There is an old myth that a wagging tail and a thick coat mean your dog is impervious to a British winter. The truth is a little more nuanced. When the temperature drops, that shivering, paw-lifting look your dog gives you at the front door is very real.
So, do dogs get cold? And how cold is too cold before a frosty morning walk turns into a genuine health risk? Here is everything you need to know.
Yes, dogs absolutely get cold. Most healthy, medium-sized dogs cope well above about 7°C, but you should take extra care below that, and near or below freezing every dog is at real risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Coat type, size, age and health all change how quickly your dog feels the chill.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs feel the cold just like we do, some far more keenly than others.
- As a rough guide, above ~7°C most dogs are fine; below that, take care; at or below freezing, all dogs are at risk.
- Small, thin-coated, very young, senior and unwell dogs feel the cold soonest and need the most protection.
- Shivering, a tucked tail, lifted paws, whining and slowing down are your dog’s way of saying “I’m cold”.
- Hypothermia and frostbite are winter emergencies, know the signs and ring your vet straight away.
- A well-fitted coat, warm dry bedding, shorter walks and good paw care go a long way through a UK winter.
Do Dogs Feel the Cold?
They certainly do. Dogs are warm-blooded mammals with a normal body temperature of roughly 38–39°C, a good bit warmer than ours, and they have to work to hold that temperature when it is cold outside.
Where dogs differ from us is in how well they are equipped for it. Breeds developed over centuries to suit their environment. A Siberian Husky or Saint Bernard carries a dense double coat that traps a layer of warm air against the body, so a crisp, snowy morning barely registers. A Greyhound, Whippet or Chihuahua, with barely any fur and very little body fat, starts to feel miserable long before its fluffier friends.
So while every dog can get cold, the temperature at which they start to struggle varies enormously from one dog to the next.
What Temperature Is Too Cold for a Dog?
There is no single magic number, but there are useful guidelines. The RSPCA and other UK charities suggest keeping indoor temperatures for dogs somewhere between 10°C and 25°C, and warn that once the thermometer hits freezing, every dog is at risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
As a general outdoor guide for a healthy, medium-sized dog:
| Temperature | What it means for most dogs |
|---|---|
| Above 7°C | Generally comfortable for most dogs with normal walks. |
| 0°C to 7°C | Take care. Vulnerable dogs (small, thin-coated, very young, senior or unwell) may need a coat and shorter outings. |
| Around freezing (0°C) | Potentially unsafe for at-risk dogs. Keep walks brisk and short, and watch closely for signs of cold. |
| Below freezing | Risky for all dogs. Limit time outside, protect paws, and never leave a dog outdoors unattended. |
Remember that wind chill and wet weather make it feel far colder than the number on the forecast. A damp, blustery 4°C British day can chill a dog faster than a dry, still morning at freezing point.
Which Dogs Feel the Cold Most?
Some dogs are built for the cold and others really are not. Your dog is likely to feel it sooner if they tick one or more of these boxes.
Coat Type and Thickness
Double-coated breeds like Huskies, Malamutes and German Shepherds are well insulated. Single-coated, thin or hairless breeds such as Greyhounds, Whippets, Staffies and Chihuahuas have very little protection and feel the cold quickly.
Size and Body Fat
Small dogs have a larger surface area relative to their body mass, so they lose heat faster. Lean, low-body-fat breeds like sighthounds have less natural insulation to fall back on.
Age
Puppies cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adults, and senior dogs often feel the cold more, particularly if they have arthritis or other age-related conditions. If you have a youngster, our guide on when puppies calm down and grow up is worth a read as their needs change with age.
Health
Illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and hormonal conditions can all affect a dog’s ability to stay warm. Keeping on top of your dog’s wellbeing helps here, and there is more in our piece on keeping your dog healthy all year round.
Signs Your Dog Is Cold
Dogs cannot tell us they are freezing, but they show us in plenty of ways. Watch for:
- Shivering or trembling
- A tucked tail and hunched, tense posture
- Lifting or holding up paws off cold ground
- Whining, anxious behaviour or clinginess
- Slowing down, or reluctance to carry on walking
- Refusing to go outside at all
- Seeking shelter or trying to burrow into warm spots
Their ears are a handy thermometer too. Because the ear tips have little insulation, cold ears are often a genuine sign your dog’s body is losing heat, so if you are out and their ears feel icy, it is time to head home.
Hypothermia and Frostbite: The Warning Signs
These are the serious end of the scale, and both are emergencies.
Hypothermia sets in when a dog’s body temperature drops dangerously low. Early signs include strong shivering, weakness and lethargy. As it worsens you may see stiff muscles, pale gums, slow or shallow breathing, stumbling, and eventually collapse. If shivering suddenly stops but the dog is still clearly unwell, that is a red flag, not a good sign.
Frostbite tends to affect the extremities, most often the ears, tail and paws. The skin may look pale, grey or bluish, then red and sore as it warms, and feel cold, hard or brittle to the touch. Swelling, blisters or blackened skin can follow.
If you suspect either, wrap your dog in warm, dry blankets, move somewhere warm and ring your vet immediately. Do not use direct heat like a hairdryer or rub frostbitten skin, as this can cause more damage.
How to Keep Your Dog Warm
The good news is that keeping a dog cosy through winter is mostly common sense. A few simple habits make all the difference.
Invest in a Well-Fitted Coat
Short-haired, small, senior and thin-coated dogs genuinely benefit from a warm, waterproof coat on cold walks. A double-coated Husky rarely needs one, but a shivering Whippet will thank you. A decent coat is a small line in the overall cost of owning a dog and well worth it.
Provide Warm, Dry Bedding
Keep beds off cold floors and away from draughts, and add extra blankets over winter. If your dog sleeps outdoors or spends time in a kennel, our guide on how to keep a dog house warm covers insulation, raised flooring and safe heating.
Mind the Grit and Salt
The rock salt and grit spread on UK pavements can irritate and crack paw pads, and is harmful if licked off. Wipe your dog’s paws and belly after every winter walk, and consider a thin layer of paw balm or a set of dog boots for protection.
Keep Them Warm Indoors
Aim to keep the space your dog lives in comfortably warm, and give older or unwell dogs a snug spot to settle. On days too grim for a proper walk, keep them busy inside with games and some tough, long-lasting dog toys to burn off energy.
Limit Time Outside
On very cold days, swap one long walk for a couple of shorter ones and never leave your dog outside unattended in freezing conditions.
Walking Your Dog Safely in Winter
Dogs still need their exercise through winter, but a few tweaks keep it safe. Keep walks shorter and brisker in freezing weather, and stick to familiar, well-lit routes as the nights draw in. Add a reflective or light-up collar so you are both visible.
Keep dogs on the lead near frozen ponds, lakes and rivers, thin ice is one of winter’s real dangers, and steer clear of areas heavily treated with grit. If your dog is reluctant to head out in the cold, our tips on walking a stubborn dog can help make it more appealing. And always dry your dog off thoroughly when you get home.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what temperature do dogs get cold?
Most healthy medium-sized dogs are comfortable above about 7°C. Between 0°C and 7°C, vulnerable dogs may start to struggle, and at or below freezing all dogs are at risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Wind and rain make it feel colder still.
Do dogs get cold at night?
They can, especially if their bed is on a cold floor, near a draught or outdoors. Keep bedding raised, dry and away from draughts, add extra blankets in winter, and give small, senior or thin-coated dogs somewhere especially snug to sleep.
How can I tell if my dog is too cold?
Look for shivering, a tucked tail, hunched posture, lifted paws, whining, slowing down or trying to burrow somewhere warm. Cold ears are also a good clue. If you spot these signs, it is time to warm your dog up and head indoors.
Do dogs need coats in winter?
Some do. Short-haired, small, lean, senior and unwell dogs often benefit from a warm, waterproof coat on cold walks. Thick double-coated breeds such as Huskies usually do not, as their own coat does the job.
Is it safe to walk my dog in freezing weather?
Usually yes, with sensible precautions. Keep walks short and brisk, protect paws from grit and ice, keep your dog on the lead near frozen water, and dry them off afterwards. In extreme cold, swap the walk for indoor play instead.
The Bottom Line
Dogs really do get cold, some far sooner than others. Learn your own dog’s tells, respect the temperature, and give small, young, senior and thin-coated dogs the extra help they need. With a warm coat, cosy bedding, sensible walks and a bit of paw care, your four-legged friend can happily see out even the frostiest British winter by your side.
