How cold is too cold for your pets? The answer to that is, it depends! Where do you live? What climate is your pet used to? What breed of dog do you have? How old is your dog? All these things should be taken into consideration when answering this question! It’s predicted that we are going to get some extraordinarily cold weather this month, January, 2025. Cold, even by northerner standards!
The easy answer to that often-asked question is, if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet. Generally speaking, that’s less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you live in Montana, the likelihood that your adult dog is used to colder temperatures means that he/she will be a bit more tolerant to cold. If you live in North Carolina, like we do, we don’t get really cold spells that often. If you have a dog that lives outdoors year-round, it likely has built up a tolerance for cold in increments. There is a time, however, when cold is COLD, no matter how used to it you are! Again, general advice is that if it’s under freezing, or 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside for long periods of time.
Do you have a dog that has arthritis? If you know a senior human with arthritis, you probably know that when it gets colder (or damp), they become more painful and stiff. It’s best to provide warmer conditions in general for an older pet to keep him comfortable and in less pain. If your pet visits the veterinarian on the recommended “schedule” of twice yearly, we would evaluate your pet’s pain level. There are several different medications that can help alleviate your pet’s pain due to arthritis. That would be a start, but medication or not, your senior pet should be kept in a sheltered environment. They are much more susceptible to cold. Even a milder cold than under 32 degrees.
Puppies, too, have limitations as to how comfortable (and safe) they are in a cold environment. Their coat is not fully developed – it changes as they age. Their temperature regulation is also not fully mature. They should be kept inside in a warm environment and let out for short periods to play and potty.
Does your dog have a health condition? Some health issues make it difficult for your pet to regulate their body temperature. Senior dogs may also have this condition. Thinner dogs don’t have enough “insulation” to keep their body warm. This doesn’t mean you want a fat dog – it’s always important to keep your dog at a healthy body weight. Your veterinarian will help you decide if your pet needs to gain or lose weight to stay in the healthiest condition possible. Senior dogs may have difficulty walking on icy sidewalks or snowy ground. Using a carry harness (a harness with handles at the top) can help them be more secure.
Do you have a Samoyed, a Malamute or a Siberian Husky? Those breeds enjoy the cold a lot more than a Chihuahua or a Dachshund. They have special coats that make them more adaptable to the cold than the very short, thin coats of the tiny dogs. Dachshunds have short little legs, meaning they are closer to the cold ground or snow. They might appreciate a dry sweater, or puffy jacket even more than other smaller dogs! Very furry dogs and cats may like to go outside to play, but you need to limit that play time and walks when the temperature gets below 32 degrees.
It’s wise to remember that pets can get frostbite, too. It can happen! Granted, our temperatures USUALLY aren’t real low for real long, but then again, our pets aren’t used to these super-cold temperatures, either. Dogs that have spots that don’t have a lot of fur on them, like ears, noses, tails or paws, are at risk. It’s likely that your dog or cat has one of two of those less-furry areas. Signs of frostbite are skin discoloration, areas that are swollen and painful to the touch, shivering. What to do? Take them inside, of course, and use warm (not hot) water to gently warm the affected area. Do not rub or massage tender skin which may do more damage. TAKE YOUR PET TO YOUR VETERINARIAN!
Hypothermia, where a body loses heat faster than it can make it because it’s cold or wet, can cause serious problems or even death in a pet, just like in humans! If your pet is showing discomfort, whining, shivering, appears weak, lethargic (where they appear to be tired and don’t want to do anything) – get them back inside! They may have shallow breathing, and seem confused. If this condition worsens, their heart rate will slow down. They can’t verbally tell you they are too cold! Hypothermia can affect a pet’s organ function which can lead to shock, which can be life-threatening. Emergency measures until you get to the vet? Take them inside, wrap them in a warm towel or blanket. You can use water bottles, heated to warm them up (again, NOT HOT) and cover the bottles with a towel and surround your pet with them to help warm them. TAKE THE PET TO YOUR VETERINARIAN!
Regardless of breed, age or coat thickness, all dogs deserve warm shelter from the cold temperatures and wind that often accompanies it. If you cannot shelter your dog in the house for whatever reason, at least provide a garage or outbuilding and warm, elevated or well-insulated bedding to keep them more comfortable. ALWAYS make sure your pet has fresh, not frozen, water! You may have to check frequently to make sure it’s available at ALL times!
Do you walk your dog where de-icing agents have been used to control the slippery surfaces? It’s always a good idea to wipe down your pet’s feet, tummy or legs or wash them to remove chemicals that may be harmful to your pet. Remember – pets lick to clean themselves. If they ingest chemicals while doing so, they could get sick. There are pet-safe deicers you can use to help protect your pets. Some pets like to wear coats or booties. Just make sure they are dry when you put them on your pet. Wet clothing makes you colder than dry clothing!!! You will want to do a trial with booties to get your dog used to wearing them, or they’ll be walking funny…Cold weather and snow can be tough on your pet’s feet. Check your pet’s paw pads for cracking or bleeding. If your pet has a lot of hair between his paw pads, snow can accumulate and make it difficult and painful for him to walk. Have your groomer or vet tech trim that hair (carefully)! If your dog is close to the ground in snow, snowballs can accumulate on his tummy fur (and on hair between paw pads) and inhibit his mobility. (Ask me how I know!). While all these suggestions apply to cats, too, (except, maybe booties and jackets, which they may not tolerate) this recommendation is specifically for cats. Beat on the hood of your car before starting to scare cats who may have climbed on a warm engine under the hood to get warm. For all pets, clean up any antifreeze spills, just like any kind of chemical spills, immediately. A small amount can kill your pet! Even pet-safe antifreeze products can be hazardous. If you suspect your pet has ingested some antifreeze – you guessed it! TAKE YOUR PET TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY!
Do you have a pond or live near or on a lake? In our area of North Carolina, the likelihood of your pond being frozen enough to hold any kind of weight is very low. Monitor your pets and keep them away from ponds that may be frozen around the outside, but not thick enough toward the middle to support the weight of your pet. (This applies to people, especially children, too!) Don’t let your pet walk on thin ice. They could fall in, go under the ice, panic and can’t get back out. You’ve seen those movies, right? Well, it’s true! It’s said that 3 inches of ice is not enough for a person to walk on. That requires 6- inches at a minimum. That doesn’t happen often here, even with what the weatherman is predicting!
Cold weather protection is crucial to your pet’s safety and comfort! We hope this review will remind you there is much to monitor during these colder times, however brief, we have in North Carolina. At Animal Hospital of Statesville, we consider pets to be part of our family. These recommendations will help make that a reality for your pet, too!