A comfortable winter temperature for most dogs is between 68 and 72 degrees. Consider the same variables mentioned for summer temperatures above to establish a safe, enjoyable winter thermostat setting.
It can be potentially unsafe for dogs to sleep in conditions where the temperature is 10 degrees or less, with determining factors such as their age, size, breed and general wellbeing. Temperatures of between 12-15 degrees are generally fine for most dogs to sleep in comfortably.
Best House Temperatures for Dogs
In the winter, 68 F to 72 F is comfortable for you and your dog. Don't set the thermostat lower than 60 F when you're gone. Give puppies, older dogs, small short-haired dogs and less healthy dogs a warm bed or an extra blanket on the couch.
As long as your dog has a soft bed to lie on, and as long as the room temperature remains above freezing, dogs are unlikely to get too cold. The dog will curl up and snuggle down, its own body heat sufficient for a good night's sleep.
Typically, for small breed dogs, temperatures below -5C can have be potentially life-threatening. For medium and large breed dogs, it's best to avoid temperatures colder than -10C, although this varies by breed.
It is possible for dogs to get cold at night, even if they're kept indoors. "If you think your dog is getting cold at night, consider giving him a cozy blanket to snuggle up to in bed. Most dogs will not feel cold at night or will seek out a warmer place if they do," says Satchu.
Typically, most large dogs are comfortable when the home's interior hovers between 69 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 21 Celsius). Small dogs are usually pleased when the home's temperature is 73 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 23 Celsius).
Dogs have a body temperature that's 3-6 degrees higher than humans, making them a built-in heating pad for your bed.
A dog's natural body temperature sits at around 38-39 degrees Celsius, so this is the temperature you should be aiming to keep them at. Once the temperature in the home falls beneath around 7 degrees, your dog may start to feel uncomfortable.
20-35 degrees is where large dogs need to have eyes on them, as these are potentially unsafe conditions depending on your dog's breed and unique needs. 15 degrees and lower is where you hit a danger zone, so you'll want to really limit your dog's exposure to the elements and keep them indoors as much as possible.
As a general guide, above seven degrees is considered safe for most breeds. If the weather drops to below zero, it is beginning to become unsafe for most dogs. Below minus 12 degrees, while unlikely in Australia, is considered life-threatening.
Dogs notoriously love their blankets. Whether it's at home or on the road, it gives them a place to snuggle up and be comfortable. No matter your lifestyle, this is an easy investment that every pet owner can make to improve the quality of life for their animal.
Sara Ochoa says, “Dogs can go outside for 15 to 20 minutes at below-freezing temperatures to use the bathroom and play.” However, when the thermometer drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, you should keep senior dogs, young puppies, small breeds, and dogs with health problems indoors, experts advise.
How it actually feels is important, which is why wind-chill should be included. At around 12 – 15 degrees most pets will probably be quite safe. At 10 degrees, you need to keep an eye on them as it can be potentially unsafe depending on their age, general health, and breed.
Dial in the Ideal Temperature for Your Pet
Coat Type: Dogs and cats with thick, long coats tend to be more cold-tolerant. In fact, they often overheat faster than humans. On the other hand, pets with thin, short fur, or hairless pets, do not retain body heat as well and therefore prefer warmer temperatures.
The donut sleeping position
The tail may be draped over the body like a fluffy scarf. Dogs sometimes choose the donut position to conserve body heat, so you may see your dog in this position more often in cold weather.
Werber says dogs and cats are likely to sleep a little more in the wintertime. And most of this is due to the same sorts of reasons humans are less active: they're cold! "They'll look for a cozy blanket to cuddle up with and a warmer place to sleep.
“For dogs that have medical issues that require rest, blankets may be necessary for comfort, to prevent injuries like bedsores and to act as a cushion should they fall,” she says. According to Dr. McCullough, blankets can help dogs with health and behavior issues, too.
It's common for dog's sleep patterns or positions to change over time, this could be due to the weather, dietary changes or even their mood! Take notice of how much your pup sleeps to make notes of any changes as they may be an indication of a health issue.
0 degrees Celsius: small dogs, puppies, elderly and skinny dogs may start to struggle and should avoid walks where possible. -5 degrees Celsius: skip the walks at this stage.
Small, short-coated, short-legged and toy breeds are at highest risk for hypothermia and problems can become apparent at temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius.
The safest temperatures for dog walking tend to range between 12 - 19'C. When the temperatures get higher and reach between 20 - 25'C, the risks of walking dogs in heat increase and you must take precautions to keep your dog cool.