There’s no set rule for what temperature is too cold for your dog. A good general rule of thumb is if it’s cold enough for you to bundle up then your dog needs to be brought inside.
from the cold along with a shelter to keep them warm.
In states where the temperatures are extreme, there are state laws against keeping dogs outside. An outside shelter is a place for your dog to sleep and get away from the elements for a period of time and not a place for a dog to spend long hours.
Building an outdoor shelter for your dog
The outside shelter should be in an enclosed room like a garage, barn or shed where it will be protected from rain and drafts. The size should be similar to a kennel cage in that your dog should be able to sit down comfortably and curl up in the corner to keep warm, but not have excessive room so heat can’t escape so easily. It should be raised up off the floor so it stays dry.
Seal off the spaces between the floor and the bottom of the shelter to keep the wind out. A protected light bulb can provide extra heat.
Insulate the exterior of the shelter with blankets, or you can even use several thicknesses of large thick trash bags taped or stapled to the exterior of the shelter.
It must be protected from the wind with a door facing away from the outside building’s doorway, with an offset door so the wind won’t be able to blow directly on your dog while in the shelter. The doorway could also be covered with a flap for more protection.
Inside the shelter there should be a nesting box with warm blankets or other insulting materials such as a bed filled with cedar shavings, straw, hay and newspapers to keep your dog warm. Be sure that your dog will like these materials (and not eat them) as many dogs won’t use them. This can lead to getting hypothermia, which is a very real danger.
Hypothermia in dogs
Hypothermia begins when your dog’s core body temperature drops below normal. If your dog goes out in the cold without a good thick coat and an adequate amount of fat on the body a dog can quickly go into hypothermia.
Puppies and senior dogs lack the ability to transition from warm to cold environments safely because they have less muscle mass or fat and their shivering response is less effective than a healthy adult dog making them even more susceptible to hypothermia and illness. Watch your dog closely for any sign of hypothermia. Be extra responsible during cold season.
Signs of Hypothermia in dogs
- Whining and barking, trying to talk to you and making eye contact when outside in the cold
- Shivering
- Looking for a shelter
- Anxiety – acting anxious or fearful
- Lethargy when outside too long
Cold Weather Care for dogs
Dogs have higher energy needs whenever the temperature drops over 20 degrees F. Rather than feeding your dog one or two meals a day, feed several smaller meals, adding a little more animal fat and vegetable oil to the diet. Increase the caloric intake by 15% for every 20 degree drop in temperature to help her convert energy to heat.
Provide plenty of water. Check and be sure that your dog’s water and food are not frozen.
Nursing bitches will be less likely to become dehydrated if you add warm water to food.
Brushing your dog so the coat is fluffy and clean will help keep them warmer.
Check your dog’s feet and apply a very thin coat of a good salve such as “Bag Balm, Lanolin Based, Moisturizing Ointment” to the pads of her feet to treat cracks, dryness and keep them healthy.
Don’t leave your dog outside for long periods of time.
Be careful when walking your dog to protect from slipping and other dangers.
Dry your dog if she gets wet and never leave a wet dog out in the cold.
Don’t leave your dog alone in the car with the engine running due to carbon monoxide dangers.
The best protection you can give your dog is to keep them indoors when temperatures fall. When outdoors, be sure to observe your dog and if there are any signs of abnormal behavior, its time to come indoors.
HOW COLD IS TOO COLD FOR YOUR DOG TO STAY OUTSIDE
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