What Temperature Is Too Cold for Dogs? Signs of Hypothermia

Canine temperature tolerance is dependent on a dog’s breed, coat thickness, body fat percentage, and metabolism. Most dog breeds thrive in temperatures between forty-five and seventy degrees Fahrenheit, but certain breeds are fine in cooler temperatures, too. For example, Samoyeds, Alaskan malamutes, and Siberian huskies can survive subzero temperatures for long periods of the day.

Research your dog’s breed to better understand the canine’s genetic heat and cold tolerance. In general, introduce your dog to colder temperatures gradually—for example, as the seasons change—and monitor them extra closely in temperatures below forty-five degrees. If your dog is playing in the snow or the temperature drops below freezing, check your pet regularly for signs of frostbite and hypothermia—pale gums, low heart rate, shivering, and stumbling.

To protect a dog in low temperatures, pet parents should learn how climate affects different age groups, sizes, and dog breeds.

• Senior dogs: Older dogs might show signs they want to avoid cold weather. This reluctance to enter colder weather could stem from several health issues, including joint pain, arthritis, and hyperthyroidism. It’s advisable to keep older dogs in a temperature range between forty-five and seventy degrees Fahrenheit to keep them comfortable.
• Smaller dogs: Chihuahuas, French bulldogs, and other small breeds with short fur are the least equipped canines for snow and winter weather and, therefore, have the highest risk of hypothermia. Provide your petite pet with a waterproof dog coat or sweater to keep your dog warm during outdoor potty breaks in freezing temperatures.
• Thick-haired dogs: Alaskan malamutes, Newfoundlands, Samoyeds, and Siberian huskies are all built well for the snow and cold weather. Large dog breeds with thick coats can often withstand subzero temperatures for a few hours and might even beg for more time outdoors in cold weather. That said, your individual dog, whether purebred or mixed, might not be representative of cold-weather breeds even if they have this coat type. It’s best to exercise caution until you’re familiar with your pet’s comfort levels.
• Thin-coat dogs: Greyhounds and Great Danes are larger dogs that generate a lot of body heat; however, they have exceptionally thin coats, which is a disadvantage in low temperatures. Similarly, small dogs with short hair should spend limited time in cold conditions since they have fast metabolisms and extremely short coats. With or without a dog coat, a short-haired dog should only spend a few minutes at most in freezing outdoor temperatures.

Dog owners should consider these potential risks before introducing their pet to cold temperatures:

1. 1. Frostbite: Although your pet’s paws are typically more durable than human feet, colder temperatures can lead your dog to develop frostbite on their paw pads, nose, and other vulnerable extremities.
2. 2. Hypothermia: Prolonged or severe cold exposure can lead to hypothermia, a life-threatening condition in dogs. Keep in mind extreme temperatures might actually be even lower when you account for the windchill factor. Winter weather storms can produce high winds, decreasing outside temperatures by five degrees Fahrenheit for every increase of five miles per hour in wind speed.
3. 3. Slipping: Cold temperatures can create slick walking surfaces, leading to injuries and other detrimental health conditions. Although your dog’s paws have excellent grip, a pair of wintertime booties will better protect their feet from frostbite and increase their stability and traction on slippery ground.

If your dog begins to show signs of hypothermia—a condition that can be fatal—lead them to a warm location to raise their body temperature immediately. If your dog does not return to their normal behavior within a reasonable amount of time, contact your doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM). Learn these common signs of hypothermia to protect your pup in wintry weather:

• Dilated pupils: If your dog presents fixed or dilated pupils, this can signify life-threatening hypothermia.
• Lack of coordination: Snow and slippery walking surfaces can affect your dog’s coordination, but noticeable changes in their mood, gait, or behavior patterns can be the first signs of severe hypothermia.
• Lethargy: If your dog loses interest in playing, has a dropoff in energy levels, or curls into a ball and refuses to move, they are likely experiencing signs of extreme cold.
• Lowered heart rate: A dog’s body lowers its heart and breathing rates in the event the dog is at risk of hypothermia. This symptom appears in conjunction with a decrease in energy and coordination, such as stumbling.
• Pale skin: If your dog’s eyelids, gums, or other areas of skin become unusually pale, this is a sign they are too cold.
• Shivering: Your pup’s natural reaction to cold will be to shiver to increase their body temperature. When your best friend starts trembling like this, coax them into a warm location to return their core temperature to normal levels. On the other hand, if your furry friend stops shivering in colder weather, this could be a sign of severe hypothermia or other adverse health conditions.

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