Once temperatures drop under 20 F, all pet parents need to be aware that their dogs could develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia or frostbite when outside for extended periods of time. When temperatures drop under 32 F, small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, or very young, old, or sick dogs could be in danger if they spend too much time outdoors. While broad generalizations are difficult, cold should not become a problem for most dogs until the temperature falls below 45 F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. If dogs are going to be very active while outside, they may generate enough extra body heat to keep them comfortable even if the temperature is quite low. Cloud coverĬloudy days tend to feel colder than sunny days, since dogs can’t soak up the sun and warm themselves. Rain, snow, heavy fog, going for a swim-any form of dampness that soaks through the fur can quickly chill a dog even if the air temperature is mild. Consider other factors, including: Wind chillĪ brisk breeze can cut through a dog’s coat, greatly decreasing its ability to insulate and protect against the cold. The temperature as it registers on a thermometer isn’t the only environmental factor that affects how dogs feel the cold.
Be sure to protect vulnerable dogs from the cold. Puppies, canine senior citizens, and dogs with underlying health problems cannot regulate their body temperatures as well as healthy dogs in the prime of their lives. Dogs that are used to the cold handle it much better than those that aren’t. 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. 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.
Weightīody fat is a good insulator, so thin dogs become cold quickly. Small dogs have a larger surface area to volume ratio compared to big dogs, which means, relatively speaking, 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. Sizeĭogs lose most of their heat through their skin. 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. 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. Many of these breeds originated in northern climates and have attributes that allow them to thrive when temperatures drop. Coat typeĭogs with thick, double-layered coats tend to be the most cold-tolerant (think Siberian Huskies, Newfoundland s, and Samoyeds). There are a few variables that affect how dogs respond to the cold. Dogs Are IndividualsĪ temperature that feels comfortable to one dog might make another shiver. But what should we do when it’s cold outside? When do the risks of spending time outside outweigh its benefits? Let’s look at the dangers associated with cold weather and how we can still safely enjoy the great outdoors with our dogs in the winter. Walking, running, looking, sniffing, listening, and meeting old or new friends are all activities that help keep dogs happy and healthy.
Being outside is great for a dog’s physical and mental health.
0 kommentar(er)
