How cold can my dog tolerate?
Yes, dogs get cold too. The General Directorate of Animal Rights, part of the Ministry of Social Rights and the 2030 Agenda, has published some advice on how animals can withstand extreme cold.
According to the infographic published by the Spanish government, dogs can safely endure walks at an outside temperature of 7 degrees. This is where the dog's size is important in assessing whether the animal is exposed to dangerously cold temperatures.
Dogs: according to their size and breed
For small breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Pinscher or Chihuahua, the most dangerous temperatures for them are from -4 ºC.
The dogs that adapt best to the cold are: the Mastiff, Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, German Shepherd, and Nordic breeds in general. Temperatures become dangerous for them at -6°C.
The Animal Rights chart also specifies values for medium-sized dog breeds. As the chart indicates, the outdoor temperature that is dangerous to their well-being is between -4 and -9°C.
All of these values, according to the infographic, also depend on the humidity of the location, whether the dog is acclimatized to the area, whether the dog is wearing a coat, its coat, its age, and whether it has other health conditions.
Should the dog be covered?
There are different options: coats, sweaters, and raincoats for dogs, but is it necessary to keep them warm? Veterinarians assure that some animals need it, especially in low temperatures . Coats help dogs maintain their body temperature. So we recommend looking for a coat that feels comfortable and keeps them warm. Here are some ideas of coats you can find at Arquivet: link.
Watch out for your pads!
Dogs' pads suffer if the ground is icy and can suffer burns from ice, snow, or the salt spread on sidewalks. Therefore, it's important to take care of their pads by avoiding contact with ice or the salt thrown in some areas on the snow, which can cause chemical burns. Upon returning home, clean and dry them thoroughly. Before the walk, you can choose to apply a special protective wax for pads or one of the dog's boots to protect their pads.
How do cats and birds cope with the cold?
For cats that live outdoors much of the year, the Department of Animal Rights reminds us that many cats use cars as shelter, taking advantage of the residual heat from the engines or simply seeking protection from the cold. Therefore, it is important for anyone who must use such transportation during a cold snap to tap the hood before starting the vehicle.
Finally, for birds, they ask the public to leave suitable food on balconies and windows. And avoid leaving food on the ground or in the street, as it could become contaminated or damaged by snow.