The dog’s response to cold weather in part depends on the breed but age is an important factor for all dogs. Do puppies get cold easily? And what can we do to keep them warm in cold winter weather?
Puppies get cold easily due to thin fur, low muscle mass, and a thinner layer of fat tissue. In addition, young dogs are not conditioned to harsh weather. Their paws are not well perfused, in comparison, which makes puppies more vulnerable to frostbite. Even puppies of hardy breeds may feel cold in temperatures at or below 45°F / 7°C. A puppy can develop hypothermia and frostbite quickly if the temperature drops below 32°F / 0°C.
Dogs’ Adaptations to Cold Weather
- Many breeds have thick, double-layer coats to insulate against cold and hot air.
- Piloerection
- When dogs are cold, their hairs stand up and create pockets of air between hair shafts, similar to goosebumps. That prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from getting close to the skin.
- Padding of the paws
- Most dogs have paws with a thick layer of subcutaneous fat and connective tissue, supported by an extensive network of blood vessels. Good blood circulation to the paws is a way for the body to keep them as warm as possible.
- Shivering
- Like any mammal, dogs shiver to generate heat.
- Slowing of the metabolism
- Dogs slow the chemical processes in their bodies to reduce energy expenditure to give off less energy to the environment around them.
WHAT MAKES PUPPIES LESS HARDY IN COLD WEATHER
Low Muscle Mass, Thin Layer of Subcutaneous Tissue
Puppies look chubbier than older dogs but they have little muscle mass and a thinner layer of fat tissue.
- Body fat insulates animals from cold air
- Muscle mass allows to generate energy as needed to keep the animal warm.
Until dogs become more muscular, and accumulate more subcutaneous tissue, they remain at a higher risk for hypothermia.
Lack of Conditioning
Dogs that live in cold climates improve their tolerance to cold weather through regular exposure and conditioning.
Puppies are naive to weather extremes and should not be exposed to harsh conditions. Dogs gradually build up stamina and tolerance to cold weather as needed.
Inefficient Perfusion to Paws
Human and animal babies have less than perfect perfusion to their extremities in the first few months of their lives. Their bodies prioritize essential organs, which increases the chances of survival in the wild. That is why youngsters often have cool hands/paws.
Not only are a puppy’s paws at risk of getting cold, but the paws are also at a higher risk of frostbite. Frostbite is dangerous to any animal, especially a very young one with an immature immune system.
Thinner Fur
Even a puppy of a breed with thick, double-layer coats is not likely to have very thick fur or coat at a young age. A puppy’s coat is soft and thin, and any amount of rain or snow compromises its limited insulating properties even further.
How Cold Is Too Cold for a Puppy?
Temperatures below 45 °F / 7°C but above the freezing point are generally safe for puppies for a limited period. It is individual what your particular pup can tolerate comfortably, so it is important to read your pet’s cues, particularly if the animal is naive to cold weather.
Your puppy is vulnerable to frostbite when the ambient air is colder than 32 °F / 0 °C. Ears, tails, and paws are especially vulnerable, but other parts of the body can be affected.
Hypothermia is a concern in below-freezing-point temperatures and temperatures that are a few degrees above the freezing point.
Precipitation creates conditions under which the dog’s fur loses some of its insulating capacity. So, rain, snow, and hail put your puppy at an even higher risk.
How to Tell If a Puppy Is Cold
Most breeds have a normal body temperature in the range of 101.5-102.5 °F / 38.5-39.2 °C. Puppies have unstable body temperature but it normalizes a few weeks after being born.
If a dog cools down to 90–95 °F / 32-35 °C, the animal is considered to be mildly hypothermic. Body temperatures below 84 °F / 28 °C indicate severe hypothermia, which can kill a puppy very quickly.
These are some common signs of mild and moderate hypothermia:
- Behavioral changes, for example, nervousness
- Picking up and holding up a paw
- Whining, vocalizing
- Pale skin, noticeable around the mouth, pale mucous membranes
- Shivering
The signs of severe hypothermia:
- Weakness and lethargy
- Stiffness of paws and eventually the torso
- Slow breathing
- Labored breathing
- Slow pulse
- Dilated pupils
The process of cooling down can happen extremely quickly in puppies.
If your pet is stiff and confused, or lethargic, take him to a veterinarian without delay. If your puppy is shivering and appears cold but without any confusion or lethargy, take him home and warm him up gradually.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR PUPPY WARM IN COLD WEATHER
There are recommendations for dogs in cold weather in general:
- Any dog requires a period of acclimation if the animal is not used to cold weather. A puppy should spend very limited periods outside if the temperature is below freezing, for example. A very young dog, especially if not used to cold weather at all, can only be outside for a few minutes in freezing conditions.
- Feed your puppy a good warm meal before heading outside on a cold day.
- It is important to regularly feed your puppy good quality food to promote general health and better tolerance to extreme conditions but the cold season is the time for more nutritious and higher-calorie meals.
- Dry your puppy’s wet fur as soon as you can.
- Clean the paws to remove ice and rocks.
- Consider purchasing a waterproof warm vest if your puppy goes for walks in cold weather frequently. It is important to measure your pet to make sure you are getting the right size. Any brand you choose should provide a size chart.
- Waterproof boots are good at protecting the paws from contact with both cold and hot surfaces. Many dogs don’t like them, so consider applying paw balm or paw butter products on your puppy’s paws.
Your young dog might not need any clothing for the season because puppies should not spend long periods outside in the cold. Spending just a few minutes outside is generally fine, as long as your pup is moving the entire time.
If your dog is shivering and looks uncomfortable but is generally acting appropriately, your pet could be mildly hypothermic. Take the dog home and treat the dog to a warm meal.
Avoid using any hot items, such as heating pads or hot water bottles directly on your pet’s fur, because they will feel too hot to the dog, and could cause more damage.
Frostbite
Puppies are particularly at risk, which is why they should spend very limited time outdoors in sub-zero temperatures.
These are some signs of frostbite:
- pale or gray skin
- coldness of the area
- pain, the puppy could guard the affected paw and vocalize
- swelling and inflammation develop over a few days
- ulcers and blisters are common at later stages
- the area could become discolored, often purple and black if frostbite is severe enough to cause necrosis
- Infections of necrotic tissues are common
Many animals do not survive frostbite, so professional treatment could be essential to save your dog’s life.
PROTECT THE DOG’S PAWS
The interventions to keep your pet’s paws safer from frostbite are also helpful in preventing damage from chemicals used to de-ice roads in winter.
Socks Or Boots
The most reliable way to protect the paws is a physical barrier, such as dog boots or socks.
Most dogs take time to get used to the idea of wearing boots. If your puppy still hates the idea after a few tries, paw balm, or another petroleum-based product is the next best thing.
Paw Wax
Paw balm, or wax, is a great way to protect the paws from both cold and hot surfaces. Beeswax and paraffin are the main ingredients of manufactured paw wax products. These products seal off the paw and protect it from ice, cold, and chemicals.
Petroleum Jelly Products
Purified petroleum-based products are safe to use on pet paws and could be a cheaper alternative to paw balm products, with similar protective value.
The most commonly used products are Vaseline and Aquaphor. Aquaphor may be a better option because it creates a barrier and moisturizes the paws at the same time.
