Cavapoos are a gentle, indoor breed of dogs, although a sporty and active one for sure! If you live in a cold climate, you might wonder how these dogs do with temperature extremes, and harsh winter climates, in particular.
Cavapoos do not do well in cold weather. Single-coated, mildly brachycephalic, and gentle lap pets in general, these dogs are sensitive to cold air. Temperatures below 0 °C/32 °F pose a risk for hypothermia and frostbite for most pets but a Cavapoo could get cold on days colder than 7 °C/45 °F, especially on a rainy or windy day.
Dogs in Cold Weather: How Do They Adapt?
As a species, dogs have several adaptations to help them tolerate harsh weather conditions.
The dog’s paws are cushioned with subcutaneous fat and connective tissue. The cushions are supported by an elaborate net of blood vessels, which keeps the paws warm on a cold day.
Dogs get goosebumps. Their hairs stand up and create a pocket of air between hair shafts, which prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from getting close to the skin. The process is called piloerection.
Animals slow down their metabolism in cold weather, so they lose less energy to the cold environment around them.
Finally, dogs shiver, which generates heat and keeps them warmer. Shivering happens when the dog is mildly hypothermic but it stops as hypothermia progresses.
CAVAPOOS: THE BREED’S RISK FACTORS FOR HYPOTHERMIA
Single-Layer Coat
Cavapoos are single-coated because they come from Cavaliers and poodles. The Cavapoo’s silky, wavy, single-layer fur offers limited protection from either cold air or rain and snow.
Brachycephalic Airway
The relatively flat nose and other features of brachycephalic dogs put Cavapoos at risk for several issues, including hypothermia.
The dog could have trouble staying warm and struggle more than usual with respiratory issues, although these problems are much more common in Cavaliers than Cavapoos.
Brachycephalic features contribute to the Cavapoo’s intolerance to hot weather, too.
INDIVIDUAL RISK FACTORS REGARDLESS OF THE BREED
Several individual characteristics make any animal even more vulnerable to developing hypothermia.
- Good health and regular exercise improve tolerance to weather extremes, so dogs that are deconditioned are at risk
- Chronic or acute health problem
- 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
How Cold Is Too Cold for a Cavapoo?
45 °F/ 7 °C is the threshold below which a dog of a cold-sensitive breed becomes uncomfortable spending time outside. Up to an hour should be fine, as long as the animal is active the entire time.
When the ambient air is colder than 32 °F / 0 °C, being outdoors for even a short period could lead to frostbite. Paws and ears are the most vulnerable to frostbite but any part of the body could be affected. Protect your pet’s paws with either a layer of balm or dog booties.
Snow, rain, and wind further reduce the insulating power of the dog’s coat, so the dog could get cold even faster.
Signs of Hypothermia in Dogs
The average body temperature of most dogs ranges from 101.5 °F (38.5 °C) to 102.5 °F (39.2 °C).
If body temperature drops to 90 – 95 °F / 32-35 °C, the animal is in the range of mild hypothermia. Temperatures below 84 °F / 28 °C constitute severe hypothermia.
The common signs of mild to moderate low body temperature in dogs include the following:
- Behavioral changes, such as nervousness, pacing, not willing to walk, or abnormal movements
- Picking up a paw and holding it up
- Pale mucous membranes, especially of the mouth
- Vocalizing in ways that alert you to some distress
- 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 pet appears very cold, or you recognize in other ways that your dog is unwell in chilly weather, consider a trip to a veterinarian. Once the dog is too cold, medical interventions may be required to save the animal’s life.
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.
Some signs of frostbite include:
- pale or gray skin
- coldness of the area
- pain
At later stages of frostbite, 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 could be turning necrotic. It is a dire circumstance because the dog could lose the affected limb and/or develop a secondary infection.
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 Cavapoo 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.
- Your dog should eat well before going outside on a cold day. 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 Cavapoo’s wet coat as soon as you can.
- Clean the paws of ice and rocks. Sometimes it is helpful to rinse your pet’s paws with water a little warmer than lukewarm to remove ice and any debris gently. 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.
- 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. Many dogs never get used to the idea of 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, bundle the animal with blankets, and treat him to a warm meal and water. Avoid using any hot items, such as heating pads or hot water bottles directly on fur or skin, because they will feel too hot and could cause damage.
Other Concerns In Freezing Weather
If you live in an area with cold winters, you might already be familiar with the issues with 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.
