Bernese Mountain Dogs originate from the cold mountains of Switzerland, so they are a hardy breed of dogs.
Healthy adult Bernese Mountain Dogs do well in winter but even hardy animals get cold in freezing temperatures. On days colder than 32°F/ 0°C, limit the time outdoors, and know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite in dogs. Puppies and old dogs, as well as animals that are ill or not used to harsh weather, are especially vulnerable.
It is important to consider every dog’s individual needs, in addition to the breed’s characteristics.
DOGS’ ADAPTATIONS TO COLD WEATHER
Thick Double Coat
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s fur is an excellent barrier that insulates and allows these dogs to thrive in cold climates.
The coat has two layers. The undercoat consists of short thick wooly hairs. It insulates the dog, protecting her from both cold and hot air. The upper layer is made of long rough hairs. It repels moisture, as well as insects, and shields from UV light in summer.
Other adaptations include the following:
- Paw cushions: The dog’s paws are cushioned with subcutaneous fat and connective tissue. The cushions are supported by a prolific net of blood vessels. Good blood supply to the paws is one of the ways the body keeps them warm and protects them from frostbite. Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, so blood supply becomes more limited.
- Piloerection: 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.
- Slowing of metabolism: Animals slow down their metabolism in cold weather, so they give less energy to the cold environment around them.
- Shivering: Dogs shiver, which generates heat and keeps them warmer. Shivering is common when the dog is mildly hypothermic but may stop as hypothermia progresses.
Individual Risk Factors
Some individual characteristics make Bernese Mountain Dogs more vulnerable to developing hypothermia.
- Lack of general conditioning: dogs that are not in good shape are less resistant
- Lack of acclimatization: being used to the cold allows an animal to adjust over time
- Any physical health problem – chronic or acute – puts a dog at risk
- Geriatric dogs are at high risk for hypothermia, because of impaired physiologic responses to the cold
- Puppies are also less sturdy
- Wet fur is a risk factor even for young and healthy dogs
- A dog who is not active while outside in cold weather
HOW COLD IS TOO COLD?
Above 45 °F/ 7°C: most Berners are hardy enough to have no issues with this temperature range.
Below 45 °F/ 7°C: adult healthy Berner should be fine. Dogs that are not used to cold weather can start feeling uncomfortable, especially if they stay outdoors for a few hours or if they are not active.
Colder than 32°F / 0°C: healthy adult Bernese Mountain Dogs generally do well with going on walks when the temperatures are below the freezing point. However, you should monitor your pet for any signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
Below – 4°F / -20°C: Bernese Mountain Dogs can spend some time outside when it is as cold as – 4°F / -20°C. However, they should not be alone when it is that cold. Sleeping outside overnight in such low temperatures is not safe for any dog.
Any precipitation creates conditions under which the double coat could lose its insulating power. So, rain, snow, and hail make your dog more vulnerable. Strong wind has a similar effect.
How To Tell If Your Dog Is Too Cold
As large dogs, Berners have a normal body temperature in the range of 101.5-102.5 °F / 38.5-39.2 °C.
If the dog cools down to 90 – 95 °F / 32-35 °C, she is considered to be mildly hypothermic. Temperatures below 84°F / 28 °C signify severe hypothermia.
Some of the common signs of mild and moderate hypothermia include the following:
- Behavioral changes, for example, nervousness, pacing, refusing to walk
- Picking up and holding up a paw
- Hunched back and a curled-up tail
- Vocalizing in a way that communicates distress
- Pale skin
- Shivering
The signs of severe hypothermia are the following:
- Weakness and lethargy
- Stiffness of paws and eventually the torso
- Slow breathing
- Labored breathing
- Slow pulse
- Dilated pupils
If your dog shows any signs of severe hypothermia, or you recognize in other ways that your dog is unwell, take her to a veterinarian without delay.
Professionals are skilled at gradually raising an animal’s temperature in ways that are safe for the dog. Some animals need respiratory support at that point, which can be provided at a vet’s office.
How To Keep Your Dog Warm
To improve your Berner’s tolerance of cold weather and keep her warm on a cold day.
- Allow your dog to acclimate if she is not used to cold weather. At first, spend short periods in the cold, gradually increasing the time, as tolerated.
- Make sure your dog has eaten well on the day you are taking her outside. 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 and support graded conditioning.
- Dry your pup’s wet fur as soon as you can.
- Clean his paws of 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.
If your dog looks cold but does not appear stiff and confused, the animal might be mildly hypothermic:
- Take him or her home, bundle with blankets, and offer a warm meal and water.
- Avoid using hot items, such as heating pads or hot water bottles directly on the fur or skin, because they will feel too hot, even though the fur, and could cause more damage.
FROSTBITE
If a dog stays in the cold for some time, the body constricts peripheral blood vessels to keep the torso warm. The paws and the tail stay colder. While it increases the chances of survival, it leaves the paws, tail, and ears, particularly at risk for frostbite. Other parts of the body could become affected, too.
These are some signs of frostbite:
- pale or gray skin
- coldness of the area
- pain, the dog could guard the affected paw
- 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
If you suspect that your dog has frostbite, do not wait to take her to a veterinarian. If damage is advanced, the animal could lose a limb to necrosis. A veterinarian may recommend an amputation and some treatment to prevent an infection.
Many animals do not survive frostbite, usually due to secondary infections. So professional treatment could save your dog’s life.
How To Prevent Frostbite
The interventions to keep your dog’s paws safer from frostbite also help prevent damage from chemicals used to de-ice roads and driveways 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 become accustomed to wearing boots. Have your pup wear them ahead of time for a little bit. If your Berner just hates wearing booties, paw balm, or another oil or petroleum-based product is the next best thing.
Paw Balm
Paw balm, or wax, is a great way to protect the paws from both cold and hot surfaces.
Beeswax and paraffin are the core ingredients of manufactured paw butter products. These products are designed to seal off the paw and protect it from ice, cold, and chemicals. Paw balm can be messy when your dog comes back home, so it is important to clean the paws right away.
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 is a better option because it creates a barrier and moisturizes the paws at the same time.
DIY Moisturizing Barrier Products
You can use products at home, such as coconut or olive oil, to create a barrier for your dog’s paws.
For best results, you can melt some beeswax and mix it with olive and coconut oils (1 half beeswax to 1 half mixture of other oils:
- Use a small boiler to melt the beeswax and oils on low heat for a minute.
- Mix them well while the beeswax is melting.
- You could use containers of your choice to pour the mixture into to be able to use the product more comfortably.
- When it cools down and hardens, it is ready to use.
The process of making paw butter is simple and quick, which is why many dog owners choose to make it rather than purchase it.
To Conclude
Bernese Mountain Dogs are among the most stoic breeds when it comes to tolerating cold weather but some dogs appear to be okay until they become precariously cold.
The most important tool you have is knowing your pet and recognizing abnormal behavior. If your dog has some physical signs of being chilly and is beginning to act restless or lethargic, take him or her home to rest and warm up.
