The answer depends on many factors. When walking your dog in the cold weather, monitoring your dog’s behaviour and body language for signs of discomfort, such as shivering or a reluctance to move, is important.
The answer depends on many factors. When walking your dog in the cold weather, monitoring your dog’s behaviour and body language for signs of discomfort, such as shivering or a reluctance to move, is important. If you notice any of these signs, cutting your walk short and heading back inside to warm up is best.
Your dog’s breed must also be considered, as the tolerance to cold temperatures will vary. For example, dogs with thick fur coats, such as Huskies, Malamutes, and Bernese Mountain Dogs, can tolerate cold temperatures better than dogs with short fur coats, such as Greyhounds and Chihuahuas. Similarly, breeds developed in cold climates, such as the Samoyed and Newfoundland, are better suited for cold weather than breeds that originated in warmer climates.
If your dog is reluctant to walk in the cold and has a thin coat, you can consider a doggy jacket to keep him warm. Just like humans, dogs can feel the effects of cold weather, and a jacket or jumper can provide them with an extra layer of warmth and protection from the elements.
Other articles you may find useful:
- How to cope with winter walks
- Stay safe when walking your dog
- Walking your dog in the dark
- 40 ways to get through winter with your dog
- Can my dog live in a kennel outside?