The optimum temperature for the well-being of pets is between 21 and 26 degrees Celsius, both in winter and summer.
As a rule of thumb, if you are comfortable with the temperature in your home, your pet likely is, too. As a benchmark, most dogs (and cats!) do very well with the home between 75 and 78 degrees during the summer months. However, several variables could influence the right temperature for your pet.
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.
Anything above 20C can cause your dog to become dehydrated and very hot very quickly. The hotter the temperature, the higher the risk to your dog. As the temperature increases, even by just 1C, the risk to your dog increases too. Any temperature over 25C is a definite NO when it comes to walking!
The breed of your dog will be the main determiner for when it's safe for it to go outdoors in very cold weather. Small and medium breeds with thinner coats will struggle in -4°C conditions. Bigger dog breeds with thicker coats can withstand temperatures of -6°C.
5 degrees Celsius: at this temperature, “cold averse” dogs may start to struggle. So, if your dog is particularly small, has a thin coat or spends most of their life snuggled up in a blanket, it may be time to give dog coats a go, reduce the length of your works, or even give the walks a miss.
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.
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.
If you can't hold the back of your hand to the pavement outside for more than a few seconds, it's too hot for your pet. On hot, humid days, you should bring your pet inside if the indoor environment is cooler (for example, if you have air conditioning).
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.
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.
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.
In general, you should set the thermostat between 75 and 78 degrees F when you're at home in the summer. If you have a large, long-haired dog, such as a Husky or Samoyed, set the temperature around 75 for the dog's comfort.
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.
While some dogs were bred for colder temperatures, most will feel comfortable in temperate environments, around 70 degrees indoors or outdoors. Moderate temperatures ensure pups stay regulated regardless of their coat length.
For example, one sign your dog is too hot at night is heavy panting in a setting where they're otherwise calm and happy. Heavy panting could also indicate dehydration — is your dog's water bowl still full? Is the water cool enough for them to drink? Make sure you're providing enough fluids for them throughout the day.
Australian Shepherds prefer temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can withstand a wide range of temperatures. To avoid overheating in hot weather, make sure there is enough of cover and access to water.
A quick way to check if the ground is too hot for your dog is to place your hand on it for 3 - 5 seconds. If it's too hot to keep your hand comfortably on the pavement, it's too hot for your pet to be walking on it.
While it's not cruel to keep a pet outdoors in mild weather, dogs are pack animals who thrive with companionship and being close to their owners. So it's only natural that they will be happiest spending time with the family. A dog kept solely outside experiences social isolation and may bark or howl out of loneliness.
Keep Your Dog Warm – Sleeping on a blanket instead of tile or a hardwood floor can provide your dog a source of warmth and comfort on a cold winter night. This is especially true if you don't sleep in the same room as your dog, or don't allow them on your living room furniture.
Below freezing, 32°F, dogs in sensitive categories, such as older dogs and those with thin coats will need extra help, such as shelter (staying inside) or a jacket or sweater. Temperatures below 20°F are not safe for any dog to spend significant amounts of time outside, due to the risks of hypothermia and frostbite.
They say that between 16 and 19 degrees is generally safe for dogs, while between 20 and 23 degree is a six out of ten risk rating. When the temperature hits 24 and 27 degrees, this risk level goes up to nine out of ten, and then to ten out of ten when the weather reaches 32 degrees and above.
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.
Dogs, just like people, can develop hypothermia in cold temperatures. 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.