How Cold Is Too Cold For Dogs Paws To Walk

It is a common misconception that the dog’s resistance to cold is related only to the size and type of their fur. There are many other factors to consider. The resistance depends on the breed, and those that can handle the cold weather without issues are Shiba Inu, German Shepherd, Husky, Komondor, and more.

Moreover, it is important to keep in mind that dogs have different behavior, and most of them won’t express that they are too cold while being outside. The fact is that dogs prefer snow, and it might seem to you that it is a good idea to spend longer time outside while playing with your pet.

Still, you should be aware that dogs could get ill in the same way as people, especially after spending too much time outside in cold weather. Also, when you are taking your little friend outside, it is always important to bring the necessary equipment.

Besides the leash, you can bring portable feeders, a bowl for the water, and even get a coat for the dog, which can keep it dry and warm. If you are interested in buying some equipment for your pet, check out funnyfuzzy.com

Furthermore, it is essential to learn more about the requirements of your dog, which can be quite different depending on the breed. Some of them could handle cold temperatures without problems, while there are types that you should never walk when the temperature is under 30 degrees. In this article, we are going to analyze more about dogs’ resistance to cold.

Should You Protect the Paws?

As we already mentioned, the resistance can be different from breed to breed. Commonly, larger dogs can handle colder temperatures much better, while it is never a good idea to take out a smaller pet when the temperature is below 20 degrees. The misconception is that the paws are resistant to cold. The fact is that their sensitivity is not like human hands and feet, but you should still pay attention. The same is when it is too hot outside.

There is a chance for some serious health issues when you are walking the dog on a cold day, and it could lead to damage to their paws. Some smaller breeds won’t handle well the temperatures even in the range between 40 and 50 degrees, while there are those that you can safely walk even when the temperature is under 20 F. It is common that the northern breeds can handle cold weather much better.

A lot of people might think that there is no need to take the boots for their pets. However, the cold temperature is not the only thing that is important here. The boots will prevent small particles of ice to get between the toes, which could lead to frostbites. The great thing is that you can stay outside for a longer time when your dog has proper boots. For example, you can play around in the snow for more than 30 minutes, and there is no reason to fear that it might affect the health of your little friend.

Signs that Your Dog Is Feeling Cold

It can be challenging at the beginning since most dogs love playing outside. The biggest issue is that it can be too late before you notice the signs that it is too cold for the dog, and it might lead to health issues. Pay special attention to the behavior of your pet.

There are different types of behavior and signs that it is too cold for it. If you notice that it is lifting the paws more often, getting the boots can be the best option. Other signs are an expression of discomfort, shaking, barking, tucked tail, hiding in covered spots, and more.

Prepare the Dog

Protection of the paws is very important. Also, getting a proper coat will make it much more comfortable for it when you want to play outside. The key is to understand the behavior of your pet. They can sometimes act like little kids. Most dogs love the snow, and they will start playing around from the first moment after you let them outside.

However, be sure to monitor them all the time. You should get them inside after the first signs of feeling cold. Moreover, be sure to always use a leash. Some dogs might start panicking when they don’t feel comfortable and start looking for shelter or running over the snow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that they could get sick in the same way as people. The fact is that they are more resistant to certain conditions since their feet are less sensitive, and they have fur. On the other side, there are breeds that you should never walk outside when the temperature is under 50 degrees. The same is for hot weather as well. In most cases, breeds that can handle cold weather won’t feel so well when the temperature is over 70 degrees.

The most important part when you get a dog is to learn more about the specific needs of that breed, how often you should walk it, which food is the best, and if there are some things to avoid. You should pay attention to both physical and mental state of your little friend. If you notice certain changes in behavior, the great option is to contact an expert who can come to your place and explain you more about the meaning of some actions that you don’t understand.

The Bottom Line

The main issue is that many people don’t understand the signs that their dogs are not feeling comfortable in some situations. Prolonged exposure to the same conditions could lead to health issues and changes in behavior. Boots for the dog can be a great solution for both hot and cold weather. Also, it is a great solution to keep your dog clean. In combination with proper coat, you can be sure that your dog will stay healthy while playing in the snow.