At around 12 – 15 degrees most pets will probably be quite safe. At 10 degrees, you need to keep an eye on them as it can be potentially unsafe depending on their age, general health, and breed.
Cold-Temperature Guidelines for Dogs
While broad generalizations are difficult, cold should not become a problem for most dogs until the temperature falls below 45 F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable.
YES! Cold weather causes problems for dogs just as it does for their owners. Pooches rely on their respiratory system to stay warm. When the air is icy, their bronchial tube can constrict, which can turn a normal infection into pneumonia!
While safe temperatures are not clear-cut, Charpentier advises her clients that healthy dogs and cats that are not elderly or skinny should be able to safely remain at a house that is as cold as 45 degrees, or even colder. For its own comfort, the animal should have a place to go where it can warm up.
At around 12 – 15 degrees most pets will probably be quite safe. At 10 degrees, you need to keep an eye on them as it can be potentially unsafe depending on their age, general health, and breed.
Most dogs can withstand cooler conditions than humans. Dogs use their coat, skin and fat to protect them against the cold. However, dogs are still susceptible to risks associated with cold temperatures. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to provide shelter and make sure your dog is both healthy and comfortable.
Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather.
The house should be insulated to keep the warmth inside and have a cover to help reduce wind and cold entering the house. A plastic flap or piece of carpeting that acts as a door will work. You can also put in an interior wall that further cuts back on the wind that blows through the door.
“It's easy to spot when dogs are cold. They shiver and seek warmth just like we do. They may not act like themselves. They may be lethargic or they may want to spend more time inside.”
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.
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.
Common Signs Your Dog / Pet Is Feeling the Cold
Your pet may be shivering, trembling or cuddling into warm spaces. Dogs and cats may curl up on your bed, lounge or near the heater as they seek warmth. Pets will also start to avoid lying on cold tiles and will choose to rest in places with warm flooring or carpet.
Dogs, just like people, can develop hypothermia in cold temperatures. Small, short-coated, short-legged and toy breeds are at highest risk for hypothermia and problems can become apparent at temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius.
Dogs notoriously love their blankets. Whether it's at home or on the road, it gives them a place to snuggle up and be comfortable. No matter your lifestyle, this is an easy investment that every pet owner can make to improve the quality of life for their animal.
If it is cold or your dog is small, then yes, you should cover him up at night. Adding a blanket to his dog bed will help keep him warm. It will also make him more comfortable. Your dog will especially appreciate the extra blanket during cold temperatures.
Add cedar or pine shavings to the interior of his doghouse and the wood shavings will hold body heat, giving your dog a warm spot. These wood chips are natural insect repellants and can help keep fleas and other bugs at bay.
Move the doghouse to a sheltered location. This can be the wind-sheltered side of your house, on a covered patio or inside the garage. Keep the doghouse off cold ground or concrete by placing it on a thick pad of wood chips, straw or insulation.
A comfortable winter temperature for most dogs is between 68 and 72 degrees. Consider the same variables mentioned for summer temperatures above to establish a safe, enjoyable winter thermostat setting.
According to Dr. Burch, no dog should be out for a walk if the temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. “Below 20 degrees Fahrenheit is too cold for almost all dogs to go for an actual walk, and [they] should only take short trips outside to do their business,” Dr. Roberts said.
A dog who gets too cold could develop hypothermia; a condition that occurs when the dog's body temperature falls below normal. If the dog's temperature continues to fall, the muscles stiffen, the breathing and heart rates slow, and he could potentially die. Frostbite is less common, but can still happen.
50-60 degrees and higher are safe temperatures for your dog. 85+ degree temperatures are a different beast in itself, but we're just talking about cool to cold temperatures here. 45 degrees or so are generally acceptable, but you'll still want to keep an eye on how your dog is handling itself in these temperatures.
If the tips of your pet's ears are warm, they're probably warm enough all over – the extremities tend to get cold first. Animals which are smaller, leaner, or animals with shorter coats will feel the cold much more acutely.
Werber says dogs and cats are likely to sleep a little more in the wintertime. And most of this is due to the same sorts of reasons humans are less active: they're cold! "They'll look for a cozy blanket to cuddle up with and a warmer place to sleep.
Whether your dog is staying outside, sleeps indoors, or in a garage, it's important to keep them warm at night. For many, especially those of you with smaller dogs or dogs with thinner coats, keeping your dog warm at night is a must for not only their comfort, but also their wellbeing and general health.