Yes, dogs definitely feel the cold, and if it's too cold for you, it's likely too cold for them, especially smaller dogs, puppies, seniors, or those with short fur, as their insulation varies greatly; signs they're cold include shivering, burrowing, seeking warmth, or a tucked tail, and they can suffer from frostbite or hypothermia in extreme conditions, needing coats, booties, or extra shelter.
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.
Most of Australia may not get snow, but temperatures do drop low enough that some dogs will get cold and benefit from wearing a coat. It really depends on the weather conditions where you live and what level of cold your dog can tolerate.
45°F to 32°F – Caution zone for smaller dogs or those with short coats. Keep outings shorter and consider a jacket. 32°F to 20°F – Risk of cold-related discomfort and hypothermia increases, especially for small, senior, or thin-coated dogs. Below 20°F – Potentially dangerous for most dogs.
Yes--dogs can get cold at night indoors. Whether they actually feel cold depends on several factors: breed, size, body condition, coat type, age, health, and the ambient temperature. Practical signs, risks, and remedies follow.
Many dogs do enjoy being covered by a blanket! Snuggling into something soft can feel like a warm hug, offering both physical warmth and emotional security. It's a throwback to their wild ancestry, where curling up in a cozy, den-like space helped them stay safe and warm.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
Size is a factor
If you're feeling cold in your house for you overnight, your pet is probably also feeling the chill. If the tips of your pet's ears are warm, they're probably warm enough all over – the extremities tend to get cold first.
In Australia, winter nights can range from mild to freezing depending on the region. Small breed dogs should be brought indoors below 10°C, while large, cold-weather breeds may be able to stay outdoors until it drops below 4°C.
Breeds that feel the cold and need a warm dog coat this winter
An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
The answer to the in-depth question of whether dogs need a blanket in winter can be answered succinctly with YES. And that is whenever you notice that your dog's body or paws are cold. You can clearly recognize this as soon as your dog is shivering, but an unusual gait or a hunched back can also be signs of freezing.
If your dog stays outside in cold weather for more than potty breaks and walks, they will need a warm, dry place away from the cold and wet. Provide your dog with an insulated, airtight doghouse that is raised up off the ground at least a few inches and is equipped with a door flap to keep out drafts.
If your dog is usually kept outside, you could bring them indoors to sleep at night, somewhere warm and dry, away from cold drafts and damp. The temptation in winter is to stay indoors, safely snuggled under a warm blanket. But your dog or cat still needs exercise and boredom busting stimulation.
More often than not, your dog's cold ears are a normal response to cold weather, especially if they have certain characteristics due to their breed. The anatomy of your dog's ears can contribute to their temperature, such as the shape, size, position and amount of hair.
Whining or Anxiety: Pets may try to vocalize their discomfort when they are cold. If your dog starts whining or showing signs of anxiety, they might be asking for warmth. Cats, though more subtle, may seek out warm places to hide or become more vocal.
The general rule of thumb is that if it is too cold for you, it is most likely too cold for your dog. Once you start shivering, it's time to find a warm, dry place for both you and your pet. It is typically recommended that no pet should be left outside when temperatures are at or below 32 degrees.
In a nutshell: there's no real right or wrong answer. Just like humans, dogs are different – but where they sleep best can depend on their age, personality, health condition, your preferences…and also how well you both sleep together.
We don't ever advise leaving a dog outside – they deserve a warm, cosy home as much as we do – especially during the winter. No dogs can comfortably spend a long period of time in freezing weather, nor should they have to. Leaving them outside in the cold can be deadly.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
The 90/10 rule for dogs means 90% of their daily calories should come from a complete, balanced dog food, while only 10% should come from treats, training rewards, and any extra human foods or toppers, preventing nutritional imbalances and obesity. This guideline ensures essential vitamins and minerals are met through their main diet, keeping treats as occasional indulgences rather than dietary staples.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
The seven second rule. Put the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for seven seconds, it is too hot to walk for your dogs. This rule also applies to dogs riding in the bed of a pickup truck.
Normally, it takes 2-3 weeks for a dog to adjust to a new home, but it can take up to 3 months for them to fully adjust behaviourally.