How cold is too cold to take my dog outside?

Playing outside on a crisp winter morning or running through the snow can be great fun for dogs and owners. Cold weather can also be dangerous, though, and there's no simple answer to how cold is too cold. It depends on your dog and on the weather, which can vary a lot across the UK.

Why the cold can be dangerous

If a dog gets too cold, their body temperature can drop below normal. This is called hypothermia. As it gets worse, the muscles stiffen and breathing and heart rate slow down, and it can be fatal.

Frostbite is less common in dogs, but it can happen in extreme conditions. The ears, paws and tail are most at risk.

Judging the weather

There's no set temperature at which it becomes too cold for every dog. Instead, look at the conditions as a whole. Take extra care when there is:

• a strong or bitter wind, which makes it feel much colder;
• cold, heavy rain or sleet, which soaks the coat;
• snow, ice or frozen ground;
• grit and salt on paths and roads;
• a temperature well below freezing.

If the weather feels dangerous to you, or your dog seems uncomfortable or distressed, keep walks short or stay indoors.

Which dogs feel the cold most?

Small, thin or lean dogs with little body fat, such as Chihuahuas, Whippets and Greyhounds, tend to feel the cold more than larger dogs with thick coats. Puppies, older dogs and dogs with health problems are also more at risk.

Coat type matters too:

• Short, single-layered coats give little protection, and these dogs may benefit from a well-fitting coat or jumper.
• Long coats vary. Some are thick and layered, but others are fine and thin and don't keep out much cold.
• Thick double coats, as seen in breeds such as the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky, cope much better with cold weather.

Some dogs are in between. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier, for example, is muscular but has a fine, short coat, so watch how your dog copes.

If your dog seems to struggle more in winter than in previous years, or hasn't had a health check for a while, ask your vet to check them over.

Keeping your dog safe in winter

• Shorten walks in harsh weather, and keep your dog moving rather than standing around.
• Consider a coat for dogs with thin or short coats.
• Look after their paws. Salt and de-icers can irritate paws and make them sore. After walks, rinse your dog's paws with lukewarm water to remove salt and grit, then dry them thoroughly.
• Dry your dog when you get home if they're wet.
• Ask your vet about food. If you think your dog needs more food in winter, ask your vet.

Dogs that spend time outside need a dry, draught-free shelter and fresh water that doesn't freeze. In very cold weather, bring them indoors.

Signs your dog is too cold

Your dog will usually show you when they've had enough. Head home if your dog:

• stops moving or playing, or keeps lifting a paw;
• starts to shiver, even after playing;
• whines, barks or seems anxious;
• jumps up at your legs or turns to head home.

If your dog is shivering heavily, weak, slow or unresponsive after being in the cold, warm them gradually and contact your vet straight away.