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Dogs love to romp outside, no matter if it is too cold or too hot. Even in the winter, when the snow covers everything, dogs will happily play outside.
Part of being a dog owner and keeping your furry friend comfortable and healthy is making sure he is neither too hot nor too cold. When extreme weather hits, you may need to make extra effort to maintain your dog’s body temperature.
Let’s go over the signs your dog is too cold and talk about how you can recognize hypothermia and frostbite in your pet.
Why Do Dogs Get Too Cold?
Dogs are ectothermic animals, and as such, they cannot regulate their body temperature metabolically. They do not sweat through the skin, meaning you have to help them maintain cool or warm temperatures.
How Cold is Too Cold For Your Dog?
With so much variety in the canine world, we cannot have a clear answer to “how cold is too cold” for your dog. For example, an Alaskan malamute and a Siberian husky will thrive in the cold, while a Chihuahua will keep on shivering. The American Kennel Club registers 200 dog breeds, and there are many more that have yet to receive recognition.
As a general rule, breeds with low body fat tend to feel the cold more. Additionally, small single-coated dogs suffer heavily during the winter months.
If we look at temperature, the general rule is that above seven degrees is safe for most breeds. Once the temperature drops below zero, it becomes unsafe for most dogs. If the temperature drops to minus 12 degrees, it is considered life-threatening to dogs.
Signs Your Dog Is Too Cold
If you see sunny skies outside, it doesn’t always mean your dog cannot get cold. The sun might be out, but the temperature might be down. Dogs are comfortable in temperatures between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 Celsius). Small dogs are even more susceptible to losing core body temperature to the elements because they are lower to the ground.
Let’s take a look at the signs your dog is too cold.
Shivering
The most obvious sign of cold temperatures is your dog is shivering. When dogs feel cold, that is the first thing they do. You will notice your pet’s muscles are contracting and relaxing quickly and its body is trying to warm itself.
Cold Ears
Dogs have warm bodies due to their fur, but you should always check the temperature of their ears. Dog’s ears tend to lose heat quickly. If they are cold, it means your dog is not as comfortable being outside.
Rubbing Against You
Like humans, dogs look for shelter and warmth when they feel cold. If you notice your dog wants to stay close to you and rub against you, take it as a sign.
Move Slowly
When dogs are comfortable, they jump, run, and romp. Yet, when they feel cold, they will look lethargic, sleepy, or clumsier. Watch how your dog walks, and if it is too slow, go back inside to a warm room.
Barking and Whining
Dogs communicate their needs through their barking. When they are anxious and uncomfortable due to the cold, they might whine and bark. Pay attention to your dog’s body language to see if it seems out of the ordinary.
Tries to Turn Around
Dogs know when they cannot and do not want to continue their walk. If they feel cold, they will try to turn around.
Holds Paws Up Off the Ground
If you notice your dog keeps his paws up and off the ground, it is time to go back as soon as possible. It might be a sign your dog is getting too cold. Staying outside for too long always poses a risk of hypothermia.
Why Being in the Cold Is Not a Great Idea
Prolonged exposure to the cold can result in mild hypothermia and frostbite. While dogs will always show signs they are too cold, it might be better to make your walks shorter during the winter. Yes, some dogs love the cold weather. But not everyone owns a Siberian husky. You might need to get a bit creative to maintain your dog’s exercise requirements during winter times.
Signs of prolonged exposure to cold include:
- – Frostbite
- – Pale, cold skin
- – Redness and blisters of exposed skin
- – Skin may turn black
- – Prolonged shivering
- – Muscle stiffness
- – Confusion
- – Slow, shallow breathing
What is Hypothermia?
When left in the cold for too long, dogs develop hypothermia, a dangerous condition that occurs when the body temperature of your pet drops too low. Without treatment, hypothermia progresses to cardiac and respiratory failure, and in extreme conditions, death. Here are all the stages of hypothermia:
- Mild hypothermia: dog’s core body temperature between 90 and 99 F.
- Moderate hypothermia: dog’s core body temperature between 82 and 90 F.
- Severe hypothermia: dog’s core body temperature less than 82 F.
How to Recognize Hypothermia?
Shivering and curling up are the first signs of mild hypothermia. Recognizing the early signs and reacting to them can help your dog. Other signs include:
- Increased heart rate, followed by a slow heart rate.
- Rapid breathing, followed by slower breath.
- Dilated pupils.
- Paleness.
- Depression.
- Loss of consciousness.
Who is at Risk?
All dogs can experience hypothermia in cold temperatures. Yet, newborn puppies are at higher risk and can suffer from this dangerous condition even in normal temperatures because they cannot regulate their body temperature. Small dogs, seniors, and short-coated dogs are also at a higher risk.
See also
What is Frostbite?
Frostbite is damage caused to the skin caused by extreme cold. When the temperature drops below 32F, your dog’s blood vessels close to the skin begin to narrow or constrict. That protective mechanism allows them to preserve body temperature by diverting blood towards the core.
Yet, at the same time, the protective mechanism reduces blood flow in paws, ears, and tails. Combined with cold temperatures, this method can cause severe tissue injury in the skin and body parts farthest from the heart.
Most dogs get frostbite in the ears, paws, and tail. These areas are even more vulnerable when a dog is wet or damp.
Signs of Frostbite
The most common signs of frostbite include:
- Discoloration of the affected skin.
- Coldness and/or brittleness of the affected area when touched.
- Swelling of the affected area.
- Blisters or skin ulcers.
- Licking or chewing the affected area.
- Pain when touched.
- Swelling of the affected area.
How to Keep Your Dog Protected
In the same way, we try to keep ourselves warm during the winter, so we can help our pets. Let’s look at other creative ways to warm up your dog during chilly months.
Keep Their Bed Warm
During the winter months, you should try and keep your dog’s bed elevated and away from any drafts. Add in an extra blanket to keep it cozy and comfortable.
Dress Them Up
Buying clothes for your dog is more than a fashion statement. We put on sweaters during winter. So why shouldn’t our furry friends do it as well? Of course, breeds like the German shepherd and similar double coat dogs might not need one. But your bichon frise certainly does need it.
Protect Their Paws
The pet market has many options for your dog’s paws. Protective boots keep their little feet nice and warm during the winter walk.
Final Words
During the winter months, when the temperatures drop, your dog may be feeling the cold. The better you are at recognizing signs your dog is too cold, the safer your dog will be.
It is best that you try to minimize your dog’s exposure to the elements. When you go outside, keep your dog comfortable and protected.
The moment you notice the first signs, like shivering and lethargy, go back inside. It is better to err on the safe side when it comes to your dog’s health. While they cannot speak to you, they will always communicate in their own way how they are feeling. It is your job to understand their language and protect them from the elements throughout the changing seasons.
