Just how cold is too cold to be walking your dog? As the temperatures drop this winter, it’s important to first ensure that it’s not too cold outside to take your dog for a walk. (If it is too cold, here are some exercises that you can do with your dog indoors!) In general, most dogs would still be comfortable walking outside when the temperatures are in the 40s (degrees Fahrenheit, which is around 7 degrees Celsius), even those with shorter coats.
However, like humans, whether it’s too cold for a walk or not depends on the dog. You can have two similar-sized dogs with roughly the same coat and one of the dogs will be perfectly fine, yet the other will feel a bit nippy. However, there are some factors that you can take into account as to whether it’s too cold to walk your dog, starting with:
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What Breed Is Your Dog?
Different dog breeds have different tolerance levels to cold weather. Dog breeds with thick, double coats, such as Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes, are naturally equipped to handle colder temperatures. On the other hand, short-haired breeds like Chihuahuas or Greyhounds may be more sensitive to the cold. For dogs with thinner coats, it’s a good idea to purchase dog sweaters if you do decide to walk your dogs in colder weather.
Breeds with thicker coats, like the Siberian Husky pictured above, are more tolerant of colder temperatures.
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How Big Is Your Dog?
Animals, including dogs, lose their heat in proportion to their skin surface area. Therefore, the larger the surface area of the animal, the more heat it can lose. However, animals generate heat internally in proportion to their volume. Therefore, the larger the volume of the animal, the more heat it can produce. The greater the ratio between the surface area to the volume of an animal, the more heat it loses relative to its volume.
What this means for your dog is that as your dog grows larger, their inside (volume) increases faster than their outside (surface area). Thus, the larger the animal, the smaller the surface area to volume ratio is. Which means larger dogs lose heat at a lower rate compared to their smaller sized counterparts. In other words, being bigger means being warmer.
Larger dogs have a smaller surface area to volume ratio, which means they lose heat at a lower rate compared to smaller dogs.
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How Old Are They?
Young puppies, older dogs, and dogs with health problems may have trouble regulating their body temperatures compared to healthy adult dogs. In addition to being smaller (see our second point above), young puppies may also have less body fat to keep them warm. Older dogs, and dogs with health problems, might be unable to increase their metabolic rate to generate the extra heat needed to keep them warm in colder weather.
Young puppies will have a harder time adjusting to colder temperatures than their adult counterparts as they are smaller and less body fat to keep them warm.
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Does Your Dog Have Any Health Conditions?
Health conditions can impact a dog’s ability to handle colder temperatures. Dogs with arthritis, respiratory issues, or compromised immune systems might have trouble adjusting to the colder temperatures. If you’re unsure, check with your veterinarian to get a better understanding of how your dog’s specific condition might affect their tolerance for colder walks.
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Is It Windy Outside?
Wind chill can have a significant influence on how cold it feels outside. Even if the actual temperature is reasonable, strong winds can cut through the dog’s fur coat and reduce the coat’s ability to insulate, making it feel much colder than it actually is.
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How Long Is The Walk?
The longer you’re in a cold environment, the greater the effects of the colder weather (duh!). This applies to your dog as well. How long you decide to walk your dog will affect your dog’s exposure to the cold. If it’s cold outside but you still want to walk your dog, shorter walks might be more appropriate, especially for dogs that are less tolerant of low temperatures. And always make sure you monitor your dog for signs of discomfort, such as shivering or lifting their paws (more signs below), and be prepared to cut the walk short if necessary.
Signs That It’s Too Cold
Shivering: If your dog starts shivering, it’s a clear sign that they are feeling the cold. Invest in a warm, insulating sweater for your dog if this happens frequently as it helps them retain their body heat.
Lifting Paws: If you notice your dog lifting their paws off the ground, it could be a sign that their paws are too cold. Snow, ice, and other chemicals that are used to treat roads and sidewalks can accumulate between paw pads, causing discomfort. If that’s the case, consider investing in some dog booties to keep their paws warm and dry.
Reluctance to Walk: If your dog seems hesitant or reluctant to go for a walk, or lacks their usual enthusiasm, it may be a sign that the temperature is uncomfortable for them.
Conclusion
While winter walks can be enjoyable for both you and your dog, it’s crucial to prioritize their well-being. Lots of different factors affect your dog’s ability to tolerate the cold, including their breed, age, size, and health conditions. Always pay attention to your dog to see if they are exhibiting any signs of discomfort and always be prepared to cut the walk short if your dog is uncomfortable. If you’re still unsure, you can always talk to your vet for personalized advice about your dog’s specific needs.
