We all know that exercise and the mental stimulation being outdoors playing are key to keeping our dogs healthy and happy, but what should we do when it\u2019s cold outside? When do the risks of spending time in the cold outweigh the benefits of being outdoors?<\/p>\n
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All Dogs Aren\u2019t Created Equal<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dogs are individuals. An outdoor temperature that feels downright balmy to one dog might send another in search of shelter. What are some of the variables that affect how dogs respond to the cold?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Coat type<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Dogs with thick, double-layered coats tend to be the most cold-tolerant (think Siberian Huskies, Newfoundlands, or Samoyeds). In most cases, these breeds have been developed in Northern climates and may also have other anatomical, physiological, or behavioral attributes that allow them to thrive when it\u2019s frigid. On the other hand, dogs who have exceptionally thin coats (e.g., Greyhounds and Xoloitzcuintli) suffer the most in cold weather.<\/p>\n Coat color<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 On a clear day, black, brown, or other dark-coated dogs can absorb significant amounts of heat from sunlight, keeping them warmer in comparison to their light-coated brethren.<\/p>\n Size<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013Small dogs have a larger surface area to volume ratio. In other words, the smaller dogs are the more skin they have (in relation to their \u201cinsides\u201d) through which to lose heat. Therefore, small dogs get colder more readily than do large dogs\u2026 all other things being equal.<\/p>\n Weight<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Body fat is a good insulator. Thinner dogs tend to get colder quicker than do their heftier counterparts. That said, the health risks of being overweight far outweigh any benefits, so don\u2019t fatten up your dogs during the winter months in a misguided attempt to protect them from the cold.<\/p>\n Conditioning<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 We\u2019ve all experienced this one. Fifty degrees feels quite chilly in October, but after a long, cold winter, a fifty degree day in April can make us break out the shorts and t-shirts. Dogs who are used to cold temperatures handle them much better than do pets who aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n Age and Health<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 The very young, the very old, and the sick are not as able to regulate their body temperatures in comparison to healthy dogs in the prime of their lives, and they therefore need greater protection from the cold.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All Temperatures Aren\u2019t Created Equal<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The temperature as it registers on a thermometer isn\u2019t the only environmental factor that affects how dogs feel the cold.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Wind chill<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 A brisk breeze can quickly cut through a dog\u2019s coat and greatly decreases its ability to insulate and protect against cold temperatures.<\/p>\n Dampness<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Rain, wet snow, heavy fog, going for a swim\u2026 any form of dampness that soaks through the fur can quickly chill a dog even if the air temperature is not all that cold.<\/p>\n Cloud cover<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Cloudy days tend to feel colder than do sunny days since dogs can\u2019t soak up the sun and warm themselves.<\/p>\n Activity<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 If dogs are going to be very active while outside, they may generate enough extra body heat to keep them comfortable even if the temperature is quite low.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cold Temperature Guidelines for Dogs<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45\u00b0F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. When temperatures fall below 32\u00b0F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and\/or very young, old, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet\u2019s well-being. Once temperatures drop under 20\u00b0F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like\u00a0hypothermia<\/em>\u00a0and frostbite.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The best way to monitor dogs when it\u2019s cold is to keep a close eye on their behavior. If you notice your dog shivering, acting anxious, whining, slowing down, searching out warm locations, or holding up one or more paws, it\u2019s time to head inside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"