At what temperature does a dog need a coat for winter?

Hosea Spinka

2025-09-04 09:35:16

Count answers : 18

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When the thermometer dips, don’t leave your dog outside alone. Most dogs spend a lot of time inside and are not used to extreme cold, so they could develop hypothermia or frostbite. Short-coated breeds of dogs, like greyhounds, Dobermans and Staffordshire bull terriers, can struggle to cope with the cold weather and may need a coat. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to invest in some winter clothes, such as a cosy doggy jumper or coat, ready for when they go outside. Just remember to keep in mind that just like us, all dogs are individual and some may feel the cold more, particularly if they are older. Put on their coat before you head out if they’re sensitive to the cold. It’s also worth considering a jumper for your dog indoors as well, if they’re sensitive to the cold.

Ted Beahan

2025-08-29 06:51:29

Count answers : 20

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My puppy's a 9 month old biewer-terrier and he doesn't have an undercoat, and weighs only 2,5 kg. I live in Finland and recently the weather's gotten colder, -10 degrees Celsius, around 14 degrees Fahrenheit. I've been putting a knitted or a proper winter coat on my puppy. Of course not all breeds need a coat, huskies, malamutes and other fluffy and thick coated breeds were literally designed to survive in the cold. And other undercoated puppies also can stand relatively cold temperatures. So my question is aimed at other owners of toy breeds / breeds with short hair or no undercoat. When do you put a coat on your dog?

Alyson Champlin

2025-08-21 18:43:46

Count answers : 20

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As a general rule, if the temperature drops below 5 degrees Celsius or lower, it's time to dress that pet. Some dogs cope with cold weather better than others, but the PDSA warns that any pets -- even dogs with thick coats -- can suffer from hypothermia in very cold weather. However, Blue Cross cautions that short-coated breeds like greyhounds, Dobermans and Staffordshire terriers often struggle to cope with the cold weather. Dogs who are smaller, leaner, and/or lower to the ground might also benefit from additional layers. Since heat regulation diminishes with age, elderly pets of any breed might benefit from extra layers. While a light jacket is fine for dogs with thicker coats, a winter jacket is best for small dogs or dogs with thinner coats. If the weather forecast includes freezing temperatures, snow, hail or cold rain, a winter jacket might be necessary.

Thurman McLaughlin

2025-08-10 00:47:24

Count answers : 21

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If you live in a region known for its harsh winters, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, dog winter coats can be a great asset. Even if temperatures aren't typically freezing, factors like wind chill, snow, and rain can make the weather feel colder and more uncomfortable for your dog. The weather conditions and temperature in your area are among the most important factors to consider. Small, toy, and miniature short-haired breeds, such as Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs, can't generate and retain enough body heat to keep themselves warm on winter walks. Senior dogs, puppies, and dogs with certain health conditions are more susceptible to the cold than healthy adult dogs. Heat regulation may decline with age, making even a thick-coated dog uncomfortable in the cold. If your dog is shivering, lifting their paws up to avoid the cold, or burrowing under a blanket, they may benefit from a winter jacket. When the temperature drops, it should be easy to put on and take off, fit well, and provide adequate coverage to keep your pup warm.

Alec McKenzie

2025-08-10 00:03:46

Count answers : 16

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Dogs with fine or thin fur and dogs that are very young, underweight, old or unwell need a warm dog coat when they go out, as they feel the cold much faster than other dogs. They should go out in the cold for shorter periods too. A fit and healthy dog with thick fur should be fine outside without a coat, as long as they’re active, playing or exercising. But it’s a good idea not to let them out for too long in case they start to feel cold. Some dogs, such as Huskies and Malamutes, are well suited to colder weather, so you may find they’re happier to be in the cold for their usual walk. However, smaller dog breeds, like Chihuahuas and small Terriers, can feel the cold quickly, so they will benefit from the extra warmth of a coat in winter. If you notice your dog is shivering or slowing down, bring them home and into the warmth straight away, as this is a sign that they are getting cold.

Frances Schroeder

2025-08-09 22:45:02

Count answers : 18

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Small or thin-furred breeds, puppies, and senior dogs will generally need a winter coat when the temperature outside feels at or below 32°F (0°C). If you’re putting on a coat to go outside, odds are good that it’s cold enough for your dog to need a coat as well. Once the temperature drops below 20°F (-6.6°C), keep a close eye on your dog, regardless of breed, for signs that they are uncomfortably cold. If there’s snow and ice on the ground, or persistent chilly winds, then a winter jacket for your dog is a good idea. A good rule of thumb, no matter what the breed, is that if your dog seems cold—shivering, whining, or slowing down—a coat can’t hurt. Dogs get cold just like people do, and intense cold can cause hypothermia, which occurs when a dog’s body temperature falls to dangerously low levels.

At what temperature does a dog need a coat for winter?

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