(Fur) baby, it’s cold outside. In particularly frigid climates, it’s best to keep your pup out of the cold and keep them warm inside your home. But how cold is too cold for dogs and cats? Typically, if it’s too cold for you to be outside in your winter wear, then it’s probably too cold for your pet to be outdoors for more than a few minutes.
According to the veterinary experts at Chewy MD, generally, pet parents should limit their pet’s time outdoors when the temperature hits below 35 degrees F for dogs or below 45 degrees F for cats. And when the weather reaches freezing temperatures—32 degrees F or below—pets would be better off indoors.
Watch out for these two cold weather health & safety issues in particular
According to PetMD, these two conditions can be especially dangerous for your dog or cat and you should always be on the alert for their signs and symptoms.
- Hypothermia: Hypothermia can happen when pets are exposed to extreme cold for an extended period, especially if their fur and skin remain wet in the cold. Signs of hypothermia in dogs and cats include paleness, shivering, and lethargy. Consult your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet is experiencing hypothermia.
- Frostbite: Frostbite freezes and kills the skin cells, and most commonly affects the paws, nose, ear tips, and tail of dogs and cats after exposure to extreme cold conditions. The skin often appears pale, bluish-white, or gray and feels significantly colder and firmer than surrounding skin to the touch. Bring your pet to the vet immediately.
Some ways to keep your pet warm in wintertime
- Bring them indoors when the temperature reaches 35 degrees F and below.
- Dress them in insulated winter coats and water-resistant booties/shoes during outdoor potty breaks and walks.
- Keep walks short once the temperature dips below 32 degrees F. You can, however, keep your walks to a normal length when temperatures are in the 40s and 50s.
- Use self-warming pads indoors. With self-warming pads, the pet’s own body heat is reflected back, conserving that warmth. No external power required!
This is especially important if your dog or cat suffers from respiratory issues
When the weather is below freezing (32 degrees F), keep your pet indoors, especially if they have respiratory issues, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
“Pets with respiratory conditions may experience increased breathing difficulties if left outdoors for prolonged periods of time due to constriction of the airways in response to inspiration of frigid air,” Dr. Leslie Gillette, DVM, explains.
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