How Cold Can Dogs Handle, anyone know?

I’ve been wondering how cold is too cold for dogs. Like, I know some dogs are bred for colder climates, but how cold can they actually handle? I read that below 45°F is pretty cold for most, but when it hits 32°F or lower, smaller breeds with thinner coats start to suffer. What do you guys think? Anyone know what breeds are better at handling the cold? My dog is a small one, so I’m worried about the cold weather

Yeah, I’ve heard the same. Small dogs really struggle with cold weather. Some breeds like Huskies and Malamutes are built for it though. They have those thick double coats that help them stay warm. :sweat_smile:

Shan said:
Yeah, I’ve heard the same. Small dogs really struggle with cold weather. Some breeds like Huskies and Malamutes are built for it though. They have those thick double coats that help them stay warm. :sweat_smile:

Huskies and Malamutes are definitely great for the cold! I’d recommend getting a coat for your small dog if it’s going to get too cold. Just like us, they get cold too, lol.

For me, I just make sure to limit time outside when it’s too cold. Anything below 32°F and my dog is straight back inside. Also, the coat really helps! :dog:

Pippin said:
For me, I just make sure to limit time outside when it’s too cold. Anything below 32°F and my dog is straight back inside. Also, the coat really helps! :dog:

Good call! I didn’t think about limiting the time. I might start doing that too. What kind of coat do you use for your dog?

@Blair
I use a thick jacket for my dog. It’s more of a vest style for warmth. If you have a medium-haired dog, you could try a light sweater. Just make sure it covers their neck and chest areas. :coat:

Honestly, I didn’t realize that certain dogs need coats in cold weather. I always thought they could just handle it since they have fur… but seems like smaller breeds really need the extra help.

Lior said:
Honestly, I didn’t realize that certain dogs need coats in cold weather. I always thought they could just handle it since they have fur… but seems like smaller breeds really need the extra help.

Same here! I never thought about it either. My dog is pretty small, so I guess I should be more careful when it gets colder.

If it’s freezing or there’s snow, definitely get them a coat. I’ve seen dogs out in the cold with no protection, and it doesn’t look safe. It’s easy to think they’re okay, but they can get cold really fast.

@Pierce
Yeah, especially with ice or hail. I saw a little dog struggling in the snow the other day. I’ll definitely get my dog a coat for those types of days.

So, how long can they be outside if it’s between 10 and 32°F? I’ve read it’s not safe for longer than 10-15 minutes. Does that sound right?

Charlie said:
So, how long can they be outside if it’s between 10 and 32°F? I’ve read it’s not safe for longer than 10-15 minutes. Does that sound right?

Yep, that sounds about right. Don’t leave them out too long. If it’s below 10°F though, it’s a no-go for any dog outside. Better safe than sorry, especially with small breeds.