When the temperature starts to dip come fall and winter, you may find yourself standing at the door with a leash in hand, wondering whether it’s still safe to head outside with your dog. Though your pup may be eager to go, tail wagging and ready for their daily adventure, that doesn’t always mean the weather is on your side. Unlike people, dogs can’t grab a jacket or tell us when they’re uncomfortable, so it’s up to us to make the call.

The tricky part is that there’s no single temperature that applies to every dog. A fluffy husky may happily trot through a snowy morning, while a tiny Chihuahua may start shivering the moment they step off the porch. Factors like coat type, size, age and overall health all play a role in how well your dog handles the cold, and even the same dog may feel differently depending on wind, moisture and how long they’re outside.

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To help you make the best decision for your four-legged friend, we spoke with experts about the temperatures that can become risky, which breeds tend to tolerate the cold better than others, and the signs it’s time to turn around and head home. We’re also sharing a few pieces of winter gear that can help make cold-weather walks more comfortable for your dog. Whether you have a snow-loving breed or a pup who prefers to stay cuddled up on the couch, here’s what you need to know before you bundle up and head out.

The Danger Zone: When Do Temperatures Become Unsafe?

Once the temperature starts to drop, it’s easy to get concerned about whether or not you should take your pup out for a walk. However, as Tiffany Lacey, president and executive director of Animal Haven, explains, it’s not always one-size-fits-all when it comes to the optimal temperature.

The breaking point will typically depend on factors like your dog’s coat type, size, age and health. For example, Lacey says that a young Siberian husky will typically withstand colder temperatures better than a senior hound mix.

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While your dog’s specific characteristics play a role, she does recommend waiting until temperatures are 45 degrees or above for dogs to feel comfortable. Below 32 degrees, dogs with thinner coats, puppies and seniors may experience some effects of the cold, and anything under 20 degrees can expose dogs to cold-related health problems like hypothermia or frostbite. Considerations like wind, snow or ice may also make the temperature feel much lower than it is.

Breed-by-Breed Cold Weather Guide

Although there are various benchmarks to consider, certain breeds are able to withstand lower temperatures better than others. Dr. Melinda Fleming, DVM, a veterinarian at TelaVets.com, explains that dogs with thick double coats are generally bred to withstand lower temperatures better than other breeds. These types of dogs include breeds like:

• Huskies
• Malamutes
• Newfoundlands
• St. Bernards
• Bernese mountain dogs

Small dogs and those with short coats will usually get cold much faster than their thick-coated counterparts. These breeds include dogs like:

• Chihuahuas
• Yorkies
• Dachshunds
• Italian Greyhounds
• Frenchies
• Boxers
• Dobermans
• Pit bulls

Although it’s still possible to fit in walks with these short-coated dogs during cold weather, they should be kept very short.

If you have a flat-faced dog like a bulldog, pug or French bulldog, you should also proceed with extreme caution when taking your dog outside in freezing temperatures. Cold air can make breathing harder for these breeds, so it’s important to limit their time in cold weather.

Related: Why Vets Are Begging You to Check Your Dog’s Paws After Every Autumn Walk

3 Physical Signs Your Dog Is Too Cold on a Walk

If you aren’t sure whether your dog is having a good time in the cold, there are a few physical signs that can give you a clue that it’s time to head back inside.

Shivering, according to Lacey, is one of the biggest telltale signs that your dog is feeling the chill. Dogs can shiver just like humans, and just like us, it typically means they’re feeling cold.

If your pup starts to slow down on their walk or seeks out any indoor space you pass by, it’s likely another sign that it’s time to find a warm place to rest. Unless they typically enjoy a slow walk, a sudden change in speed and willingness to be outside could signal that they are ready to end the walk.

Lastly, if your dog starts lifting their paws when walking as if they’re trying to avoid touching the ground, it could be another red flag that it’s time to go home. Just as dogs avoid touching burning concrete, walking along cold ground is not much fun either.

If your dog is showing any of these signs of being too cold, it’s important to head indoors immediately and help them get warm again to avoid any cold-weather illnesses.

Essential Winter Gear to Extend Walk Times

It’s impossible to avoid the outdoors during the cold months as a dog parent because pups need to use the restroom and get physical exercise, but that doesn’t mean they need to go outside unprotected.

Dr. Fleming recommends keeping a sweater or coat on your dog, especially if they’re a short-coated breed. Clothing should fit them snugly, but shouldn’t hinder their movement. This extra layer can add another source of warmth to help them feel less cold during their walks.

When snow begins to show up, a pair of dog boots can also help protect their paws from snow, ice, salt and freezing pavement. If your dog doesn’t enjoy wearing booties, you can also try paw balm to keep ice and snow off their paws.

Final Thoughts

Cold weather doesn’t have to mean skipping walks altogether, but it does mean paying closer attention to your dog. Temperature guidelines are a helpful starting point, but your pup’s breed, age, coat and health will ultimately determine how much chill they can handle.

Keep an eye out for shivering, slowing down or paw lifting, and don’t hesitate to cut a walk short when your dog seems uncomfortable. With the right gear and a little extra caution, you and your best friend can still enjoy fresh air together all winter long.

Sources:

• Tiffany Lacey is the president and executive director of Animal Haven, a Manhattan-based nonprofit organization that finds homes for abandoned cats and dogs throughout the tri-state area.
• Dr. Melinda Fleming, DVM, is a veterinarian for TelaVets.com, a 24/7 telemedicine veterinary service for cats, dogs, chickens and other pets across the country.

Related: Why Does My Dog Shed So Much in the Fall? (And How to Finally Control It)