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.
Best House Temperatures for Dogs
When you leave the house never set the thermostat higher than 82 degrees, and always provide lots of fresh water for your dog. Dogs with heavy coats also appreciate access to a cool tile or cement floor. In the winter, 68 F to 72 F is comfortable for you and your dog.
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.
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.
In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45° F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable.
Dogs that are very small, are quite young, single-coated or much older may also “suffer more in the cold,” she says. 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.
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.
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.
When the temperature drops to 10 degrees Celsius, it is starting to be too cold for some dogs. Seven degrees Celsius is possibly dangerous for some breeds. When the temperate drops to 4 degrees Celsius and below, it can be life threatening for most dogs.
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.
The optimum temperature for the well-being of pets is between 21 and 26 degrees Celsius, both in winter and summer.
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.
How cold is too cold for a dog? Generally, your dog will feel uncomfortable in cold temperatures below 0°C. When the temperature reaches this point, don't allow your dog outside for long periods. Smaller dogs, as well as dogs with short coats, will feel the cold more sharply than larger dogs or breeds with thick coats.
Dogs should never be left outdoors when the weather drops below 10°C. However, it does depend on the breed. The thick coats of Siberian husky's can withstand extreme below freezing temperatures, but lean breeds like whippets or greyhounds will be a lot more sensitive to the cold.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The ideal temperature for walking a dog in Canada is between 0 to -10 degrees Celsius. This range allows for enough physical exercise and fresh air, without risking the health of your pup due to extreme temperatures.
Cold weather and frostbite
The most common reason your beloved Fido might have chilly paws is because you've been out in the cold. Just like you get cold hands and feet when out in winter, your dog does, too.
We would advise all dog owners to be mindful about letting your dog sleep outside, and to take in a number of factors before doing so, such as temperature and weather conditions; security of the area; risk of other animals, and more.
Your Dog Feels Cold Around the Ears and in the Body
Touch your dog around his ears, especially along the edges, and underneath the fur and coat. If he feels cold to the touch, he is probably feeling cold. Touch the belly region and check if it is warm. If the area is cold, then your dog is cold.
Whilst much of Australia does not experience extreme cold, it's important to be mindful of the temperature throughout winter and ensure your pet isn't exposed to the cold for extended periods or without winter clothes.
On asking our local vet whether dogs feel the cold like we do, he answered of course they do! Just because they have a fur coat it does not prevent them feeling the cold on an icy wintry or windy day.
“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.