Knowing When It Is Too Cold to Walk Your Dog

When temperatures begin to drop, you might wonder if it’s safe to take your furry friend out for some fresh air, but when is it too cold to walk your dog?

There are a number of different factors to consider when assessing if it’s too cold for dogs. Many breeds adore the snow, whilst others struggle even with a mild chill. In this blog, we’ll discuss the main factors that determine if it’s safe dog walking weather, including age, breed and health.

Make sure you and your pup are ready for any outing with our selection of dog walking clothes at Philip Morris.

When Is It Too Cold to Walk Your Dog?

If you want to know when it’s too cold to walk your dog, the most important step is to check the temperature outdoors. Generally, 0 degrees and below is an unsafe dog walking temperature and involves potential risks. However, every dog is different, so it’s important to consider the various factors that will influence your decision to take them outside.

Your Dog's Age

Senior dogs and puppies are more fragile than healthy adult dogs and are likely to have a harder time dealing with cold weather. Young dogs will feel the effects of the cold quickly, and old dogs are more susceptible to issues like hypothermia. When it hits 0 degrees or below freezing, it’s best to keep puppies or senior dogs indoors where it’s warm to keep them safe.

Dog Size

The smaller the dog, the more they’re likely to struggle in the cold. Smaller dog breeds should avoid temperatures of 0 and below, whilst medium dogs may be able to tolerate slightly lower temperatures. Precautions should, however, be taken, such as protective wear, and walks should be kept short.

Large dogs with thick coats or larger breeds who are acclimatised to colder environments might still enjoy walks a few degrees below freezing, but again, you should exercise caution.

The Health of Your Dog

You might have a large dog who can usually withstand the cold, but if your pup has any health issues or ongoing medical issues, this is something to take into account. If your dog is currently weak or their health issues affect their ability to stay warm, then you should keep them safe inside to prevent further problems from developing.

If you’re wondering ‘How cold is too cold for dogs?’, the most important thing to remember is that if it’s too cold for you, it’s going to be too cold for your dog. Dogs don’t have the luxury of bundling up in warm dog walking clothes like humans. If you feel chilly even under all your layers, then it’s certainly a risk to be outdoors with your dog.

How to Tell When It's Too Cold for Your Dog

When you first head out on a frosty morning, it might not seem too cold, but there are a few important signs to look out for which indicate the temperature is too low for your dog.

Shivering: If your dog is visibly shivering or shaking, this should be a clear indication that they are too cold.

Whining or barking: Every dog expresses discomfort in their own way, but if your dog is whining, whimpering or barking when out in the cold or walking across cold surfaces, this could be a sign of discomfort.

Refusing to Walk or Stopping:If your dog doesn’t want to keep walking or they keep stopping, then they might not be comfortable outside in the cold.

Lifting their Paws:If your dog keeps lifting their paws off the ground, the cold surface could be painful for them to walk on.

Snow and ice sticking: If snow and ice are sticking to your dog’s paws, this can create issues like frostbite if left untreated.

Good dog owners know their dog's behaviour and how they typically act when out on walks. It’s important to be intuitive and assess if your dog is just having a little tantrum or if they’re experiencing genuine discomfort.

Which Dog Breeds Can Handle the Cold?

Whilst most dogs aren’t built for the cold, some breeds have evolved to handle colder climates. Most of these dogs are large, thick-furred breeds that are most closely related to their wolf ancestors. These breeds include:

• • Siberian Husky
• • Alaskan Malamute
• • Akita
• • Chow Chow
• • Saint Bernard
• • Finnish Lapphund
• • Bernese Mountain Dog

These are just a few examples of dog breeds that thrive in snow and cold weather. Even with their adaptations, it’s still important to be considerate and reduce prolonged exposure to the cold and be aware of when it’s simply too chilly for walks.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Cold Weather

If it’s above 0 degrees or you believe your dog can handle the weather conditions outside, here are a few steps to ensure your dog stays safe in the cold:

How to Keep Yourself Warm on Walks

It’s not just your dog that needs to stay warm when out on walks! Get yourself ready to brave the outdoors, whatever the weather, with the right clothing.

A dog walking coat offers you a layer of insulation alongside features like a high neck to keep out the wind. You should also invest in sturdy dog walking boots and accessories to help you keep up with your dog.

“A jacket is an essential on all of my dog walks. On wet and windy days, I always reach for my Harkila Pro Hunter Endure; it has loads of pockets for leads and treats. On cooler but dry days, I opt for a Harkila Durrow fleece, which is a perfect weight to keep me warm but not weigh me down.” - John Jones at Philip Morris and Son

In the same way that you should look for warning signs in dogs, you should also be aware of the signs that it’s too cold for humans

Keep Your Dog Safe and Warm in Cold Weather

Winter walks are a great way to keep you and your dog active, but it’s important to know when it’s too cold to be heading outside. If you choose to take walks in the cold, always stay aware of your dog’s behaviour and ensure you have the right protective wear to keep safe and warm.

At Philip Morris, we’re devoted dog lovers and stock premium clothing for both you and your dog from the best brands in the business.

Get in touch with our country clothing experts for more information or explore our range of products in store!