Cold Weather Dog Walking Tips: Stay Cozy Together!

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Now, when might a dog feel cold?

1. Breed Differences

It all boils down to the type of fur. Different breeds have varying tolerances to cold due to the structure of their coats. Dogs with doublelayered coats, like German Shepherds, St. Bernards, Akita, Huskies, Samoyeds, and Alaskans, which are native to cold climates, have coats that are particularly insulating. Conversely, breeds with short fur or low body fat, such as Whippets, Greyhounds, Toy Fox Terriers, Pharaoh Hounds, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Dobermans, and various miniature breeds, are more sensitive to the cold.

2. Age and Size Differences

Senior dogs tend to feel the chill more than younger ones, and slender dogs are more susceptible to cold than their robust counterparts. Small dogs also have a lower tolerance for cold temperatures.

3. Air Humidity

As many know, the weather in the south can be a deceptive chill, with temperatures not as low as they feel. Similarly, dogs in areas with high humidity are more prone to feeling cold.

4. Altitude Affects Temperature

Cold air is heavier and sinks, while warm air is lighter and rises. This means shorter dogs are more likely to feel the cold.

5. Rain and Snow

Dogs can feel especially cold when it's rainy or snowy, especially if their paw pads come into direct contact with the wet, cold ground.

Here's a table outlining the effects of specific temperatures on dogs' health:

      Dog Type             Can Go Out             Be Careful             Risky             Avoid Outdoor Activity

    Small Dogs             Above 12°C         7°C to 10°C       1°C to 4°C       Below 6°C

    Medium Dogs           Above 10°C           7°C         1°C to 4°C       Below 12°C

    Large Dogs             Above 7°C           4°C         6°C to 1°C       Below 12°C

It's also important to address two common misconceptions:

Just because you feel cold, it doesn't mean your dog does. A dog's coldness is determined by its behavior, not your own.

Not all dogs have a natural coat that keeps them warm; this is a myth. Even breeds with thick fur need warmth in certain temperatures, and all dogs can suffer from the cold.

Lastly, while it's important to keep your dog active, especially during extreme weather, here are some tips for walking your dog in cold weather:

Don't worry about what others think; keep your dog warm.

When there's a significant temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, let your dog acclimate to the cold at the door before going for a walk.

Be mindful of the time of day you walk your dog, especially when there's a large temperature swing. Midday, when the sun is out, is often the best time.

On rainy or snowy days, make sure to clean and dry your dog thoroughly after the walk to prevent frostbite.

It's okay to shorten your walk during the winter.

Finally, OxyPet Doctor wishes all pet owners a warm and enjoyable winter walking experience with their dogs. Remember to stay warm and healthy, too!