As beautiful as a dog's coat may be, fur isn't a perfect insulator, especially when it's very cold. Regardless of breed, even thick- and double-coated dogs are vulnerable to cold-weather health threats such as frostbite and hypothermia.
Generally, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 32° F. At this temperature, some very young, senior, or thin-coated dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. Most other dogs that are double-coated or in prime health remain comfortable until temperatures drop under 20° F.
If your dog has a thick, double coat, they'll shed their undercoat in the summer. So, brushing regularly not only helps stay on top of the shedding, but it can help keep your dog's cooling system working efficiently. Getting rid of all that extra fluff keeps the air moving and your dog's skin drier and healthier.
The two layers work together to keep your dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Hiding underneath all that hair, most double-coated dogs have pale pink skin that is highly susceptible to sunburns — and potential sun damage is just one reason you should never shave a dog with a double coat.
Double coats: These dogs tend to have a dense undercoat that's an excellent insulator against the cold, working to keep the warmth in. Large body size: The larger the dog, the less surface area per weight. “Put simply, they conserve body warmth more efficiently,” Dr. Roberts said.
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.
While there are breeds that can be more susceptible to discomfort during snow days than others, there are also dogs who have their own built-in winter coats that can keep them cozy during chilly days. If you have a dog with a thick, double coat, it is best to leave their jackets at home.
Cutting of the top coat and undercoat will damage the hair and can result in a condition called coat funk. As mentioned before, it is also vitally important to not shave a double coat, as in doing so you would remove the dog's natural protection from heat and sun rays.
Bathing a Dog With a Double Coat
You will want to bathe your dog every eight to twelve weeks or when special circumstances (like rolling in something gross and smelly) apply. Increase the frequency of baths in the warmer months, when your double coated dog is shedding most.
Double-Coated Dogs
In summer, a dog will shed a good bit of this under- layer, but what remains will help capture air between the two coat layers, allowing the dog to keep the heat at bay and regulate their body temperature. The outer coat (or guard hair) consists of longer hair that gives a dog their color.
Another approach is to brush and compare your dog's hair. Brush its hair thoroughly, then remove the hair from the brush to observe the texture. If you see two types of hair, one harsher and one softer, your dog is double-coated. On the flip side, the hair of a single-coated dog has all the same texture.
Medium-to-large dog breeds, like the Siberian Husky, Samoyed, Malamute, Newfoundland, and Bernese Mountain Dog, have adapted to extremely cold temperatures because of their thick double coats. For this reason, they can stay outdoors longer in temperatures below 32ºF, usually for 30 minutes to an hour, says Dr.
As long as your dog has a soft bed to lie on, and as long as the room temperature remains above freezing, dogs are unlikely to get too cold. The dog will curl up and snuggle down, its own body heat sufficient for a good night's sleep.
Cold Temperature Guidelines for Dogs
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.
Cutting the fur damages the natural cycle of a double coat. Your dog's top coat can take up to 2 years to grow back completely or it may not grow back as before. Depending on your dog, their fur can grow back patchy, thinner and can develop skin conditions such as alopecia.
To conclude, dogs do need to wear sunscreen especially on exposed areas of skin. It is just as important for them as it is for us. Spending long amounts of time in the sun is not healthy for them and could potentially cause skin cancer. You should aim to avoid being outdoors with no shade in peak sunshine hours.
While some dogs are perfectly capable of braving the cold, others may need a little extra help staying warm. However, it's important to remember that dogs can overheat just like humans, and wearing a coat in warm weather can actually be dangerous.
All dogs can benefit from blankets. Young, old, and sick dogs need the added comfort. Small dogs, short-haired breeds, and dogs who are prone to be more cold-blooded need the extra warmth. Dogs love the comfort of having a blanket of their own, and blankets make great substitutes for dog beds.
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.
In very cold weather, you should supervise your dog when they're outside. If your pup spends too much time romping around a cold yard, their ears, tail and paws are susceptible to frostbite. Ensure that your dog's outdoor kennel or shelter is dry and draft-free.
Best House Temperatures for Dogs
In the winter, 68 F to 72 F is comfortable for you and your dog. Don't set the thermostat lower than 60 F when you're gone. Give puppies, older dogs, small short-haired dogs and less healthy dogs a warm bed or an extra blanket on the couch.
Cold Temperature Breakdown
Below 45°F – Some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. Below 32°F – Owners of smaller breed dogs, dogs with short or thin coats, and/or very young, senior dogs, dogs with health conditions, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet's well-being.
Curled up in a tight ball, dogs in the doughnut pose have their limbs tucked close to their bodies, their nose near the tail. These pups are sweet and caring, but they tend to be reserved around strangers or are settling into their new homes. This posture also traps body heat, so a curled-up canine might be cold.