When is it too cold to walk your dog?
With snow covering parts of the UK this week, experts are urging dog owners to take care when on a wintery walk.
When is it too cold to walk your dog?
Generally speaking, no dog should be taken out for a walk if the weather drops below -9°C, as they cannot withstand these below-freezing temperatures. A good rule of thumb is that if it's uncomfortably cold for you as the owner, it's likely too cold for your dog.
Beyond that, more specific advice depends on the size of your dog and the density of its natural coat.
"Temperatures around -4°C and below are too cold for short-haired dogs, while long-coated dogs can handle slightly lower temperatures, down to -9°C," says clinical animal behaviourist, Rachel Rodgers, who has teamed up with Canine Cottages
A Siberian husky, Samoyed or Newfoundland can withstand the cold better than a short-haired breed.
When it comes to size, small and medium breed dogs will struggle to cope at -4°C and should be kept inside. Meanwhile, larger dogs should be able to walk for half an hour at -6 degrees.
Should my dog wear a coat for walks?
Once the temperature drops below zero degrees, small dogs should also be fitted with a sweater or coat to keep them warm. You could also try a pair of winter dog boots to keep their feet toasty. Additionally, their walks should be limited to around 15 to 20 minutes to prevent them from getting too chilly.
You should also consider the breed of your dog. Speaking to The Metro, Dave Leicester from Vets Now, said: "Just like humans, some pets, such as husky dogs, are more tolerant to cold weather than others. Make sure you do your homework on your breed.
"For example, Dobermans, Chihuahuas and Great Danes require a little extra protection in the cold. Short-nosed pets are also more at risk from extreme temperatures due to inherited breathing difficulties."
How can I tell if my dog is too cold?
"Dogs will shiver when they are cold. Their ears may also feel cold to the touch. Some dogs will look stiff in their movements as they start to feel lethargic and may even have difficulty walking," advises Rachel.
"Behaviourally, you may see your dog stop on their walk, whine or vocalise a little and not want to go any further. In extreme cases, dogs can develop hypothermia if exposed to extreme temperatures for too long. If this happens, the dog will have a rapid drop in body temperature, slower breathing, and potentially be unresponsive and collapse. The dog will need urgent veterinary care and must be warmed up gradually – heat pads / hot water bottles must not be used in these cases!”
Can I walk my puppy when it's cold?
Age isn't the only factor to consider when taking your dog for a winter walk. Medical conditions and body fat levels also play a part in deciding if it's too cold. Rachel explains: “You need to be more careful with very young dogs that have come to a new home at 8/9 weeks old, as well as older dogs. They generally have lower body fat levels and struggle to regulate their body temperature as well as younger adult dogs.
"Dogs over the age of 8 have an 80% chance of having arthritis and conditions like this worsen when they are cold. There are also health conditions you need to consider, such as diabetes, heart failure and kidney disease. These conditions put dogs at a higher risk so owners will need to take extra care in the colder months."
Can I walk my dog when it's snowing or raining?
PDSA vet Lynne James has also said that dog owners shouldn't avoid taking their pets out for a walk when it is raining or snowing during the winter months.
She said: "Watch out for wet weather – getting wet will increase the risk of your dog getting chilled. If you spot your pet shivering or they seem to be struggling with the cold, bring them into the warmth straight away.
"If your dog gets wet, always dry them off with a towel as soon as you get home and make sure to check and rinse their paws – any build-up of salt, grit, dirt or snow can be painful."
Lynne has also encouraged dog owners to embark on shorter, more regular, walks this winter. She said: "As the temperatures drop, plan for shorter, more frequent walks rather than one long-distance hike daily.
"Despite the cold weather, dogs still need daily walks to keep them happy and healthy – it’s important for their mental, as well as physical health. Most dogs will cope well and many may even enjoy the cold!
"But, avoid forcing your pet to go outside if they really don’t want to on those bitterly cold days – let them go to the loo in the garden, and play some indoor activities instead."
Checking your dog's paws after a winter walk
If your dog isn't a fan of wearing winter boots, you will need to take care when it comes to their paws.
Ensure that you regularly trim the fur around your dog’s paws to prevent any ice balls from forming between the pads and toes of their feet. Rachel also stresses the importance of avoiding grit salts: "If you think your dog has walked in some grit, then make sure you clean their paws thoroughly when you get home and don’t allow them to clean themselves and ingest any of the salts and grit."
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