Dogs aren’t immune to winter. Learn how cold is too cold for dogs and how to keep them safe from hypothermia and frostbite.
How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs? A Winter Survival Guide for Pet Parents
Updated on Apr. 24, 2025
Dogs, just like humans, can get chilly when the temperature starts to drop. We can layer on scarves, coats, hats and gloves, but dogs don’t really have access to winter accessories the way we do—or they refuse to wear them. If you live in a cold climate, it’s important to understand how cold is too cold for dogs so you can keep your furry companion safe and comfortable all season long.
To find out, we turned to two veterinarians and asked for their tips on knowing when it’s time to bring our pets inside, how to keep them warm in winter and what signs point to danger. Read on for the experts’ take on how cold is too cold for dogs.
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What temperatures are too cold for dogs?
“It heavily depends on the dog breed, as size, coat thickness and color, age and other factors [play a role], but in general, when the temperature hits below 45 degrees, most dogs start to feel the cold,” says Gary Richter, DVM, a veterinary health expert with Rover. However, he says that when it goes below 32 degrees, they can actually start to get hurt from the cold.
In many parts of the world, the temperature remains below 32 degrees for months at a time. Since dogs obviously can’t be cooped up inside all day during winter, the most important thing to remember is to pay attention to your dog when you take them out. They will typically let you know if they are uncomfortable.
The actual temperature is just part of the equation, though. You also have to take into account wind chill, dampness and cloud cover, says Dr. Richter. The windier, wetter and darker it is outside, the colder it is going to feel.
What determines a dog’s cold tolerance?
Not all dogs are built for snowy winters. Some breeds thrive in the cold weather, while others shiver as temperatures drop. Understanding your dog’s breed-specific traits—like size, coat type and age—can help you know when it’s too cold for them to be outside and reduce the risk of cold-related problems like frostbite in dogs.
“Thinner dogs tend to get colder quicker than larger dogs, as body fat is a good insulator,” says Dr. Richter. The thickness and color of their coat can also play into how quickly they’ll get cold.
Coat thickness and type
Breeds with double-layered and thick coats—like Newfoundlands, huskies and Samoyeds—are naturally insulated against cold. These dogs evolved in brutal climates and are better equipped to handle subfreezing temperatures.
On the other hand, dogs with thin coats or short hair—such as greyhounds, basenjis or the hairless Xoloitzcuintli—have less natural protection and may quickly become uncomfortable in cold weather. These dogs benefit from accessories like winter coats and sweaters.
Size and body composition
Small dogs tend to lose body heat faster than large dogs. Their higher surface area to volume ratio means more heat escapes relative to their body mass. Combine that with less body fat, and they’re often the first to shiver when outside.
Coat color
Darker-coated dogs—like Bernese mountain dogs—absorb more heat from sunlight and may stay warmer on clear winter days than light-coated dogs. This slight boost may help in mild winter weather, but it isn’t a substitute for cold-weather precautions.
Age and health of the dog
Senior dogs, puppies and those with health issues struggle more with temperature regulation. Their bodies can’t generate heat effectively, making them vulnerable to the cold even on relatively balmy winter days.
What are the best ways to keep your dog safe in cold weather?
Cold-weather canine care is crucial, and it involves everything from monitoring outdoor time to avoiding wintertime hazards. Read on for the top veterinarian tips to know.
Spend less time outdoors
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) advises owners to limit their dogs’ outdoor time, as extended exposure to biting cold can lead to frostbite or hypothermia.
“Dogs can go outside for 15 to 20 minutes at below-freezing temperatures to use the bathroom and play,” says Sara Ochoa, DVM, a veterinarian with the Animal Hospital of West Monroe in Louisiana. She reiterates that you should keep a close eye on your dog while you’re outside to make sure that they’re not showing any signs of discomfort. If dogs are outside for too long, they can have trouble regulating their body temperature and can freeze.
Cut back on haircuts and baths
You can skip shaving your dog’s coat in winter—fur provides insulation. Trim long hair to reduce any ice buildup and keep the fur between their toes clean.
Don’t overbathe your pets, as frequent showers can dry out your dog’s skin. You can ask your vet for a moisturizing shampoo if your furry friend needs a winter wash.
Steer clear of pet-harming wintertime products
Winter care for pets includes watching out for dangerous chemicals. Antifreeze, for instance, contains ethylene glycol, which is especially toxic to animals. Be sure to clean up antifreeze spills from your vehicle right away. And always use pet-safe ice melts—salt can harm dogs’ paw pads (more on that below).
How can you tell if your dog is cold?
If you see that your dogs are shivering, acting anxious, whining, slowing down, searching out warm locations or holding up one or more paws, you need to head inside—they’re cold. Dogs have similar traits to humans when they want to get out of the cold.
At what temperature does hypothermia start in dogs?
Hypothermia sets in when a dog’s body temperature drops to 98 or 99 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. That’s significantly below the normal range of 100.5 to 102.5 degrees.
But it is important to note that being cold doesn’t necessarily mean your dog is hypothermic. Hypothermia kicks in when the temperature drop is severe enough to threaten your dog’s health. “If the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health issues like hypothermia and frostbite, but it’s not very common,” says Dr. Richter.
Early signs of hypothermia include muscle stiffness, lethargy, shivering and pale gums. You might also notice your dog acting confused or having trouble walking. As it worsens, dogs may collapse, stop shivering and experience slow or irregular breathing. In severe cases, hypothermia can lead to coma or even death. Knowing how cold is too cold for dogs helps you spot the danger early and keep your pup safe when the temperature drops.
What happens to dogs exposed to cold weather for too long?
Once temperatures plunge, dogs face more than just hypothermia. Long exposure to extreme cold can lead to a range of health hazards, which is why it’s important to take the right cold-weather precautions for your dog.
Common winter dangers include the salt and deicing chemicals used on roads and sidewalks. These substances can irritate your dog’s paw pads, causing them to crack, peel or burn and exposing sensitive skin. After walks, rinse your dog’s feet with warm water to remove any residue.
You should also steer your dog clear of icy areas because they can fall and hurt themselves just like humans, especially older dogs that may not be able to react as fast.
How can you keep dogs warm outdoors?
If your dog isn’t a breed that can withstand the cold well, getting them a coat can be helpful. Make sure that the coat is snug but still allows your dog to have a full range of motion. If you’re in a damp climate or need to take your dog out in the snow, make sure that the coat is waterproof to keep their fur from getting wet.
To protect their feet, you can get booties or purchase paw pad wax to add a layer of protection to delicate paw pads.
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Sources:
- Gary Richter, DVM, medical director of Montclair Veterinary Hospital and founder of Holistic Veterinary Care
- Sara Ochoa, DVM, veterinarian at the Animal Hospital of West Monroe in Louisiana
- Pet MD: “Dog Hypothermia”
- ASPCA: “Cold Weather Safety Tips”
- Pet MD: “5 Tips for Walking Your Dog in the Winter”
