Moderately cold temperatures above 7 Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit) are fine for most dogs.
Typically, for small breed dogs, temperatures below -5C can have be potentially life-threatening. For medium and large breed dogs, it's best to avoid temperatures colder than -10C, although this varies by breed.
As a general rule of thumb: at 45°F (7°C) and below, most dogs will dogs will start to become uncomfortable. at 32°F (0°C) and below, small, thin-coated, young, old and sick dogs should not be left outside for long. at 20°F (-7°C) and below, dogs become vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite.
Use caution when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (around 7 degrees Celsius). It's potentially unsafe for little-or-medium-sized dogs with thin coats to be outside, but big dogs with heavier coats are probably OK.
In Vets Now's assessment of temperatures for walking your dog, they state that between 20 and 23 degrees has a six out of 10 risk rating and that rigorous exercise in this heat could lead to heatstroke. An eight out of ten rating is given for 24-27 degrees celsius and they advise that extreme caution must be taken.
It's generally safe in temperatures of up to 19°C (68°F) but be careful when the mercury rises above this. Even at temperatures as low as 20°C (70°F) dogs are at risk of heat stroke. Heat stroke in dogs is essentially a high temperature not caused by a fever.
Try the 5 second rule. Place the back of your hand on the surface for 5 seconds. If it's too hot to hold your hand there for 5 seconds, then it's too hot for your dog! Your dog can easily overheat when walking in the warmer weather.
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.
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.
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.
25 degrees is when you start dipping into dangerous weather, so you'll want to use caution, especially if your dog has already shown sensitivity to warmer weather than this. 20 degrees and lower is where you reach potentially life-threatening cold weather.
Cold-Temperature Guidelines for Dogs
Once temperatures drop under 20 F, all pet parents need to be aware that their dogs could develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia or frostbite when outside for extended periods of time.
Even though many cities in Australia have a reputation for heat, most still go through temperature changes that can make most dogs and cats feel uncomfortably cold. There are also some breeds of dogs and cats that have difficulty retaining heat.
While small pups can spend a few hours outdoors in temperatures between 60ºF and 90ºF, keep outings in temperatures below 32ºF and above 90ºF to short spans of no more than 10 to 15 minutes, recommends Dr. Wooten.
Familiarity with the cold
If they're a cold-friendly breed (like Siberian Huskies) or are used to being outdoors in colder temperatures, then it's OK to trust your individual pup's comfort level. However, dogs generally shouldn't sleep outside, especially when temperatures hit below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep Your Dog Warm – Sleeping on a blanket instead of tile or a hardwood floor can provide your dog a source of warmth and comfort on a cold winter night. This is especially true if you don't sleep in the same room as your dog, or don't allow them on your living room furniture.
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.
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.
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.
Dogs can sleep outside in a warm, well-ventilated and cosy shelter with plenty of access to fresh, clean water. However, the SPCA recommends allowing your dog to sleep inside as dogs are part of the family. We do not recommend chaining or tethering a dog as this causes distress and injuries.
The hotter the temperature, the higher the risk to your dog. As the temperature increases, even by just 1C, the risk to your dog increases too. Any temperature over 25C is a definite NO when it comes to walking! Stick to the rule of walking below 20C to be safe.
They say that between 16 and 19 degrees is generally safe for dogs, while between 20 and 23 degree is a six out of ten risk rating. When the temperature hits 24 and 27 degrees, this risk level goes up to nine out of ten, and then to ten out of ten when the weather reaches 32 degrees and above.
What temperature is too hot for dogs? For any dog, 32° C / 89.6° F is considered too hot. At this temperature, your dog is prone to heat stroke, regardless of its breed or health. In a perfect world, the best temperature to walk your dog is between 12° C – 15° C / 53.6° F – 59° F.