How to Know If It’s Too Cold Outside for Your Dog

When the temperature drops, we bundle up in cozy jackets, scarves, and gloves—but what about our dogs? While some breeds (like Huskies) are built for the cold, others can struggle in chilly weather. As a responsible pet parent, knowing when it’s too cold for your furry friend to be outside is important.

Here’s how to tell if it’s too cold for your dog and what you can do to keep them safe and comfortable during winter.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Keeping Pups Safe In the Cold

Check that Thermostat!

A good rule of thumb:

• Above 45°F: Most dogs are comfortable.

• 32°F to 45°F: Small dogs, short-haired breeds, and puppies may start feeling chilly.

• 20°F to 32°F: Many dogs will start to feel uncomfortable. Be cautious with older dogs, puppies, and those with short coats.

• Below 20°F: This is a danger zone! Dogs can quickly develop frostbite or hypothermia. Limit time outside and provide extra protection.

Remember, wind chill can make it feel even colder, and wet conditions (snow, rain, or ice) can increase the risk of cold-related issues.

Consider Your Dog’s Breed

Not all dogs handle cold weather the same way. So it’s important to know what your pups are built for (or not built for.)

Cold-Resistant Breeds: Huskies, Malamutes, Newfoundlands, and Bernese Mountain Dogs have thick, insulating coats and often enjoy cooler temperatures.

Short-Haired and Small Breeds: Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, French Bulldogs, and Dachshunds have little protection from the cold and can get chilly quickly.

Senior Dogs and Puppies: Older dogs and young puppies struggle more with regulating body temperature, making them more vulnerable in cold weather.

If your dog isn’t naturally equipped for the cold, consider giving it a warm sweater or coat for extra protection.

Pay Attention to Your Pups Outside

Some dogs can be very dramatic when the weather is cold, and they don’t care for it, just like humans. Our editor’s pup Puggsley, for instance, loves the cold if there’s snow but isn’t a fan if there isn’t snow on the ground.

That said, even dramatic dogs can’t tell us directly when they’re too cold, but they do show signs—we just have to know what to look for:

• Shivering or trembling

• Lifting paws off the ground (indicating cold or discomfort)

• Whining or barking

• Tucked tail & hunched posture

• Slowing down or acting anxious

• Ears or body that feel cold to the touch

Should you notice any of these signs, it’s time to bring your pup inside and warm them up (and yourself, too!)

Keep Them Cozy Indoors

If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your dog! On those frigid days, keep them warm inside with a cozy bed, a warm sweater, and/or indoor playtime! Not every day is likely to be too cold for outdoor fun. So watch for incoming bitter cold weather. That way you can hopefully make extra time for outdoor activities before it sets in.

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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.

• Blue Ridge Beef - Puppy Mix for potential salmonella.

• Hollywood Feed - Carolina Made Chicken Chips Dog Treats for potential salmonella.

• Gaines Family Farmstead - Chicken Chips Dog Treats for potential salmonella.

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Vet Recommendation — Keep Their Fur Long

If your pup is the kind that needs haircuts, vets generally recommend that you keep their hair long in the winter months. Doing that gives them an extra layer of protection from the cold. They may still need a sweater depending on outdoor temps, but at least they’ll have a buffer between their skin and the chilly wind.

Treats

• 🐶 Puppy Bowl Celebs: Read all about the stars of this year’s Puppy Bowl!

• ✍️ Curated dog content: I Love Every Dog creates adorable, heartwarming, and real daily content about dogs, like this post about doggie cocktail parties!

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