Tag: frostbite signs in dogs

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Likely you know the dangers presented by leaving your pets out in the summer heat. However, did you know that winter weather produces severe risks to your pet’s health as well? Not long ago I wrote a post on chickens and cold weather. So today we’ll look at how cold is too cold to leave your dog outside. And I’ll offer tips to protect your pooch when they’re out in the cold.

Granted, some dog breeds delight and may even appear to do better in cold temperatures. Nevertheless, cold tolerant dog breeds can suffer consequences if exposed to freezing or below freezing temperatures for too long. Plus, other dogs don’t like the cold. And, as I said above, it can be hazardous.

A typical response to the question of how cold is too cold to leave your dog out is, “If it’s too cold for you, then it’s too cold for your dog“. Although, I disagree with that statement. For instance, today is sunny, windy, and in the 50s where I live. It looks like a beautiful day. Regardless, I was cold outside because of the wind, which is 20 mph currently. And based on the logic of the typical response, I shouldn’t let my dog outside. Despite that, I took her out, and she played hard, like she does. And when she was done, she sat panting under a tree with her ball. My point with this response is our own cold tolerance is different than our pet’s. Below you’ll see factors that affect your dog’s cold tolerance. Then after that are signs your dog is having a difficult time managing the cold.

How Cold is Too Cold to Leave Your Dog Outside

Just like with chickens, there’s not really a number to put out there that you can go by. Further, cold tolerance is determined by your dog’s size, coat, health, age, and breed. Usually healthy large adult breed dogs with a double coat have better cold tolerance than puppies or older dogs, smaller breeds, dogs with a single coat, and dogs with pre-existing health issues.

Dogs Bred for the Cold

Some dog breeds can negotiate considerably colder weather better than people, such as

These dogs have thick double coats that are also water-resistant. Since they were bred for the arctic, they prefer being in the cold. But they still need a wind and waterproof shelter with plenty of water from a freeze-proof water bowl if they’re outside for an extended period of time. And even these breeds can suffer the effects of freezing or below freezing weather, especially from prolonged exposure. If your dog isn’t enjoying their outside time, bring them in.

Dogs that can Endure the Cold Up to a Point

Other double-coated dogs like labradors, border collies, and Aussies, love to play in winter weather too. But so do medium and large warm weather breeds. Although, they can’t necessarily tolerate staying outside for as long as the arctic breeds. Therefore, as long as they’re playing or running, they should be fine. All of our dogs have been double-coated dogs. And they preferred winter to summer. That’s when they came alive and seemed to have more energy to play.

Be sure to monitor your dog while they’re outside. If they’re a single coat dog and just relieving themselves, don’t leave them outside for more than 10-15 minutes without a dog coat. And if they show any symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia, bring them in immediately.

Dogs that Can’t Weather the Cold

Small breeds, such as poodles, chihuahuas, dachshunds, and Italian greyhounds are definitely not as cold tolerant as larger breeds. First, they don’t have an undercoat to help insulate them. Moreover, if snow or ice is on the ground, smaller dogs will feel the cold faster than larger dogs. In addition, smaller dogs don’t have water-resistant coats like a double coat offers. And lastly, smaller dogs have less insulating body fat.

Again, puppies, older dogs, thin dogs and ones with health issues are more sensitive to the cold regardless of breed. And they can become ill with frostbite and hypothermia in no time at all.

Signs Your Dog Doesn’t Like the Cold

Even if your dog enjoys playing in the snow or cold weather, they might give you signals when enough is enough, like

• shivering
• barking or whining at you
• scratching at the door, indicating a clear desire to be inside
• walking funny
• standing still, lifting paws off the ground
• tail tucking or hunched posture
• hiding or running away
• and/or unexpectedly anxious behavior

If your dog starts displaying any of the above behaviors, it’s time to get them inside. 

Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite in Dogs

A dog that either gets too cold or has prolonged exposure to cold temperatures could get hypothermia or frostbite. Hypothermia happens when a dog’s body temperature drops below normal. Signs your dog may have hypothermia include

• being very cold but no longer shivering
• sluggish and disoriented
• shallow breathing
• nose, ears, paws, and tail look pale
• and internal body temperature is below 98°F

If your dog starts showing signs of hypothermia, wrap them in blankets or towels that are warm, NOT hot, from the dryer. And bring them to a warm room. Also, give them WARM fluids to drink. DON’T put your dog in a bath. That would be more harmful than beneficial.

With frostbite your dog’s nose, tail, ears, and paws are the most vulnerable. Symptoms include

It can be challenging identifying frostbite’s effect on your dog and may even take days to appear. Thus, make sure to inspect your dog’s paw pads and other extremities if they’ve been out in the cold. If you suspect your dog has frostbite, cover the affected area with a warm dry towel or blanket. And call your vet for advice.

How to Protect Your Dog During Winter

The following are tips on how to keep your fur baby safe while being out in cold and severe winter weather.

Check Extremities

After coming inside, don’t forget to inspect your dog’s extremities for any signs of discoloration. And trim the fur between the toes, so ice won’t accumulate.

Wipe Down

Whether your dog roams or you take them on walks, they could pick up de-icing products, antifreeze, or other toxic chemicals on their paws, legs, or belly. So, after getting home, thoroughly wash or wipe down your dog’s legs, feet, and belly to minimize any poison risk to your dog. Additionally, if you use de-icers, think about using pet-safe ones on your property to protect your pets.

Protect from Poison

Because a small amount of antifreeze can be fatal if ingested, quickly clean any spills. Further, put containers out of your dog’s reach. And since they can make your dog sick, make sure de-icers are stored and where they’ve been used can’t be accessed by your dog.

Skip the Car

You know cars in summer are a danger to pets. But leaving your dog in a cold car is a threat as well. Cars can become like a refrigerator quickly. So, limit car travel to only necessary trips. And don’t leave your dog unattended. Puppies, older, thin and sick dogs are more at-risk to the cold, and should not be left in a cold car.

Monitor Feed Intake

Maintain your dog at a healthy weight during winter. Some pet parents think a little additional padding offers their fur baby extra protection from the cold. However, the health cons outweigh any perceived benefits. Though, outdoor dogs need more calories in winter in order to produce enough energy and body heat to stay warm. For that reason, talk to your vet about your dog’s nutritional requirements for winter.

ID and Microchip

Considering more dogs are lost in winter than any other time, keep your dog’s collar on with current ID and contact info. Also, don’t forget to microchip your fur baby. Furthermore, when going on walks, use a leash to prevent getting separated. Plus, if you have a frozen pond or lake nearby, keep your dog on a leash. And steer clear of the frozen water. It may not support you or your dog. Additionally, if one or both of you break through, it would be dangerous.

Supply Shelter

If for some reason you can’t bring your dog inside during cold weather, provide a cozy, insulated shelter from the wind. The floor should be off the ground. And you want the shelter to be big enough for your pooch to move around in, but not so big they lose body heat. Bedding should be thick and dry and changed regularly to maintain a warm and dry environment. Avoid space heaters and heat lamps due to the risk of fires and burns. And always make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh, unfrozen water.

Provide Clothes

Consider putting a sweater or dog coat on your fur baby if they have a single coat or appear to dislike the cold. Also, have a few to rotate out, so you always have a dry one to put on your dog the next time they go out. In addition, you can try booties to protect your dog’s feet and paws. But be sure they fit correctly.

To Summarize

We can’t answer the question of how cold is too cold to leave your dog outside numerically or even based on our own comfort or discomfort. On the other hand, we can by looking at your dog’s cold tolerance. Your dog’s age, coat, health, size, and breed are the basis for answering the question. Puppies and elderly dogs, ill, thin, and single coat dogs should all be handled with care in the winter. But no dog, even cold tolerant breeds, should be left all day or night outside in below freezing temperatures, especially without wind proof shelter and unfrozen water. And if your dog is just standing around and starts shivering or whining, take them inside before they start developing hypothermia or frostbite.

Do you have a cold tolerant dog? How do you manage the winters with your fur baby where you live? 

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