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. Seven degrees indicates that there is certainly potential danger, and at four degrees the temperature is potentially life-threatening.
As a general rule of thumb: at 45°F (7°C) and below, most dogs will dogs will start to become uncomfortable. at 32°F (0°C) and below, small, thin-coated, young, old and sick dogs should not be left outside for long. at 20°F (-7°C) and below, dogs become vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite.
Moderately cold temperatures above 7 Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit) are fine for most dogs. Unless your dog is very old, sick, or hairless, he probably won't even require an outer layer of clothing such as a sweater.
Cold-Temperature Guidelines for Dogs
While broad generalizations are difficult, cold should not become a problem for most dogs until the temperature falls below 45 F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable.
It's generally safe in temperatures of up to 19°C (68°F) but be careful when the mercury rises above this. Even at temperatures as low as 20°C (70°F) dogs are at risk of heat stroke. Heat stroke in dogs is essentially a high temperature not caused by a fever.
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.
How Cold Is Too Cold for a Dog? Generally, your dog will feel uncomfortable in cold temperatures below 32°F; more cold-averse dogs may start feeling uncomfortable when it falls below 45°F. When the temperature reaches this point, don't allow your dog outside for long periods.
What cold temperatures are safe for dogs? In general, most dogs are okay until the temperature drops to below 45°F, according to PetMD. Below that, some dogs may begin to feel uncomfortable.
Even if your dog has a thick, heavy coat, they might still feel chilly in the winter. Pets are just as likely to get frostbite (frozen skin and tissue) and hypothermia (low body temperature) as their owners.
In 10-degree weather a large dog can be outside for five minutes, medium dogs for two to three minutes and any smaller than that “carry them outside, let them go to the bathroom, and bring them right back in,” said Malinich.
Even though many cities in Australia have a reputation for heat, most still go through temperature changes that can make most dogs and cats feel uncomfortably cold. There are also some breeds of dogs and cats that have difficulty retaining heat.
What Temperature is Too Cold for a House? While everyone has a different tolerance to cold, ideal winter heat settings should generally be at or above 63 °F (17 °C). Excessive cold (anything below 62 °F or 16 °C) in your home can actually raise your blood pressure as your blood “thickens” in the chilly temperatures.
Do Dogs Need Winter Coats? They just might. Even dogs with thick coats can get hypothermia or frostbite in freezing weather, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). If the temperature is in the mid-40s Fahrenheit / 4.4 degrees Celsius or lower, it's definitely time to dress that pet.
In general, when the temperature dips below freezing, limit your dog's outdoor activity to 10 to 15 minutes. Watch closely for signs of distress like shivering, lethargy, disorientation, or whining. Just like you, your dog can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite.
Again, look for indicators such as shivering, curling up small to preserve warmth, and checking the base of your dog's ears to get a feel for their temperature.
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.
Do Dogs Get Cold at Night? 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.
Most dogs can withstand cooler conditions than humans. Dogs use their coat, skin and fat to protect them against the cold. However, dogs are still susceptible to risks associated with cold temperatures. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to provide shelter and make sure your dog is both healthy and comfortable.
Just like people, dogs have a more difficult time regulating their body temperatures as they age. In the winter, senior dogs are at an increased risk of hypothermia, frostbite and other cold-weather illnesses.
Use caution when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (around 7 degrees Celsius). It's potentially unsafe for little-or-medium-sized dogs with thin coats to be outside, but big dogs with heavier coats are probably OK.
Dogs can sleep outside in a warm, well-ventilated and cosy shelter with plenty of access to fresh, clean water. However, the SPCA recommends allowing your dog to sleep inside as dogs are part of the family. We do not recommend chaining or tethering a dog as this causes distress and injuries.
50-60 degrees and higher are safe temperatures for your dog. 85+ degree temperatures are a different beast in itself, but we're just talking about cool to cold temperatures here. 45 degrees or so are generally acceptable, but you'll still want to keep an eye on how your dog is handling itself in these temperatures.
How cold is too cold? Below 13° - If your home is this cold, it may increase your blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease. 14-15° - If your home is this cold, you may be diminishing your resistance to respiratory diseases. 18° - This is the recommended night time bedroom temperature.