When Is It Too Cold to Put a Dog Outside?

As winter approaches, you̵7;ll have to make changes to your pooch̵7;s living arrangements. He̵7;ll certainly need to continue to go outside to potty and romp, but on frigid days you won̵7;t be able to leave him outside for long. Generally, if it̵7;s too cold for you to be outside, it̵7;s too cold for your four-legged family member to be outside for long -- particularly a smaller one.

  1. Breed Considerations

    • "Too cold" differs from one breed to another -- some dogs are built for cold. If your fur pal is small and has a short, single coat, like a Chihuahua, chilly temperatures can become uncomfortable rather quickly. But if he has a thick double coat made for colder climes, like an Akita or a Siberian Husky, he's able to stay outside in temperatures that are many degrees colder -- weather in which you'd be comfortable only well-insulated. If you need gloves after only a minute, it's too cold for most double-coated breeds, too. If you̵7;re merely uncomfortable standing out in your backyard during a breezy day in just a light jacket, though, a single-coated breed might wish for a light jacket, too, while a double-coated breed is probably not going to mind, particular if he's getting exercise.

    Keeping Him Warm

    • If you do have to leave Duke outside for a bit during winter months, you̵7;ll need to provide a sound structure for him to hide out in. His house should be in a spot that can stay dry even during snow or rain storms and faces away from drafts. The hut should be big enough for him to lie down and turn around in, but it needs to be small enough to retain his body heat, The Humane Society of the United States advises. Elevate it several inches off the ground and cover the bottom with straw or cedar shavings, which won̵7;t retain a lot of moisture like blankets can but will reduce draft underneath.

    Paw Protection

    • Even if your furry friend seems perfectly content galloping away in the fresh coat of snow, his paws may suffer. Snow, ice and freezing-cold sidewalk surfaces are brutal to a dog̵7;s paw pads. His paws can quickly become frostbitten and irritated. He̵7;ll be completely oblivious to the problem until later on, since his paws could be completely numb. If you know you̵7;re heading outside with him, protect his feed by putting doggy shoes on him. Otherwise, use a balm on his pads after walks.

    Water Concerns

    • Animals need more food and water during chilly months, since their bodies burn extra energy to maintain body heat. When temperatures drop below freezing, your dog̵7;s access to fresh water is limited. That bowl of water you put out for him in the morning quickly becomes a big frozen block to which Duke could get his tongue stuck. When temperatures drop below freezing, if you must leave him out for short periods of time, you̵7;ll need to put out a heated water dish. This way he̵7;ll have access to fresh water that won̵7;t freeze.

    Other Considerations

    • Blistering cold temps aren̵7;t the only danger to your canine in winter. Chemicals can be life-threatening as well. Sidewalk salts, antifreeze and other poisons are detrimental to Duke̵7;s health if he gets them on his paws and licks them off. When you bring Duke inside, immediately wipe him off to help him warm up as quickly as possible and to remove any toxins from his coat and feet.