Cavaliers are not known to be a hardy breed of dogs but do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tolerate cold winter weather, in particular?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not tolerate cold weather. These dogs are single-coated and brachycephalic, and they were not bred to withstand harsh temperatures. Snow and rain further reduce the insulating quality of their coats. If it is cooler than 7°C / 45°F, keep the walks brief. If the temperature drops below 0°C / 32°F, protect your pet’s paws from frostbite.
It is also important to consider individual characteristics, such as the dog’s age and health status.
RISK FACTORS FOR HYPOTHERMIA SPECIFIC TO CAVALIERS
Single-Layer Coat
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not have the advantage of a double coat to add to the protection from chilly weather. These dogs’ silky single-layer fur is not great at protecting them from either cold air or rain and snow. It does not repel moisture nearly as well as a double-layer coated dog.
Brachycephalic Airway
The flat nose and other features of the airway of brachycephalic dogs put them at risk for numerous issues, including hypothermia. Depending on how pronounced brachycephaly is, the dog could have trouble staying warm and struggle more than usual with respiratory issues.
RISK FACTORS FOR HYPOTHERMIA FOR DOGS OF ALL BREEDS
Several individual characteristics make any animal even more vulnerable to developing hypothermia.
- Deconditioning: good health and regular exercise improve tolerance of suboptimal conditions
- Any physical health problem – chronic or acute
- Old dogs are at high risk for hypothermia due to their impaired physiologic responses to extreme temperatures
- Puppies also have little stamina and get cold or hot easily
- Being thin: subcutaneous fat insulates the body, so chubby dogs do better in the cold
- A dog who is not moving around much will have a harder time keeping warm
- Lack of acclimatization is a major factor, because gradual exposure to cold, as tolerated, allows the dog to adjust to low temperatures over time
- Wet fur is a risk factor even for young and healthy animals
Signs Of Hypothermia In Dogs
The normal body temperature of most dogs, including Cavaliers, is in the range of 38.5°C – 39°C / 101.5°F – 102.5°F.
If body temperature drops to 32 – 35°C / 90 – 95°F, the animal is in the range of mild hypothermia. Temperatures below 28 °C / 84 °F constitute severe hypothermia.
The common signs of mild to moderate hypothermia include the following:
- Behavioral changes, such as nervousness, pacing, refusing to walk, or moving abnormally
- Picking up a paw and holding it up
- Vocalizing in a way that alerts you to some distress
- Pale mucous membranes, especially the mouth
- Shivering
The signs of worsening hypothermia include the following:
- Weakness and lethargy
- Stiffness of paws and possibly the torso
- Slow or labored breathing
- Slow pulse
If your Cavalier appears very cold, or you recognize in other ways that your pup is unwell, consider a trip to a veterinarian. Once the dog is hypothermic beyond a certain threshold, medical interventions are required to save the dog’s life.
How Cold Is Too Cold For A Cavalier?
7°C / 45°F is commonly the temperature threshold below which a dog of a cold-sensitive breed becomes uncomfortable spending long periods outside. If it is a few degrees cooler than the threshold, keep your pup’s time outdoors limited.
As for even harsher conditions when the air temperature is at or below freezing, healthy adult Cavaliers generally do okay but only for brief periods. Your dog can still go outside and enjoy a short walk, although Cavaliers are among the breeds that might benefit from a vest and boots or paw balm on a freezing day.
It is also important to note that snow, rain, and wind reduce the insulating power of the Cavalier’s fur, so the dog could get cold even faster.
Frostbite
When your pet is cold, the body prioritizes supplies of blood to the torso over the paws to conserve warmth for the essential organs. While such a physiologic response increases the chances of survival in the wild, it leaves other parts of the body, such as paws and ears, at a higher risk for frostbite.
When the ambient air is below 0°C / 32°F, being outdoors for even a short period could lead to frostbite.
The signs of frostbite include the following:
- pale or gray skin
- coldness of the area
- pain
At a later stage, several days after the injury:
- swelling, inflammation in affected areas
- ulcers, blisters
- areas that are becoming further discolored – purple or black
When the affected limb darkens, it might turn necrotic. It is a dire circumstance because the dog is likely to lose the affected limb and could develop a secondary infection. Uncontrolled infections are dangerous and many animals do not survive.
If you suspect that your dog has frostbite, do not wait to take him to a veterinarian. Your dog may need respiratory support, antibiotics, or other therapies to promote recovery.
How To Keep Your Cavalier Warm On A Cold Day
There are several interventions you could try to improve your pet’s tolerance to cold weather and to keep him warm on a cold day.
- If you are moving to an area with a colder climate or getting a new pet, allow your dog to acclimate. At first, spend very short periods outdoors – just enough for the dog to relieve himself. Gradually increase the time over a few weeks if your pet tolerates it well.
- Make sure your furry friend has eaten well on the day he is getting exposed to the cold. A warm meal and water are good options on a cold day, if available.
- It is important to regularly feed your dog good quality food to promote general health and better tolerance to cold weather.
- Let your dog exercise regularly to improve general health, too.
- Dry your pup’s wet fur as soon as you can.
- Clean his paws of ice and rocks. Sometimes it is helpful to rinse your pet’s paws with water a little warmer than lukewarm to gently remove ice and any debris. This practice also helps prevent damage from mechanical injury due to ice and rocks.
- Consider a waterproof warm coat if your dog goes outside in cold weather frequently. It is important to measure your dog as recommended by the manufacturer, to make sure you are getting the right size.
- Waterproof boots are just as important, especially in icy conditions. It may be best to have your pet try those out at home, to make sure they fit well and the dog does not mind wearing them.
- Paw wax is another option. It is less cumbersome for the dog and protects well from both cold and hot surfaces.
If your dog looks cold after a walk, take him home bundle him with blankets, and treat him to a warm meal and water. Don’t use any hot items, such as heating pads or hot water bottles directly on his fur, because they will feel too hot and could cause damage.
Other Concerns In Freezing Weather
If you live in a country where the climate with cold season, you might already be familiar with the rules for pets around antifreeze and salt on the driveways and roads.
- Antifreeze is a major safety problem for animals. Many dogs and cats in particular like the taste of it. As a result, they will lick any surface antifreeze that is spilled on, and even a small amount could kill an animal or severely impact your pet’s quality of life.
- Salt and other substances that are sprayed on ice and snow in winter can be extremely harsh on the paws. If you use any of those substances in your driveway or take your pet on walks to places that could have salt sprinkled for deicing, consider protecting your pet’s paws with either balm or doggy boots.
