Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Winter storms and frigid temperatures can be challenging and hazardous to our four-legged family members. But, regardless of temperature, our canine buddies need to venture outside for play or bathroom breaks no matter how cold the temperature gets. Read on for tips to help your dog stay safe and warm this winter.
Tip #1: Don't shave your dog in the winter
All dogs have two layers of fur: the undercoat and the outer coat.1 Both work to keep the dog warm during the winter and cool in the summer. During the winter it's important to keep both these layers intact so that your dog can stay warm. 2 However, even the heartiest dog may benefit from a sweater or coat when venturing outside in frigid weather.
Tip #2: Use a winter coat for dogs
Even though dogs have fur to keep warm, not all breeds will enjoy being outside in icy weather. Each pup will tolerate cold weather differently depending on their:
- Breed
- Size
- Age
- Coat type
Make sure the garment fits appropriately—not too snug and not too loose—with a comfortable lining that doesn't restrict movement. You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between the garment and your dog's neck, similar to fitting a collar.
Tip #3: Collar-up with a dog identification tag
A wintery landscape can confuse and disorient dogs.2 Snow can hide familiar scents and sights that dogs usually rely on to get home if they lose their way. Therefore, always have an updated identification tag on your dog's collar. Remember, the best way to retrieve your dog quickly if they get lost is to have them microchipped.
Tip #4: Spend less time outside
Dogs, like humans, are at risk for hypothermia and frostbite from extended exposure to the cold. However, be aware that air temperature is not the only risk outdoors. Wind chill, ice, and snow can all increase the risk of a dog developing hypothermia or frostbite.
Hypothermia symptoms in dogs
When the body temperature decreases to a dangerously low level (usually less than 99 degrees in a dog), this can cause hypothermia. It can come on suddenly, depending on the breed and body size. Smaller dogs have an increased surface area to body mass, so are more prone to getting chilled. Dogs with less fat and less fur are obviously at an increased risk, as well as very young or very old dogs.3
The first signs of hypothermia in dogs are:3
- Pale skin
- Excessive shivering
- Lethargy
Preventing hypothermia in dogs
Older and younger dogs, dogs with injuries, and thin-skinned breeds are particularly susceptible to hypothermia. Their time outdoors should be limited during the winter. Coats, sweaters, and booties will help, but the best prevention against hypothermia is to avoid exposure to the cold.3
What to do if you are concerned about hypothermia:
- Move your dog to a warm environment, preferably indoors.
- Bundle her in warm blankets. You can warm the blankets by putting them in a clothes dryer.
- Put a hot water bottle in the blankets to add heat.
- Seek veterinary attention.
What NOT to Do:
- Do not use water bottles or heating pads that are too hot, or placed directly on skin. This may cause burns or result in the surface blood vessels to dilating, resulting in shock.
Dog frostbite symptoms
Dogs are also at risk of frostbite, which occurs after prolonged exposure of the skin to cold temperatures. The areas of the body with the least fur and subcutaneous fat are at most risk, including the nose, ears, tail, or paws. Frostbite injuries can occur in ambient temperatures that are well above freezing when wind chill is low or when pets are exposed to water.4
Symptoms depend on the severity of the frostbite injury, but can include:5
- Pale blue or gray skin color
- Skin that is firm and cold to the touch
- Shivering
- Pain when the affected area is touched
Dog frostbite treatments
If you think your dog has frostbite, bring them inside and immediately dry their coat. You can use a warm blanket to increase your dog's body temperature, but do not rub or massage the frostbitten area. Contact your veterinarian immediately!
In emergencies or with the guidance of a veterinarian, rewarming the affected tissues is can help lessen the amount of skin damage that occurs. Bathe affected areas in luke-warm water for at least 20 minutes or until thawing is complete and avoid re-exposure to the cold. 6
Thawing after frostbite, and the wounds that can occur during healing are extremely painful, so consult a veterinarian quickly to avoid shock or permanent damage to limbs.5
How long should your dog be outside in winter?
Unfortunately, there aren't specific guidelines on how much time outdoors is too much for your pup. For the most part, however, dogs will be fine outdoors when the temperature is 45 degrees or above.7
When the temperature drops to freezing, most dogs require a coat (and possibly booties). For temperatures under 20 degrees, keep outdoor activities to a minimum.7 Also, remember that in addition to air temperature, wind chill and moisture level can impact your dog's body heat and pose a risk to them when outside.
Tip #5: Watch out for winter chemicals
Chemicals from ice melt or salt, antifreeze (ethylene glycol), and carbon monoxide from idling cars can pose risks to your dog if ingested or exposed in large quantities.2 Ice melt can also cause irritation to feet with just contact to the skin.
Always wipe your dog's feet after a trip outdoors to remove any salt or ice melt they may have walked through while outside. Even though propylene glycol is sold as "pet-safe" antifreeze, versus its more dangerous cousin, Ethylene Glycol, it can still be toxic in large amounts.
When digested, propylene glycol (the 'safer' antifreeze) is turned into (metabolized) lactate, which is an acid. In toxic quantities a serious pH imbalance, liver damage, and kidney failure are possible. Clinical signs of propylene glycol toxicity include lethargy and weakness, wobbliness or stumbling, and even seizures.8
Always seek veterinary care immediately if your pet has ingested even 'safe' antifreeze.
Tip #6: Don't leave your dog in a cold car
If the weather is cloudy, overcast, snowy, rainy, or windy, dogs can become dangerously cold if left alone in a car.2 If you plan to bring your pup with you on errands, it's best to have someone sit in the car with them to gauge the comfort of the inside temperature and turn on the heat if needed.
Tip #7: Include your dog when planning for winter storms
If you live in an area that experiences extreme weather in the form of snowstorms, blizzards, or ice storms, be prepared to ensure your dog is safe during an emergency. Stock up on their food, water, medication, and necessary pet care items as part of the family emergency kit and have a safety plan in case of a power outage or evacuation. In addition, have a spare leash with a proper identification tag in an accessible place, and ensure a family member is designated to secure your dog.
Tip #8: Watch for winter hazards
When venturing outdoors during extreme winter weather, remain alert to your environment. With a bit of extra attention and some preparation, you and your pup can weather the winter safely as well as enjoy it by following a few common sense tips:
- Keep your dog leashed and be attentive to environmental winter hazards like low visibility, icicles, and falling branches
- Look out for ice patches that can cause frostbite or injure paws
- Never let your dog walk on frozen lakes, ponds, or rivers, no matter how thick the ice looks
- Be on the lookout for signs that your dog is in discomfort
- Watch for symptoms of extreme cold
Pets Best has you covered
Need help keeping your dog safe and healthy in the winter? Every Pets Best Insurance policy includes access to our 24/7 Pet Helpline. Learn more about this service and how it can help keep your pup safe and potentially save a trip to the vet.
Sources:
1"A Guide to Dog Coat Types," (2020, March 27), Orvis, https://news.orvis.com/dogs/a-guide-to-dog-coat-types, accessed Dec 1, 2022
2"Cold Weather Safety Tips," ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cold-weather-safety-tips, accessed Dec 1, 2022
3"Hypothermia in Dogs: How cold is too cold?" (2021, Feb 18) American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hypothermia-in-dogs-how-cold-is-too-cold/#:~:text=For%20dogs%2C%20mild%20hypothermia%20begins,%2C%20coma%2C%20and%20even%20death, accessed Dec 1, 2022
4Mathews KA, Drobatz KJ, Hopper K, et al: Cold exposure. Textbook of Small Animal Emergency Medicine Wiley Blackwell, Hoboken 2019 pp. 950-55.
5"Frost Bite in Dogs," Tammy Hunter DVM, Earnest Ward DVM, VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/frostbite-in-dogs, accessed Dec 1, 2022
6Roberts BK: Life-threatening dermatologic emergencies. Textbook of Small Animal Emergency Medicine 2019 pp. 877-91.
7"How cold is too cold for dogs?" (2021, Nov 15) Fetch, https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/how-cold-too-cold-dog, accessed Dec 1, 2022
8Declementi C: Antifreeze toxicosis (Proceedings). April 30, 2011 DVM 360