What temperature is too cold for dogs to sleep outside

Although coastal Australia isn’t known for especially cold weather, when the winter months arrive there are a number of steps you should take to keep your dog healthy and warm. Of course, some dog breeds handle winter weather better than others, but as the temperature drops, so does your pup’s tolerance for the cold. Here’s what you need to know to keep your dog warm, snug and safe.

How cold is too cold for a dog?

Generally, your dog will feel uncomfortable in cold temperatures below 0°C. When the temperature reaches this point, don’t allow your dog outside for long periods.

Smaller dogs, as well as dogs with short coats, will feel the cold more sharply than larger dogs or breeds with thick coats. Likewise, senior dogs are more likely to suffer adverse effects from the cold than younger dogs. However, remember that even a thick coat can only insulate your dog so much – its ears, nose, tail and paws are more exposed than the rest of its body.

How to keep your dog warm and safe this winter

These five tips will keep your dog’s comfort and safety top of mind during the colder winter months.

1. Provide a warm, cozy place to sleep 

A soft bed and a thick blanket should provide plenty of warmth for your pup during the winter. However, if your dog sleeps in a particularly draughty or chilly part of the house, consider getting a self-warming pet mat, which retains your dog’s body heat, or a mat with a removable microwavable heating pad.

Just be mindful of safety – your dog should be able to easily get out of the bed on its own. Consult your vet if you have questions about appropriate heated pet beds.

2. Get your dog a jacket or sweater

Obviously some breeds with lush coats, such as huskies and malamutes, can cope with cold weather more easily than breeds with little or no hair. For breeds such as greyhounds, miniature pinschers, chihuahuas and whippets, get your pooch a doggie jacket or sweater to wear when you’re outdoors together.

To ensure a proper fit, measure your dog’s size around the neck, across the shoulders and around the chest. Look for designs that provide a snug but not too tight fit, and one that’s free of irritating zippers or embellishments that could be a choking hazard.

Not all dogs will tolerate wearing a sweater or jacket – and that’s OK. If they don’t want to wear one, simply limit the time they spend outside.

3. Provide adequate shelter 

In very cold weather you should supervise your dog when it's outside. If it spends too much time romping around a cold garden, the ears, tail and paws are susceptible to frostbite.

Ensure that your dog’s outdoor kennel or shelter is dry and draught-free. Ideally, the shelter should be 10 cm off the ground, with a sloped roof. Lay down straw for additional insulation.

4. Protect and inspect your dog’s paws 

In cold weather it’s prudent to pay your dog’s paws a little extra attention. Your dog’s bare paws are susceptible to frostbite, and snow on the ground can also disguise dangerous objects that can harm the paws.

After your dog returns from being outside, check its feet for cuts or abrasions, and wipe away frost or snow. For longhaired breeds, in winter maintain your dog’s paws by trimming excess hair from in between its toes. If your dog lets you, consider fitting it with booties to protect the feet.

If you notice cold weather is cracking and drying out the pads on your dog’s feet, consult your veterinarian about an appropriate dog-safe moisturiser. Never use a moisturiser made for humans, or you could harm your dog's paws rather than help them.

5. Protect against hypothermia 

If a dog is left outdoors in very cold weather, its body temperature can fall below normal levels, which could lead to hypothermia.

Mild hypothermia makes dogs weak and inactive, and they can’t stop shivering. As hypothermia worsens, dogs become unresponsive, and their breathing and heart rate slow. If you notice any of these symptoms, get your dog to a warm place immediately, and take it to the vet in case intravenous fluids need to be administered. Keep your dog warm on the way there with a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel.

Other important winter safety tips for your dog 

• Dogs can and should continue to exercise in the colder months. But remember to exercise gently for the first five minutes – just like humans, dogs need to warm up their muscles, too.
• Beware of fireplaces both inside and outside your home. Never leave a fire burning unattended with a pet nearby. Also ensure you use a safety screen to keep your pet safe from soot, flames and embers.
• Keep antifreeze out of reach and out of sight – it is toxic to dogs.
• Be mindful of space heaters – your dog can be burned if it gets too close to a heater, or the dog could tip the heater over and start a fire.

Image via iStock.com/Prystal

By Jennifer Coates, DVM

We all know that exercise and the mental stimulation being outdoors play are key to keeping our dogs healthy and happy, but what should we do when it’s cold outside? When do the risks of spending time in the cold outweigh the benefits of being outdoors? Let’s take a look at the dangers associated with winter weather and how we can still safely enjoy the great outdoors with our dogs during wintertime.

All Dogs Aren’t Created Equal

Dogs are individuals. An outdoor temperature that feels downright balmy to one dog might send another in search of shelter. What are some of the variables that affect how dogs respond to the cold?

Coat type – Dogs with thick, double-layered coats tend to be the most cold-tolerant (think Siberian Huskies, Newfoundlands or Samoyeds). In most cases, these breeds have been developed in Northern climates and may also have other anatomical, physiological or behavioral attributes that allow them to thrive when it’s frigid. On the other hand, dogs who have exceptionally thin coats (e.g., Greyhounds and Xoloitzcuintli) suffer the most in cold weather.

Coat color – On a clear day, black, brown, or other dark-coated dogs can absorb significant amounts of heat from sunlight, keeping them warmer in comparison to their light-coated brethren.

Size – Small dogs have a larger surface area to volume ratio. In other words, the smaller dogs are the more skin they have (in relation to their “insides”) through which to lose heat. Therefore, small dogs get colder more readily than do large dogs … all other things being equal.

Weight – Body fat is a good insulator. Thinner dogs tend to get colder quicker than do their heftier counterparts. That said, the health risks of being overweight far outweigh any benefits, so don’t fatten up your dogs during the winter months in a misguided attempt to protect them from the cold.

Conditioning – We’ve all experienced this one. Fifty degrees feels quite chilly in October, but after a long, cold winter, a fifty degree day in April can make us break out the shorts and t-shirts. Dogs who are used to cold temperatures handle them much better than do pets who aren’t.

Age and Health – The very young, the very old, and the sick are not as able to regulate their body temperatures in comparison to healthy dogs in the prime of their lives, and they therefore need greater protection from the cold.

All Temperatures Aren’t Created Equal

The temperature as it registers on a thermometer isn’t the only environmental factor that affects how dogs feel the cold.

Wind chill – A brisk breeze can quickly cut through a dog’s coat and greatly decreases its ability to insulate and protect against cold temperatures.

Dampness – Rain, wet snow, heavy fog, going for a swim … any form of dampness that soaks through the fur can quickly chill a dog even if the air temperature is not all that cold.

Cloud cover – Cloudy days tend to feel colder than do sunny days since dogs can’t soak up the sun and warm themselves.

Activity – If dogs are going to be very active while outside, they may generate enough extra body heat to keep them comfortable even if the temperature is quite low.

Cold Temperature Guidelines for Dogs

In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45° F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. When temperatures fall below 32° F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and/or very young, old or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet’s well-being. Once temperatures drop under 20° F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.

The best way to monitor dogs when it’s cold is to keep a close eye on their behavior. If you notice your dog shivering, acting anxious, whining, slowing down, searching out warm locations or holding up one or more paws, it’s time to head inside.

See Also:

Make sure your pup is bundled up!

With winter on its way, many dog owners are wondering if it's too cold for their dogs to be outside. While dogs can feel cold in certain weather conditions, there are ways to protect them when temperatures drop. From booties that protect sensitive paws to dedicated dog coats to dry nose balms, pet owners have more options than ever. Even if you don't have a cold weather dog breed, you and your pet can enjoy playtime in the snow if you follow these seasonal tips to keep your dog warm all season long.

Do Dogs Get Cold in Winter?

Yes, dogs do get cold in winter. Like humans, dogs are also susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. Indoor dogs also require special care in winter. "The dry air is just as hard for your dog as it is for you," says Zay Satchu, DVM and founder of Bond Vet in Brooklyn, New York. "Make sure they have constant access to water. If your dog experiences a dry nose in the winter, you can also consider a pet-friendly nose balm to keep it hydrated."

Caitlin-Marie Miner Ong

How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs To Be Outside?

"This varies depending on the breed, but a good rule of thumb is if it is too cold for you, it is likely too cold for them," says Satchu. "Breeds with thicker coats are typically derived from colder climate areas and will have a higher tolerance for low temperatures." This means a Siberian husky will likely have more tolerance for the cold than a short-haired dog like an Italian greyhound.

Age can also be a factor in cold tolerance, according to Satchu. "Puppies and geriatric patients will have a more difficult time regulating their body temperature, both in hot and cold weather, so if it's very cold you should provide them with a sweater or coat and limit their exposure to extreme temperatures."

Health conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes can make dogs more susceptible to the cold, according to the American Veterinary Medicine Association. You should also factor in wind chill and other weather conditions like rain, sleet, or snow that can make the great outdoors even more chilly for dogs. While the exact temperature that dogs get cold varies, you should not keep your dog outside for an extended period of time if the temperature drops to 30 degrees and below. This chart offers some general guidelines to follow.

Caitlin-Marie Miner Ong / Jody Tramontina

RELATED: How to Keep Your Pet Healthy All Year Round

Signs Your Dog Is Too Cold

"When dogs are cold, they may shiver, have a hunched posture, and lift or hold their paws off the ground," Satchu says. "In extreme cases, hypothermia is possible. Signs of hypothermia include lethargy, muscle stiffness, weakness, decreased mental alertness, and even loss of consciousness." You should seek immediate treatment if your dog shows signs of hypothermia.

What To Do If Your Dog Gets Too Cold

Consider bundling your dog in warm layers even before you go outside. "Smaller breeds and breeds with very short or thin coats are going to be more susceptible to cold. If it is very cold for you, it is probably best to give your dog a coat or sweater," Satchu says.

Never leave a dog unattended in a cold car, as it can accelerate symptoms of hypothermia. If your dog is exhibiting any signs of hypothermia or frostbite, call your vet immediately.

How To Keep Your Dog's Paws Protected From the Cold

"Paws are one of the few areas of a dog's body that are not protected by fur, and as a result they are prone to the cold," says Satchu. "Dogs can potentially suffer from frostbite if conditions are severe. If Fido will tolerate it, booties are a great way to protect paws from the cold and from the salt and sand that is used on walkways." If booties aren't your dog's style, wiping off paws with soap and water or even dog wipes can help prevent damage.

RELATED: Winter Is Coming: Keep Your Pet and Your Driveway Safe With These Pet-Safe Ice Melts

Here are some other good ways to keep your dog warm in cold weather:

Grace Canaan

Do Dogs Get Cold at Night?

It is possible for dogs to get cold at night, even if they're kept indoors. "If you think your dog is getting cold at night, consider giving him a cozy blanket to snuggle up to in bed. Most dogs will not feel cold at night or will seek out a warmer place if they do," says Satchu.

RELATED: 15 Dog Beds to Keep Any Kind of Pup Comfortable

Cold Weather Dog Breeds Who Enjoy Winter Conditions

Cold weather dog breeds like Great Pyrenees, Saint Bernards, and Newfoundlands were bred as working dogs in northern climates and are better suited to lower temperatures. "They all have long, thick coats that protect them from cold and snowy conditions," Satchu says. In general, dogs with double coats of fur and smaller ears that resist frostbite thrive best in cold climates.