Depending on where you live, the winter months can be quite hazardous for pets. If you’ve ever wondered how cold is too cold for your dog, we’ve got the answer, plus 7 additional safety tips for walking your dog in winter.

How Cold Is Too Cold For Your Dog?

Wolves are blessed with thick, water-repelling fur and insulating undercoats to shield them from the cold, but many domestic dog breeds aren’t so lucky. Centuries of cross-breeding have resulted in dogs with short, thin, or even “no” hair.

Cold tolerance also depends on a dog’s age, fat stores, energy level, and overall health. Working dogs and those with long hair and thick coats tend to be more tolerant of cold weather, while young puppies, short-coated dogs, seniors, and lean-bodied breeds feel the chill faster. The same is true for toy breeds, dogs that are clipped short during grooming, and low-rider breeds like Dachshunds and Corgis whose bodies sit close to the frozen ground.

Even dogs that once tolerated the cold may have trouble regulating their body temperature after developing certain diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and endocrine conditions like Cushing's or Addison’s disease.

But is there an actual reading on the thermometer you should watch out for? How cold is too cold for your dog?

Temperature Breakdown for dogs

Dr. Jennifer Coates of PetMD listed the following temperature limits to help dog parents keep their pups safe this winter:

45°F and up: This should be comfortable for most dogs, but if your puppy, senior, toy, or short-coated dog is showing signs of cold, it’s time to cut your walk short.

32°F – 45°F: This is the range where some cold-averse dogs may begin to feel the chill.

20°F – 32°F: At these temperatures, pet parents should pay close attention to their small dogs, short-coated breeds, young pups, senior dogs, and those with health conditions. Walks should be kept short and ended at the first sign of discomfort.

Below 20°F: Dogs are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite at this range. Walks should be limited to potty breaks only, and pets should not be left outside unattended.

Symptoms of Hypothermia in Dogs

If it is too cold for your dog, you may notice signs of hypothermia, such as:

Shivering
Lethargy
Whining
Pale gums
Stumbling, disorientation
Dilated pupils
Low heart and breathing rates
Curling into a ball to conserve warmth to the vital organs

What to Do if Your Dog Shows Signs of Hypothermia

If your dog shows any of the signs of hypothermia, bring them inside immediately and wrap them in a warm blanket. Surround your pup with warm water bottles to help raise their body temperature. These are safer than space heaters and heating pads which can cause burns or pose fire risks.

If your dog has serious symptoms such as stumbling, paleness, and low heart rate, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Are Dog Winter Coats Necessary?

Not all dogs need winter coats, but depending on the weather conditions, these accessories can be life-saving. Large dogs with thick, dense coats have natural protection against the cold, but most other pups can benefit from dog winter coats, sweaters, and even boots.

Heat regulation is more difficult for small breeds, short-haired pups, and those with lean body weights. Even dogs that once loved the cold may need winter coats as they age. Thinning hair and conditions senior dogs are prone to like arthritis and lowered immunity make it more difficult to maintain body temperature.

Choosing The Right Dog Winter Coat

If you decide to purchase a dog winter coat, look for one that protects your pup’s neck and belly, and fits snugly without being too tight. A properly-fitting winter coat should extend from the base of your dog’s neck to his tail, without being so long or bulky that it makes it difficult to urinate or defecate.

Additional Safety Tips For Walking Your Dog In Winter

1. Make sure your pup has ID.

Dogs can become lost any time of year, but it is especially dangerous in the winter. Not only are lost dogs at the mercy of the elements, but snow and ice can make it difficult for them to recognize familiar scents and find their way home.

When walking your dog in winter, be sure their collar and harness fit snugly and are outfitted with up-to-date contact information. If your dog is not yet microchipped, now is a good time to do it. ID tags can fall off or be lost along with a dog’s collar, but a microchip is permanent. If your pooch already has a microchip, verify that the contact information on file is current and correct.

2. Leave your pet at home.

As in summer, walking your dog in winter is a necessity, if only for potty purposes. But some people don’t realize that bringing their dog along on winter car rides can be nearly as dangerous as it is during the hot months. Just as your car heats rapidly in the summer, it also cools quite quickly in the winter, leaving susceptible dogs vulnerable to the elements.

Leaving the engine running and the heat on is not a safe solution, as the car can stall, release noxious fumes, or be stolen with your pup inside. The best option is to leave your dog safe and warm at home while you run winter errands.

3. Watch out for ice.

As you walk your dog in winter weather, be on the lookout for dangerous ice patches that could cause slips and falls. Older, arthritic pets are particularly at risk for ice-related injuries, but it can happen to any dog.

It is also important to keep your dog on a secure lead as you pass by frozen lakes, ponds, and waterways. The internet is packed with stories of loose dogs crashing through the ice. Some involve heroic rescues, while others end tragically for the dog and/or the owner. What they all have in common is that they could have been prevented entirely if the dogs were on leashes.

4. Protect the paws.

Snow, ice, and de-icing products can wreak havoc on your dog’s tender paws. Salt, antifreeze, and other chemicals can not only damage the paws, but also cause poisoning if your dog licks his feet.

Check your pup's paws for signs of cracking or bleeding, and consider outfitting him with boots for winter walks. If your dog will not tolerate boots, invest in pet-safe wipes to clean his feet after going outside. For long-coated dogs, keep the hair between the toes and pads clipped short to prevent snow, ice, and chemicals from clinging.

You can also reduce the risk of illness or injury by using pet-safe deicers such as plain kitty litter.

5. Prevent Poisoning.

Antifreeze poisoning is one of the most deadly and painful emergencies veterinarians see in winter. The active ingredient in antifreeze, ethylene glycol, causes vomiting, hypothermia, seizures, and eventual death from kidney failure.

Even small amounts of antifreeze can be deadly to your dog, and sadly, the sweet taste is appealing to some pets. When walking your dog in winter, watch him closely and steer clear of driveways, garages, and suspicious-looking puddles.

6. Prepare for winter emergencies.

What if there’s a blizzard and you can’t walk your dog, go to the store for supplies, or turn on the heat? Dog parents living in hurricane territory often prepare emergency kits for their dogs, and this is also a good idea for those facing extreme winter weather. Your kit should include at least a week’s worth of food, fresh water, and medications, plus warm blankets, veterinary records, and identification/contact information.

7. There’s no such thing as “outdoor pets” in winter.

Even if your dog’s breed is built to tolerate cold weather, they can still suffer from frostbite or hypothermia in extremely cold temperatures. Outdoor pets are at a higher risk of becoming lost in snowy climates, and can suffer from accidents or injuries due to ice, road salt, and dangerous chemicals.

Additionally, dogs are pack animals. They long to be close to their families, not left outside, cold and lonely.

A Note From Dr. Kent: What To Do If You See A Dog Left Out In The Cold

Every winter, dogs suffer and die in the cold, harsh elements. Some are strays, while others are pets. So, what can you do if you see a dog left out in the cold? Dr. Kent recommends speaking kindly and empathetically with the dog’s owner before taking action. Some people truly do not realize that their pets are suffering, and will take action if politely informed.

If the dog continues to be left outside, follow the Humane Society’s expert recommendations, including:

Report what you see: Note the date, time, and exact location of the endangered dog, and take down as many details as possible, including cell phone images and video if possible.
Contact your local animal control agency or county sheriff's office. Note whom you speak with and when, then follow up in a few days if the dog is still in danger.
Call HSUS for professional advice. The Humane Society is not a law enforcement agency, but it is an excellent informational resource.

Conclusion

Following these winter dog walking safety tips and learning how cold is too cold for your individual dog will help you keep your best friend safe and warm until sunny spring arrives. If you have questions or concerns about winter dog safety, contact your vet. We’re here to help!

How Cold Is Too Cold For Your Dog & 7 More Safety Tips For Walking Your Dog In Winter