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How Cold is Too Cold For Dogs?

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Every dog owner knows how important exercise is for their four-legged friend. But when Old Man Winter brings freezing temperatures and inches of snow to your neighborhood, it can be hard knowing whether or not it's too cold to run around outside.

What Temperature is Too Cold for Dogs?

Dogs don’t feel the cold quite like us two-legged folks. Typically, they’ll be comfortable so long as the temperature is above 45 degrees F. Once the temperature falls below 40, you should think twice about taking your pup out for long periods of time.

Here's a quick breakdown of what different temperatures mean for your pup:

  • Above 45°F: Most dogs are good to go, no need to cut the walk short.
  • 32°F–45°F: Start paying closer attention, especially if you have a small, young, old, or short-haired dog. Limit time outside and keep an eye on how they're doing.
  • 20°F–32°F: Things are getting serious. Most dogs should only be out for short stretches, and vulnerable pups should stick to quick potty breaks.
  • Below 20°F: It's too cold for most dogs to be outside for any length of time. Frostbite and hypothermia become real risks, so keep it brief and get them back inside.
  • Below 0°F: Even cold-weather breeds like Huskies can be at risk with prolonged exposure. If you can avoid it, skip the outdoor time altogether.

Factors That Affect How Your Dog Handles the Cold

While they're all equal in our hearts, not all dogs can handle winter temperatures.

When deciding whether or not your pooch can go outside for a little while, think about their:

  • Size/Weight: Possibly the most important thing to consider is your pup's size. Smaller dogs are going to feel the cold much faster than larger ones, since they have less body mass to insulate them.
  • Body fat: Body fat acts as natural insulation, so leaner dogs tend to feel the cold faster. That said, don't go fattening up your pup for winter — the health risks of extra weight aren't worth it!
  • Coat type: You should also consider their coat. If your large dog has very thin hair, they may get cold more quickly than you think.
  • Breed: Some dogs were simply made for the cold. Huskies, St. Bernards, and Mastiffs are just a few breeds that can withstand exceptionally cold temperatures.
  • Activity level: A young, active dog can often keep themself warm by running around while outside. If your pup is older or prefers to sit and watch the world go by, they'll get cold more quickly.
  • Conditioning: A dog that spends a lot of time outdoors in the fall will handle winter temperatures much better than one that's been inside all season. Think of it like us, 50°F feels freezing in October, but practically warm by February.
  • Age and health: Puppies, senior dogs, and pups with underlying health conditions aren't as good at regulating their body temperature as healthy dogs in their prime. These guys need a little extra protection when it's cold out.

It's important to remember that these are general rules and may not apply to every pooch. These also apply only to playtime and walks; no dog, no matter how large, should be left outside all day or for extended periods.

It's Not Just About the Temperature

The number on the thermometer doesn't always tell the full story.

A few other things can make cold weather feel a lot worse for your pup:

  • Wind chill: A strong breeze can cut right through your dog's coat and make it feel much colder than it actually is.
  • Wet and damp conditions: Rain, wet snow, or even a puddle your dog decided to splash through can soak their fur and make even mild temperatures feel dangerously cold.
  • Cloud cover: On a sunny day, dark-coated dogs can actually absorb some warmth from the sun. On an overcast day, that's off the table, so factor that in before heading out.

Signs Your Pup is Too Cold

Your dog can't tell you when they've had enough, so it's up to you to watch for the signs.

If you notice any of the following, it's time to head inside right away:

  • Shivering or trembling
  • Whining or acting anxious
  • Slowing down or stopping on walks
  • Lifting their paws off the ground
  • Tucking their tail and hunching their body
  • Looking for a warm place to curl up

If your pup seems sluggish, confused, or their skin looks pale in certain spots, those can be signs of hypothermia or frostbite — both of which need veterinary attention right away. When in doubt, get them inside and call your vet.

Tips to Keeping Your Dog Warm

If nature calls and your pup must head outside in cold temperatures, there are a number of ways you can keep them warm:

  • Throw booties on: Pups' paws are the first to feel the cold, and winter sidewalks can be tough on them. Between the ice, snow, and chemical de-icers that get used on roads and sidewalks, their pads take a real beating. Booties are a great way to protect them — even if your pup gives you a look when you try to put them on.
  • Layer up: A warm sweater may be all your pup needs on a mildly chilly night walk, but once temperatures really start to drop, look for something insulated, windproof, and water-resistant to keep them truly protected from the elements.
  • Brush them off once inside: If your pooch rolled around in the snow, brush them off with a clean towel when you get back inside. It'll help get rid of any ice, snow, or chemicals that may have tagged along on their coat or paws.

Cold days are the perfect excuse to let your pup burn off some energy indoors. At Camp Bow Wow, our certified counselors are here to keep your dog active, social, and happy year-round; rain, snow, or shine. Come play with us at a Camp near you!

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