Being outside is great for a dog’s physical and mental health. Walking, running, sniffing, are all activities that help keep dogs happy and healthy.
But what should we do when it’s cold outside? When do the risks of spending time outside in the cold with your dog outweigh the benefits?
Let’s look at the dangers associated with cold weather, how cold is too cold for dogs, and how we can still safely enjoy the great outdoors with our dogs in the winter.
As our furry companions journey into their golden years, their bodies undergo numerous changes – some obvious, others more subtle. One question many pet parents ask is whether their senior dogs feel the cold more intensely than they did in their younger days. The short answer? Yes older dogs typically become more sensitive to cold temperatures as they age.
I’ve been observing this firsthand with my 12-year-old Labrador who now seeks out the sunniest spots in the house during winter months – something he never bothered with as a young, energetic pup. If you’ve noticed similar behavior in your aging canine companion you’re not imagining things!
Why Senior Dogs Feel The Cold More
As dogs age, several physical changes make them more susceptible to chilly temperatures:
Decreased Muscle Mass
Older dogs naturally lose muscle mass, which reduces their ability to generate and retain body heat. This muscle loss is part of a normal aging process but directly impacts how effectively they can stay warm.
Slower Metabolism
With age comes a slower metabolism. Your senior dog’s body doesn’t produce heat as efficiently as it once did, making it harder for them to maintain their body temperature in cold environments.
Thinner Coat
Many senior dogs develop thinner, less insulating coats as they age. You might notice your dog’s once-thick fur becoming more sparse or changing in texture, providing less protection against the elements.
Joint Stiffness and Arthritis
Cold weather is particularly challenging for senior dogs with arthritis or joint issues. According to information from Coronado Veterinary Hospital, “Cold weather can exacerbate conditions like arthritis, making mobility more difficult for senior pets. Joint pain often worsens in cold, damp weather.”
Weakened Immune System
Older dogs typically have weaker immune systems, making them more vulnerable to illness when stressed by temperature extremes. This means that cold exposure that wouldn’t have bothered them in youth could now potentially lead to health complications.
Signs Your Senior Dog Is Feeling Too Cold
It’s important to recognize when your older dog is uncomfortable in cold conditions. Here are common signs to watch for:
- Shivering or trembling – The most obvious indication
- Hunched posture with tail tucked between legs
- Whining or unusual vocalizations
- Reluctance to go outside or walk
- Lifting paws off the ground repeatedly
- Seeking warm spots in the house
- Moving slower than usual
- Excessive sleeping or lethargy in cold environments
As PetsRadar points out, these signs shouldn’t be ignored, as prolonged cold exposure can lead to more serious conditions like hypothermia in vulnerable senior dogs.
How Cold Is Too Cold For Senior Dogs?
While younger, healthy dogs might tolerate temperatures around 45°F without much trouble, senior dogs often begin to feel uncomfortable at higher temperatures. The threshold varies depending on several factors:
Breed Considerations
According to PetsRadar, breed plays a significant role in cold tolerance regardless of age:
- Northern breeds (Huskies, Samoyeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs) naturally handle cold better even in old age
- Small breeds lose heat more quickly due to higher surface-area-to-volume ratio
- Thin-coated breeds like Greyhounds, Whippets, or Chihuahuas are particularly vulnerable to cold
Size Matters
Smaller senior dogs generally feel cold more quickly than larger ones. Their smaller bodies lose heat faster, making them especially vulnerable to chilly conditions.
Weight and Body Condition
Senior dogs with healthy body weight have better insulation than those who are underweight. However, obesity brings its own health challenges, so maintaining an ideal weight is important.
Temperature Guidelines for Senior Dogs
While every dog is different, here are some general temperature guidelines to consider for your senior pet:
- Above 45°F (7°C) – Most senior dogs are comfortable, though thin-coated or very small seniors might need extra attention
- 32°F-45°F (0°C-7°C) – Monitor your senior dog closely, particularly if they’re small, thin-coated, or have health issues
- Below 32°F (0°C) – Many senior dogs will need protection from these temperatures
- Below 20°F (-7°C) – Keep outdoor time brief and supervised; most senior dogs are at risk of hypothermia and frostbite
Remember that other factors like wind chill, dampness, and activity level also impact how your dog experiences the temperature. A calm 40°F day feels very different from a windy, rainy 40°F day!
Helping Your Senior Dog Stay Warm
Now that we know senior dogs do indeed get colder more easily, here are practical ways to keep them comfortable throughout the colder months:
Indoor Comfort
- Provide a warm sleeping area away from drafts and off cold floors
- Extra bedding – thick blankets or orthopedic beds with thermal properties
- Pet-safe heating pads placed under bedding (always supervised)
- Maintain comfortable home temperature – seniors may need a slightly warmer environment
- Block drafts around doors and windows near your dog’s favorite resting spots
As noted by DogBreedPro, “Senior dogs can show signs of cognitive dysfunction… they may pace at odd hours or seem disoriented in familiar places.” A warm, comfortable environment helps reduce this stress.
Outdoor Protection
- Dog sweaters or coats – especially important for thin-coated breeds
- Paw protection – booties or paw wax for sensitive paws on cold surfaces
- Shorter walks during the coldest parts of the day
- Monitor outdoor time closely for signs of discomfort
- Wipe down after walks to remove snow, ice, or de-icing chemicals
Additional Care Tips
- Keep them active – appropriate gentle exercise helps maintain muscle mass which aids in temperature regulation
- Adjust diet if needed – consult your vet about whether your senior dog needs more calories in winter
- Regular vet check-ups to address age-related conditions that might be worsened by cold
- Maintain hydration – Coronado Veterinary Hospital emphasizes, “Hydration is crucial for senior pets, especially during seasonal extremes like summer heat or winter’s dry air”
When To Be Extra Cautious
Some situations require additional vigilance with your senior dog:
Extreme Weather Events
During severe cold snaps, blizzards, or ice storms, senior dogs should have strictly limited outdoor exposure – quick bathroom breaks only, with protective gear.
Pre-existing Health Conditions
If your senior dog has any of these conditions, they’ll likely be even more sensitive to cold:
- Arthritis or joint problems
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism
- Respiratory issues
Very Senior Dogs
Dogs in their twilight years (generally 13+ for medium breeds, earlier for large breeds, later for small breeds) need extra protection from temperature extremes. Their body’s regulatory systems are significantly compromised at this stage.
Should My Senior Dog Wear a Coat?
This is a common question with a nuanced answer. Not all senior dogs need coats, but many benefit from them. Consider a coat or sweater if your senior dog:
- Has a thin or fine coat
- Is a small breed
- Shows signs of discomfort in cool weather
- Has lost significant muscle mass
- Has arthritis or joint pain
- Is in their deep senior years (last quarter of expected lifespan)
However, dogs with thick double coats like Huskies or Malamutes rarely need additional layers even in old age – in fact, they could overheat with a coat on.
Real-World Example
My neighbor’s 14-year-old Beagle mix, Charlie, provides a perfect example of increased cold sensitivity with age. While Charlie used to happily romp through snow in his younger days, he now shivers even on mildly cool autumn evenings. His owners have adapted by:
- Purchasing several warm sweaters in different weights for various temperatures
- Creating a heated bed area with an orthopedic mattress and thermal blankets
- Adjusting walk times to the warmest part of the day
- Installing a ramp so Charlie doesn’t have to navigate cold steps to go outside
These simple adjustments have dramatically improved Charlie’s comfort and mobility during winter months.
When To Talk To Your Vet
While increased cold sensitivity is normal in aging dogs, sometimes it can signal underlying health issues. Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- Sudden increased sensitivity to cold
- Excessive shivering even in moderate temperatures
- Lethargy or weakness associated with cold exposure
- Changes in gait or mobility that worsen in cold weather
- Discoloration of skin or extremities after cold exposure
Final Thoughts
Our senior dogs have given us years of loyalty and love – they deserve special consideration as their bodies change with age. Understanding that yes, dogs do indeed get colder as they age is the first step in keeping them comfortable during their golden years.
By making simple adjustments to their environment and care routine, you can help your senior companion navigate cold weather with dignity and comfort. The small effort it takes to keep them warm pays enormous dividends in their quality of life and happiness.
Remember that every dog ages differently, so observe your individual pet’s needs and preferences. What works for one senior dog might not work for another, even of the same breed. With thoughtful attention and care, you can help your aging friend stay cozy and comfortable through many more winters together.
Has your senior dog shown increased sensitivity to cold? What solutions have worked best for keeping them comfortable? We’d love to hear your experiences!
How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs To Be Outside?
A temperature that feels comfortable to one dog might make another dog shiver. There are a few variables that affect how dogs respond to the cold and how cold is too cold for a pup.
Dogs with thick, double-layered coats tend to be the most cold-tolerant (think Siberian Huskies, Newfoundlands, and Samoyeds). Many of these breeds originated in northern climates and have attributes that allow them to thrive when temperatures drop.
However, dogs with exceptionally thin coats, like the Basenji and Xoloitzcuintli, may suffer in the cold and tend to do better when it’s warmer outside. If your dog has a very thin coat, you will want to consider bundling them up before heading outside.
It’s good to purchase dog sweaters like the Frisco Plaid Cable Knit Dog & Cat Sweater, and keep them in convenient locations so you’ll always have one on hand if you need it.
On a clear day, black, brown, or other dark-coated dogs can absorb significant amounts of heat from sunlight, keeping them warmer in comparison to dogs with light-colored coats.
Dogs lose most of their heat through their skin. Small dogs have a larger surface area to volume ratio compared to big dogs, which means, they have a bigger surface to lose heat through and a smaller area “inside” to hold on to heat. Therefore, small dogs get colder faster than large dogs, all other things being equal.
Body fat is a good insulator, so thin dogs become cold quickly. However, the health risks of being overweight far outweigh any benefits, so don’t let your dog pack on the pounds in preparation for winter.
We’ve all experienced this one. After the heat of summer, 55 F can feel frigid, but after a long, cold winter, the same temperature can make us break out a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Dogs that are used to the cold handle it much better than those that aren’t used to cooler temperatures.
How To Keep Dogs Warm in the Cold
Most dogs don’t need help staying warm indoors or when it’s warmer outside. However, a cute dog sweater like the Chilly Dog Camel Alpaca Cable Knit Wool Dog Sweater or dog hoodie like the Frisco® Basic Hoodie, can help dogs with very thin coats stay warm when there’s a slight chill in the air.
Keep in mind, dog sweaters and fleeces won’t provide enough protection when weather conditions become more extreme.
For colder temperatures, bundle your pup in an insulated, windproof, and water-resistant dog coat instead. The Hurtta® Extreme Warmer III is a good option for extremely cold temperatures.
Paws need protection too. Cold temperatures, snow that accumulates between pads, ice, and chemicals used to treat roads and sidewalks all pose a risk to dog paws in the winter.
Look for dog booties that are waterproof, provide traction, and are tough enough to last. Rain boots like the Canada Pooch Waterproof Rain Dog Boots are a comfortable option for milder conditions, but heavier boots like the Muttluks Original Fleece-Lined Winter Dog Boots, are better for pups when winter truly sets in.
Keeping Dogs Safe in Cold Weather: Tips from Marc Smith, DVM, MS
FAQ
How to tell if a dog is too cold?
Do dogs like blankets on them?
Yes, many dogs love blankets for physical warmth, a sense of security, and emotional comfort, often due to their instinctual burrowing and den-like behaviors. Blankets can provide a familiar, reassuring scent and can be used as a calming tool for stress or anxiety. However, a dog’s preference varies, and some may prefer to rest on top of a blanket or not be covered at all, so it’s important to observe your dog’s individual behavior to see if they enjoy being covered.
What age is considered old for most dogs?
A dog is generally considered “old” or a senior dog between the ages of 5 to 12 years old, with the exact age varying significantly based on the dog’s size and breed. Larger and giant breeds become senior at a younger age (around 5-8 years), while smaller and toy breeds reach senior status later (around 10-12 years).
At what temperature do dogs get cold?
Dogs generally begin to feel cold below 45°F (7°C), and temperatures below 20°F (-6°C) pose a high risk for hypothermia and frostbite, but individual cold tolerance varies significantly based on factors like breed, size, age, health, coat type, and body fat. Factors like wind, dampness, and lack of activity can make a dog colder than the air temperature suggests, so it’s essential to consider these elements along with the thermometer reading.