It’s important to know when it’s too cold to walk your dog as the temperatures drop; have you ever thought about the risks involved? By.
Most people are aware of the risks associated with taking their dogs for a walk in the summer: the heat, the hot sidewalk, and dehydration. however, taking your dog for a walk in the winter can be equally risky.
In fact, the effects of cold temperatures on your dog’s health and wellbeing may vary depending on their size, age, coat, and other factors. In these colder months, think about whether going outside is safe for your dog before you do so.
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Apart from mealtimes, of course, if you own a dog you know that going for a walk is the best activity for your dog during the day.
However, cold snaps are anticipated across the US this week, with Washington DC expected to hit an overnight low of -10C (14F) on Saturday, after winter made its presence known in the UK with Storm Arwen in December.
Although the chilly weather may make some dog owners hesitant to take their four-legged companions outside, walks are still essential for dogs to stay healthy, stretch their legs, and burn off excess energy.
What should you do to keep your dog warm and how can you tell when it’s too cold to take them for a walk?
According to Fetch Pet, your dog’s size and coat thickness will help you decide when it’s safe for them to go outside in the cold.
Big dogs with heavier coats will probably be fine, but small or medium-sized dogs with thin coats may be at risk if they venture outside when the temperature is 7C (44F) or lower.
Breeds with thick coats, such as Siberian huskies, samoyeds, and Newfoundlands, are adapted to colder climates and probably feel more at ease in the winter than in the summer.
However, because they are much thinner, breeds like greyhounds would benefit from a winter dog coat to keep them warm while going for a walk.
Dr. Aliya McCullough, a veterinarian with Fetch Pet, cautions that all dogs, regardless of size, are more susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite in temperatures below -6C (21F).
It’s probably too cold for your dog to continue if you see them shivering while out for a walk in the cold. If they experience any discomfort, they may shiver, move more slowly or stop altogether, or whine and bark.
Should you walk your dog in winter?
You absolutely should walk your dog in winter. Your dog will benefit greatly from walking as an excellent form of exercise and as a way to experience the wonderful smells of their environment. They get to interact with other dogs, spend time with their owner, and exhaust themselves in preparation for a cozy evening by the fire.
However, before deciding whether to take your dog outside, you should first check the weather. A walk would be welcome, for instance, on a beautiful, crisp day with little wind. However, if it appears to be windy and stormy, you might decide it’s best to stay home. The walk should be enjoyable, and it’s likely that if it’s like this, neither of you will enjoy it. Check to see if it’s safe to walk your cherished pet as well. For example, low fog, mist, and hail can be hazardous; therefore, it might be safer to forego the excursion in these situations.
If you do decide to go outside in the rain or snow, make sure to travel along a well-lit and well-paved route.
How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs To Be Outside?
According to Satchu, this varies by breed, but as a general rule, if it’s too cold for you, it probably is for them. Breeds with thicker coats are usually descended from regions with colder climates and will be more tolerant of low temperatures. This indicates that a Siberian husky likely has a higher tolerance for the cold than a dog with short hair, such as an Italian greyhound.
According to Satchu, a person’s age can affect their ability to tolerate cold. “If it’s very cold, you should give them a sweater or coat and limit their exposure to extreme temperatures because puppies and geriatric patients will have a harder time regulating their body temperature, both in hot and cold weather,” the expert advised. “.
According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease can increase a dog’s susceptibility to the cold. For dogs, the great outdoors can become even colder due to wind chill and other weather conditions like rain, sleet, or snow. Although the exact temperature at which dogs become cold varies, if it is below 30 degrees, you shouldn’t leave your dog outside for an extended period of time. This chart offers some general guidelines to follow.
Credit: Caitlin-Marie Miner Ong / Jody Tramontina
RELATED: How to Keep Your Pet Healthy All Year Round
FAQ
How cold is too cold for a dog to sleep outside UK?
Any temperature below -4C for small dogs and any temperature below -9C for medium and large dogs is considered “potentially life-threatening.” Dogs can be let outside briefly to go potty in these circumstances, but they shouldn’t be left out there for very long.
What temperature can dogs tolerate UK?
It is generally safe up to 19°C (68°F), but use caution when the temperature exceeds this. Dogs are susceptible to heat stroke even in temperatures as low as 20 °C (70 °F). In essence, heat stroke in dogs is a high temperature that is not accompanied by a fever.
Do dogs get cold at night UK?
Do Dogs Get Cold at Night? Yes, even if they are kept indoors, dogs can get cold at night. “Consider giving your dog a warm blanket to cuddle up with in bed if you think he gets cold at night.” Most dogs won’t experience nighttime cold or, if they do, they’ll seek out a warmer location, according to Satchu.
What temperature is too cold for a dog to be in?
When it is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (roughly 7 degrees Celsius), exercise caution. Small to medium-sized dogs with thin coats should avoid going outside, but large dogs with thicker coats should be fine.