We offer primary care for dogs and cats in Columbus, OH and the surrounding areas. We are proud to be AAHA accredited and Feline-Friendly certified.
01/21/2025
❄Brrrrrrr!❄
With winter and cold weather upon us, many pet parents wonder how cold is too cold for their dogs to be outside. Even though dogs are covered in fur, it is important to remember that their entire body is exposed to the weather, and a good guideline is if it is too cold for humans to be out, it is too cold for our dogs.
As the temperatures drop, understanding how our four-legged friends are affected by the weather and what we can do to keep them safe and happy will make sure everyone has a great winter.
🥶So, How long can my dog stay outside?
This can be very breed-dependent, as varieties in dogs’ size, coat, and age have an impact on their ability to deal with cold.
🐾Age: Puppies and senior dogs are less cold tolerant than healthy adult dogs and should be watched carefully as the temperatures drop.
🐾Size: Small dogs tend to be less able to stand cold temperatures than larger dogs as they have smaller mass and can be thinner, without the insulating fat that many larger dogs have.
🐾Coat type: Coat type has a large effect on how long dogs can be in the cold. Breeds with extremely thin coats such as Vizslas, Chihuahuas, and greyhounds have just a single layer of fur that offers little warmth and protection from the elements. These dogs cannot be out for very long in very cold weather and often benefit from wearing coats or sweaters to stay warm.
🐾Breed: There are breeds that are much more suited for the winter weather like Huskies, Samoyeds, Newfoundlands, and other thick-coated breeds who thrive in the cold and snow. These breeds originated in cold-weather areas and have adaptations like thick, double-coated fur to keep them warm. They often have other characteristics like furry paws, compact bodies, and small, almond-shaped eyes that allow them to withstand cold temperatures. Even with these cold-weather adaptations, it is important to remember that conditions can be too cold for these dogs. Knowing and watching for the danger signs will help protect your dog.
🐾Weather: Other factors that influence how long your dog can be out in the cold include weather elements. A cloudy day will chill a dog faster without any chance to be warmed by the sun. If your dog gets wet, either because it is raining or snowing, they can become chilled quickly, and a cold wind can quickly make it feel like the temperatures are much lower.
Given all of these factors, a rough guideline is that most dogs are fine in temperatures above 45 F. Thin coated dogs, puppies, and older dogs should be watched closely as the temps fall below freezing (32 F). Under 20 F, dogs face a risk of hypothermia or frostbite if they spend too long outside.
