If you are thinking about purchasing a dog and living in a cold-weather environment, you may be wondering what you need to keep in mind for your pet's health. One of the main considerations for people living in cold weather is just how difficult it may be for dogs to survive in this environment. How cold can dogs handle? Spot Pet Insurance explores more below.
How Cold is Too Cold For Your Dog?
It is important to note that you and your dog will have very different perceptions of what is too cold or too warm. A good rule of thumb for dogs is that they are generally good up until the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when the temperature drops to around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, smaller breeds and breeds with thinner coats will begin to suffer complications if left outside for too long unattended. Once temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it is important to understand that dogs could develop cold-associated health problems.
What Factors Impact Your Dog’s Ability to Handle Cold Weather?
Many factors could influence a dog’s ability to handle cold weather. Some of the most prominent factors include your dog’s breed, age, size, and even coat type.
What Breeds are Best for Cold Weather?
Some of the breeds that are best for cold weather are those that you would normally think are best suited for enduring this weather. Some of the top breeds for this include the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Saint Bernard, and Newfoundland. The reason that these dogs function better in cold weather can be attributed to their thick double coat and their origin in cold climates.
How Does Coat Type Influence A Dog’s Ability to Handle Cold Weather?
A dog’s coat can significantly impact how much cold weather it can withstand. As mentioned above, dogs with double coats have an easier time keeping warm as opposed to dogs with only a single coat or thinner fur.
Should a Dog Wear a Coat in Cold Weather?
While it may seem comical, dogs that are not bred to withstand cold weather should wear coats in cold weather to help them cope with it. We recommend that dogs wear coats if there is snow, sleet, ice, hail, or freezing rain. The kind of dog that you own will also influence the kind of coat that you purchase. Medium-haired dogs should get a light sweater and dogs with a thicker coat will be better suited with a vest.
How Long Can a Dog Survive in the Cold?
The amount of time that dogs can survive in the cold depends on just how cold it is. When the temperature is between 10 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit, dogs should not be left outside for longer than 10 to 15 minutes. Dogs should not be outside when the temperature is below 10 degrees fahrenheit.
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
