While our furry friends come with a built-in coat, not every pet is cut out for winter weather! Even hearty Arctic breeds can experience negative effects if exposed to winter conditions for too long. This month, we’re considering “how cold is too cold” for pets. We’ll also outline some safety precautions you can take to make sure your pets safely enjoy the great outdoors this winter.
First, Know Your Pet Just like some people are comfortable in t-shirts and shorts while others bundle up in parkas, no two pets will experience cold weather the same. Some breeds of dogs, like Huskies and Samoyeds, were specifically bred to withstand long bouts of wintry weather. Others, like short-coated Chihuahuas and Greyhounds, can catch a chill even in the summertime! That’s why it’s incredibly important to know your pet and their tolerances. Here are a few variables to consider: Coat Type and Color Dogs with thick, double-layered coats tend to be the most cold-tolerant. This includes dogs like Newfoundlands, Malamutes, and Saint Bernards. These dog breeds tend to have a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser topcoat. Dogs with thinner coats will be much less cold-tolerant and may need to be bundled up before heading outside, even on mild winter days. Interestingly, your dog’s coat color also impacts how warm they stay. Black, brown, or other dark-coated dogs can absorb significant amounts of heat from sunlight, keeping them warmer in comparison to dogs with light-colored coats. Age and Health Your pet’s age and health status also play a significant role in how well they can tolerate cold. In general, very young pets and senior pets will struggle more with extreme cold weather. Certain chronic health conditions may also affect your pet’s ability to regulate their body temperature. These conditions include:
Size and Weight In general, smaller dogs get cold much faster than larger dogs. That’s due to a few key reasons. Dogs lose most of their heat through their skin. Small dogs have a larger surface area-to-volume ratio compared to big dogs. That means they have a bigger surface to lose heat through and a smaller area "inside" to hold on to heat. Small dogs may also have lower body fat than bigger dogs. Body fat acts as a natural insulator, so thin dogs become colder much more quickly. So, How Cold Is Too Cold? While cold tolerance varies by breed, age, body condition, and health status, there are a few simple rules of thumb you can follow when adventuring outdoors with your pets this winter. If the temperature is... 45 degrees Fahrenheit or higher This temperature is comfortable for most animals. Still, you should always consider your pet’s coat type, size, and overall health before taking them outside. Watch for signs of cold, like shivering, whining, or reluctance to keep walking. 32 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit Some dogs may feel cold at this temperature. Consider bundling them up in a sweater or booties when going outside and limiting walk lengths. 20 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit Certain dogs may be in danger if they spend too much time outside in this temperature. Medium and large dogs may be able to tolerate up to 30 minutes outside in these conditions. Closely monitor smaller dogs and short-haired dogs for signs of hypothermia. Under 20 degrees Fahrenheit Keep walks to 20 minutes or less, or take several shorter walks instead of one long walk. At this temperature, many dogs can develop problems like hypothermia or frostbite without cold weather protection in as little as 15 minutes. Signs of Hypothermia Hypothermia is a serious health condition in which a dog's body temperature drops below 99°F (37°C). It can range from mild to severe and, if left untreated, can be life-threatening. Symptoms of hypothermia include:
If you notice any of the above signs, get your dog to a safe, warm space as soon as possible. Wrap pets in warm blankets and towels. Call your vet as soon as you can and be ready to bring your pet in for evaluation and supportive care. Keep Pets Happy & Healthy This Winter! With our mild Pacific Northwest winters, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside with your pets. However, it’s important to know when and how to safeguard your furry friends against cold weather conditions. If you ever have questions about your pet, the team at Mountainside Veterinary Hospital is here to help! Comments are closed.
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