Short answer: To protect dogs in winter, keep walks short in freezing weather, put a coat on small, short-coated, young or old dogs, wipe paws after every walk, and keep antifreeze and de-icers out of reach. The RSPCA says that when temperatures reach freezing, “all dogs are at risk of hypothermia and frostbite” — especially small, slim, young and old dogs and those with little or no fur.
Cold weather risk for dogs isn’t limited to extreme temperatures — frostbite and hypothermia can develop faster than many owners expect, especially in small, short-coated, senior, or unwell dogs, which makes recognizing early signs more useful than relying on a single “safe” temperature number.
Why Do Some Dogs Handle Cold Better Than Others?
Coat type, body size, age and health all change how much cold a dog can safely tolerate. The RSPCA explains that double-coated breeds are better adapted to cold, while dogs with thin, short or no fur are more susceptible; smaller dogs lose body heat faster than larger ones; and puppies can’t yet regulate their temperature well. Elderly dogs, sick dogs and dogs not used to the cold also struggle. It also flags flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs, dogs with arthritis and dogs with heart problems as needing extra care in cold weather — and VCA Animal Hospitals adds that dogs with heart disease, diabetes or other conditions that reduce blood flow to the extremities are at greater risk of frostbite.
That’s why a cold-adapted, heavily coated breed can comfortably handle conditions that would put a small, short-coated or senior dog at real risk in a fraction of the time. Indoors, the RSPCA suggests keeping temperatures between 10 °C and 25 °C, with a dry, draught-free place to sleep.
Hypothermia vs. Frostbite: Signs and First Aid
| Hypothermia | Frostbite | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Body temperature falls too low (a dog’s normal range is about 37.5–39.2 °C, per the RSPCA) | Tissue damage from freezing, most often paws, ears and tail |
| Warning signs | Shivering (which can stop as it worsens), drowsiness, confusion, loss of coordination, pale gums, collapse | Pale, gray or bluish skin, swelling, pain, later blisters, ulcers or darkened skin |
| First aid | Move indoors, wrap in warm, dry towels or blankets; hot-water bottles wrapped in towels placed near (not against) the body; warm slowly | Treat hypothermia first; rewarm with water at 37–45 °C (98.6–113 °F); no rubbing, no heating pads; don’t rewarm if it could refreeze |
| Vet? | Yes — call immediately | Yes — promptly; damage can take days to appear |
Sources: RSPCA and VCA Animal Hospitals. The key rule for both is gradual warming: the RSPCA warns not to heat a dog up too quickly or place anything hot directly against the skin.
What Are the Early Warning Signs on a Walk?
During or right after time outdoors in cold weather, watch for:
- Shivering or visible discomfort
- Whining, anxious behavior, or reluctance to keep moving
- Slowing down, lifting paws off the ground repeatedly, or stopping
- Seeking out somewhere warm to burrow or hide
Any of these are a signal to head inside — not to wait and see if it passes.
How Do You Prevent Frostbite and Hypothermia?
- Limit outdoor time on freezing days — shorter, more frequent walks generally beat one long outing
- Use a coat for dogs that need one. The RSPCA lists elderly dogs, young dogs, dogs with thin or short fur and dogs with medical conditions; the ASPCA suggests one with a high collar and coverage from the base of the tail to the belly for short-haired dogs
- Don’t shave long coats in winter — the ASPCA advises trimming around the feet to limit ice balls instead
- Protect paws with booties or a vet-approved paw balm, and check between the toes for ice, cuts and redness after every walk
- Towel-dry your dog promptly if they’re wet — the RSPCA notes wet coats raise the risk of hypothermia
- Keep dogs on a lead near frozen ponds and lakes, since thin ice may not hold their weight
- Never leave a dog alone in a car in winter; the ASPCA warns that cars “can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold”
- Stay visible on dark evenings with reflective or LED gear, and make sure your dog’s ID tag and microchip details are current — the ASPCA notes more dogs go missing in winter than in any other season
What Should You Do If You Suspect Hypothermia or Frostbite?
For suspected hypothermia: bring your dog inside immediately, wrap them in warm, dry towels or blankets, and place hot-water bottles wrapped in towels near their body to raise their temperature gradually — never anything hot directly against the skin. For suspected frostbite (most often ears, tail and paws): once the dog is warm and dry, gently warm the area with warm — never hot — water and avoid rubbing or massaging it, which can worsen tissue damage. VCA notes frostbite signs can take several days to appear, especially on the tail tip or ears, so both situations warrant prompt veterinary attention even if your dog seems better.
Which Winter Poisons Should Dog Owners Watch For?
- Antifreeze (ethylene glycol). According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, in colder climates most poisonings happen in fall, winter and early spring, and although US manufacturers have added a bittering agent since 2012, the products “still may be palatable to some animals.” Clean up spills immediately and consider propylene glycol-based products, as the ASPCA suggests.
- Rock salt and ice melt. The RSPCA says ingestion can cause thirst, vomiting and lethargy, and in severe cases convulsions and kidney damage. Wipe paws and belly after walks so your dog doesn’t lick it off.
- Heaters and fires. Keep dogs back from space heaters and open fires, and never shut a pet in a closed room with a charcoal or gas heater, which can build up carbon monoxide.
If your dog may have swallowed antifreeze or another toxin, call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away.
What Else Matters in Cold Weather?
- Food and weight. The ASPCA notes pets burn extra energy staying warm, so dogs that spend long periods outdoors may need a little more food — but many pet dogs exercise less in winter, so check their body condition rather than automatically feeding more.
- Arthritis. The RSPCA says cold weather can make joint pain worse, especially in older dogs. Soft, warm bedding off the floor helps; our guides to early signs of arthritis in dogs and home changes for arthritic senior pets cover what to watch for.
- Indoor exercise. Shorter outdoor sessions mean more indoor play and mental stimulation, so your dog doesn’t lose its activity outlet during the coldest stretches.
- Cold snaps in warmer climates. Where cold spells are occasional and homes may not be heated, as in parts of north India, short-coated breeds and community dogs sleeping outdoors can still get chilled; a dry, raised bed out of the wind helps.
Have cats, rabbits or guinea pigs too? See our winter safety guide for cats and small pets.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace guidance from your veterinarian.
Sources
- RSPCA — Winter & Cold Weather Care for Dogs
- VCA Animal Hospitals — Frostbite in Dogs
- ASPCA — Cold Weather Safety Tips
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Ethylene Glycol Toxicosis in Animals, updated September 2024
- RSPCA — Keep Pets Safe in Cold Weather
