With temperatures getting colder during the winter months, many pet owners may wonder if their furry friends are as cold as we are.
Despite the cold, it is still necessary for dogs to go out for a walk and do their business. But with his coat of fur, it can be difficult to tell if man's best friend is really capable of withstanding frigid temperatures. Here are some tips to determine if it's too cold outside to walk your dog.
The specific temperature your dog can withstand will vary depending on his breed, size, age, and health. If your dog is smaller, chances are he won't be able to handle temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. When a dog is too cold, he may end up showing signs of hypothermia. If left untreated, hypothermia can lead to serious complications, such as heart problems and kidney failure. In the worst case, it can even be fatal.
If you're going to take the risk of walking your dog, it's important to look for specific signs during the walk. If your dog is shivering or shivering, for example, he may be cold, as this is usually a way for pets to generate their own body heat. Another sign that your dog is too cold is if he stops constantly during the walk or moves slowly. Owners should also pay attention if their dog starts making any noise or showing other signs of stress, which could indicate that he is cold.
Some dogs may try to hide and seek shelter if they are too cold. The owner might also check their dog's ears and body to see if he feels unusually cold.
Wasi Ashraf, medical director of VEG Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York, said CBS News who “worries” when dogs go outside in cold weather if the temperature drops below freezing, or 32 degrees Fahrenheit. “I am very, very worried if they are under 20 years old. [degrees Fahrenheit] for most average dogs,” Ashraf told the outlet. “But again, this depends on the type of dog you have and how well he will tolerate being outside.”
He advised limiting your exposure to just 10 to 15 minutes. Ashraf clarified that if you are wearing multiple layers and the weather is still too cold for you, then you can safely assume that your dog is cold too.
There are some additional precautions that can be taken to protect dogs as much as possible when they need to go outside. Consider buying your dog a winter jacket and putting booties on his feet to protect him from snow and chemical salt treatments used for deicing. If clothing is not an option, avoid walking your dog on icy patches and check his paws to make sure all road or sidewalk salt has been wiped off.
Dogs that must be kept outside should have adequate access to shelter and should be able to come inside when they feel cold.
