How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs? + Winter Pet Care Questions, Answered

While some pets are naturally equipped for the cold weather, many are not. Outfit your pets for chilly temperatures, and be mindful of cold weather best practices to help ensure their warmth and safety. Learn more from Asitha Pillai, DVM, who is an emergency clinician with Oklahoma State University’s Veterinary Medical Hospital. Below, she shares answers to common questions pet lovers may have this time of year.

How cold is too cold for dogs?

It’s a common belief that pets can tolerate cold weather better than humans. When it is cold for us, it is cold for them. But if we can walk outside, they can also walk outside. However, your pet’s ability to tolerate cold weather can vary depending on their coat, fat stores, age, health status and activity level. The time your dog spends outside during cold weather needs to be adjusted based on individual tolerance limits. If it is below freezing, let them outside only briefly for potty time. If you don’t see your pet for a few minutes after you come inside, be sure to double-check he is safely inside the house.

How can cold weather be harmful to my pet?

Cold weather injuries are found more often on a pet’s extremities, meaning their tail, ear tips and paws. Depending on the height of dog and level of snow, a dog’s belly also can be at risk for frostbite. Additionally, the salt used to melt snow and ice can cause irritation and pain when these chemicals come in contact with the cracks in your pet’s paws. And while any form of deicer chemical can be toxic, some can be life-threatening. If you suspect that your dog or cat has been exposed to antifreeze, especially one containing ethylene glycol [the most life-threatening of antifreeze chemicals], immediately take them to an emergency veterinary facility.

How do I know if my pet has a cold weather injury?

Pale, bluish or greyish discoloration of skin, pain, swelling and injuries like blister formation are indications that there may be injury. Their legs also can be very stiff. When pets have frostbite, their body temperatures also can be low, putting them at risk for hypothermia.

What should I do if my pet has frostbite?

Cold weather injuries can be mild or sometimes, they can be really serious injuries to a point we can see the paw pads or ear tips completely cut off from blood supply. If you fear your pet may have experienced a cold weather injury such as frostbite, take these steps immediately:

How should I care for “outside dogs?”

While dogs should be kept inside most of the time during the winter, in the case that you have an outside dog, definitely provide them with a warm shelter, and make sure that their water is not frozen and you have a heated pan for water.

Are there special considerations for senior dogs or pets with medical conditions?

Yes, be mindful of senior dogs with diseases, such as heart disease, kidney disease, Hypothyroidism, diabetes or arthritis because these diseases may reduce their ability to regulate body temperature. Arthritic dogs can become very stiff outside in the winter and may slip and fall. They also can experience more pain. Schedule a wellness exam with your primary care veterinarian to ask important questions to help keep your senior dog comfortable, such as helping them maintain regular exercise, prevent pain and manage a normal body temperature.

How do I keep cats safe during wintertime?

It is important to keep in mind that cats will seek their own shelter during the cold weather, and one of the main shelters they will find is a warm car engine. They tend to hide underneath your car, or they will climb up and hide inside your hood, near the engine. By making noise or tapping the hood of your car, you can save their life, should they be tucked inside.

Share Dr. Pillai’s insight with fellow pet lovers, and help ensure your pets are protected with cold weather items for a safe, comfortable winter season.