Cold Weather Tips
While dogs are better insulated than humans with their built-in fur coats, they are still susceptible to the dangers of cold weather. We always recommend that when it’s cold outside your dogs are housed indoors with the family! If that is not an option please make sure to follow these guidelines to keep outdoor dogs safe too.
When should you worry about outdoor temperatures for your dog?
Above 45°F is safe for most dogs with no significant risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
32°F and below: Starts to be unsafe for senior dogs, puppies, and small breeds with a thin coat.
20°F and below: Risk of frostbite and hypothermia increases for all dogs. Limit time outdoors if possible, make sure you provide a warm shelter, apply snug, dry doggy coats/sweaters.
10°F and below: Even large breed, thick-coated dogs are at risk of frostbite on their ears, paws, tails. Hypothermia can set in quickly.
Signs of hypothermia in dogs: shivering, muscle stiffness, followed by lethargy, weakness, pale gums, confusion, and shallow breathing.
Signs of frostbite: Pale, cold skin on the ears, tail, or extremities that turns red, swollen, or black over time.
What can you do to protect your dog?
Provide a warm shelter. This needs to be weatherproof, small, and raised off the ground. There are many styles of doghouses that you may purchase or build yourself.
Tips: Place it in a sheltered area near a wall or under a roofed structure, if possible, to block wind and snow. Face the doghouse entrance away from prevailing winds. Block wind and water with a door, flap, or panels made of tarp strips over the opening. Use foam board, straw, or Mylar space blankets for insulation. DO NOT use cloth blankets that can hold moisture and then freeze. The roof should slope away from the entrance. The doghouse should be small enough to only allow the dog to turn around and lay down as small space will help preserve body heat. Check it regularly to ensure it is not damp and remains clean and dry.
Keep water accessible and not frozen. You will need to check and refresh your water bowls twice a day during freezing weather to ensure your dog can stay hydrated and not lower his internal temperature by licking snow or ice. There are heated water bowls that can be purchased to avoid the water freezing.
Feed your outdoor dog more during the winter. To stay warm and active in cold weather, dogs need 25% to 50% more calories than normal.
Protect the Paws: Use dog booties or paw wax to protect the paws from frostbite when going on walks in frozen or snowy conditions. In extreme weather, consider bringing outside dogs into a garage, mudroom, or basement, even if only temporarily.
