throughout the whole house.
3. Protect Against Dry Skin and Cracked Paws
Nose and paw pad moisturizers
Just as our lips can become chapped, our pet’s noses can dry out in the cold. Rub some snout moisturizer on their nose each day to keep it comfortably moist.
Keeping your pet’s paw pads moisturized helps protect them from painful cuts, sores, and even infections.
Protective booties
Use humidifiers inside if necessary
Heaters can cause the air inside your home to become very dry, further drying out your pet’s (and your own) skin. If you are consistently running the heating inside your house, try using a humidifier as well to help keep the air moist and your pet’s skin soft.
4. Watch Out for Winter Hazards
Antifreeze & Chemical Agents
Antifreeze and chemical agents spread onto community streets are incredibly toxic to animals. Not only can your pet ingest these chemicals by licking their contaminated fur, but they can also enter your pet’s bloodstream through any cuts or cracks in their skin or paw pads.
If you use antifreeze on your vehicle, driveway, steps, or anywhere else around the house, make sure you are diligent about cleaning up any spills.
If your pet steps in antifreeze or walks along a street treated with a chemical deicer, clean their paws thoroughly to ensure no residue is later ingested.
Keep any containers of antifreeze well sealed and out of paws' reach.
Consider purchasing a pet-safe deicer for your home.
Ice and Frozen Waterways
Older dogs with brittle bones are more susceptible to
bone fractures if they slip. Find some non-slip dog or cat booties for them to wear on their walks to help reduce their risk of falling on icy land.
The surface of frozen ponds, lakes, or pools can easily break without warning. Avoid walking on frozen waterways with your pet as a dip into the icy water can cause hypothermia, drowning, and other serious health problems for your fur baby.
5. Increase Your Pet's Visibility
With the shorter days, you may often find yourself walking your pet or letting them out to roam the yard when it’s dark outside. Lighter colored pets also run the risk of becoming lost in the snow if you live in a particularly cold environment.
Keep your pet safe from vehicles, other animals, or from getting lost by:
6. Create an Emergency Plan for Your Pets
Weather can be very unpredictable during the winter months. Large storms can cause power outages, days snowed inside, and even supply chain issues. Make sure your home is always stocked with enough of your pet essentials to get you through if access to stores or deliveries ever becomes limited.
Have at least a week’s worth of pet food, water, and their medications stocked at all times in the home.
Plan a pet-friendly place to stay and a method of ensuring your pet gets to this safe place in the event you need to evacuate your home.
Keep extra supplies in your car to help your pet stay warm, dry, fed, and hydrated in the event your car becomes trapped during travel.
