Do Dogs Get Cold? The Complete Winter Dog Care Guide

Do dogs get cold? Yes, and some feel it far sooner than others. Small, toy, short-coated, lean and low-to-the-ground dogs, plus puppies and seniors, lose body heat fastest. Thick double-coated breeds tolerate much more. Watch for shivering, lifted paws and slowing down, and add a sweater, coat or shorter walks as temperatures drop.

The tricky part is that "cold" is not one number. A 9-pound Chihuahua and a 70-pound Husky can stand on the same sidewalk at 30°F and be having completely different experiences. This guide pulls the moving parts together: which dogs feel cold first, how to read the warning signs, what changes when it is windy or wet, how to keep things warm indoors overnight, and how to protect paws from salt. It closes with a decision table you can use every time you check the forecast.

Do dogs get cold? Which dogs feel it first

Every dog can get cold, but body size, coat and age decide how quickly. Small bodies have more skin surface for their volume, so they shed heat faster. A thin single coat traps less warm air than a dense double coat. And very young or older dogs regulate temperature less efficiently than healthy adults.

The American Kennel Club's guide to hypothermia in dogs names small dogs, senior dogs, puppies and short-coated dogs as the groups at higher risk of rapid heat loss. The AKC's winter coat guide adds a few more that owners often overlook:

• Toy and small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Pinschers and Toy Poodles.
• Short, single-coated breeds such as Boxers, Pit Bull–type dogs, Dalmatians and many Pointers.
• Naturally lean dogs such as Greyhounds, Whippets and Italian Greyhounds, which carry little body fat for insulation.
• Low-slung dogs such as Dachshunds, Corgis and Basset Hounds, whose bellies brush through wet snow.
• Hairless or freshly clipped dogs, including Chinese Cresteds and any dog with a short winter groom.
• Dogs with chronic conditions such as arthritis, which can make cold, stiff joints more uncomfortable.

On the other side of the scale, large breeds with thick double coats, such as Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands, Samoyeds and Great Pyrenees, were bred for cold work. They still have limits, and they still need shelter, dry bedding and paw care, but most do not need clothing for ordinary winter walks.

Signs your dog is cold

Dogs rarely complain in words, so learn the body language. The AKC lists shivering and curling up for warmth as some of the first signs of mild hypothermia. In everyday life, the early clues are usually subtler:

• Shivering or trembling, especially once you stop moving.
• Lifting paws one at a time, or refusing to step forward on frozen or salted ground.
• A tucked tail and hunched back, with the body pulled tight.
• Slowing down, stopping or turning for home earlier than usual.
• Whining or leaning against your legs for shelter from the wind.
• Burrowing indoors: digging into blankets, curling tightly, or choosing the spot by the heating vent.
• Cold ears and a cold body when you touch them after coming inside.

One or two of these on a short walk means "let's head home and warm up." Signs that keep getting worse, such as weakness, clumsiness or unusual sleepiness, are a different matter; skip ahead to the section on hypothermia and frostbite.

What temperature is too cold for dogs?

There is no single safe number, because size, coat, age, wind and moisture all shift the line. Two thresholds from veterinary sources are useful anchors. Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine advises that puppies and short-haired pets should come inside anytime the temperature goes below 40°F (4°C), and that even outdoor pets should be brought in when it drops below 20°F (-7°C). In the AKC's winter coat guide, a veterinarian recommends keeping play to 15–20 minute sessions when the wind chill is below 20°F, followed by time to warm up inside.

Use those anchors with what you know about your own dog. The table below turns them into a quick decision. Read across from the temperature band, then down to the row that best describes your dog.

The last row matters more than most people expect. Wet fur flattens and stops trapping warm air, so a damp dog can be chillier than a dry dog on a noticeably colder day. When it is raining or sleeting, slide one column to the right.

Wind chill changes the math

Wind strips away the thin layer of warm air that sits next to the skin and inside the coat. That is why the AKC's veterinarian guidance is framed around wind chill rather than air temperature. Check the "feels like" figure in your weather app, not just the headline number. On exposed waterfronts, open fields or high-rise corridors, walk with the wind at your back on the way home so your dog is not facing it when they are most tired.

Which dogs need winter clothes (and which don't)

Clothing helps the dogs it is designed for and adds little for the rest. The AVMA's cold weather safety guidance puts it simply: if your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by cold, consider a sweater or dog coat. The AKC adds an important caveat: clothing should never be used on an unattended dog or as a substitute for proper care. It is an add-on to shelter, dry bedding and sensible walk lengths.

Here is a fast way to match the garment to the weather:

• Knit sweater for dry, cold days and chilly homes. A heavier knit like the Thick Cable Knit Dog Sweater is cut for toy and small breeds and comes in XS to L.
• Fleece vest for brisk walks and drafty floors. The sleeveless Polar Fleece Dog Vest slips on quickly and leaves the legs free to move.
• Lined raincoat for cold rain and wet snow. The Hooded Dog Raincoat pairs a waterproof outer with a warm lining and an attached hood.
• Reflective raincoat for dark, drizzly evenings. The Reflective Dog Raincoat has a PU shell, reflective strips and a small pocket for poop bags.

You can compare every cut, fabric and size in our dog apparel collection. Whatever you choose, fit decides whether it actually keeps your dog warm: a sweater that gaps at the chest lets cold air straight in, and one that is too tight rubs the armpits. Measure chest girth, neck and back length before you order, and when your dog falls between sizes, choose the larger size.

When clothing is a bad idea

• Your dog is a thick double-coated breed and it is simply cold, not wet or extreme.
• Your dog is running hard in mild weather and starts panting heavily; take the layer off.
• The garment is wet. A soaked sweater holds cold water against the skin, so swap it for a dry one or a towel.
• Your dog freezes, cowers or tries to back out of the garment; build up with short, treat-filled try-ons indoors instead of forcing it.
• Bedtime. Most dogs do better sleeping on warm bedding than in clothing, and clothing should never be left on an unsupervised dog.

Does my dog need a blanket at night? Keeping warm indoors

Many short-coated and small dogs do appreciate a blanket at night, especially in homes that are turned down after bedtime. A blanket is not a substitute for a raised, cushioned bed, but the two together make a big difference. The goal is to stop heat escaping in three directions: down into a cold floor, sideways into drafts, and up into the room.

1. Get the bed off cold floors. Tile, concrete and basements pull heat away quickly. A thick bed or mat adds a layer between your dog and the floor. If you are unsure what size bed to get, our guide on how to choose a dog bed size walks through measuring a sleeping dog.
2. Move away from drafts. Keep beds and crates away from exterior doors, single-pane windows, sliding doors and floor vents that cycle cold air. Feel for a draft at dog height with the back of your hand.
3. Add a blanket your dog can burrow into. A thick blanket such as the Waterproof Sherpa Dog Blanket, available in 24 x 31 in, 31 x 39 in and 39 x 47 in, lets your dog nest on the sofa, bed or crate floor while helping keep fur and muddy paws off the furniture underneath.
4. Cover part of the crate. If your dog sleeps in a wire crate, draping the back and sides blocks drafts while leaving the front open for airflow. You'll find options in our crate covers range.
5. Use your own comfort as a gauge. Purdue's veterinarians offer a simple rule: if you are cold, then most likely your pets are cold too.

Avoid space heaters near dog beds and never use heating pads not designed for pets; chewed cords and hot spots are real risks. If your dog pushes the blanket away or pants, they are warm enough.

Wet and windy weather: why damp fur loses heat

A dog's coat works like a down jacket. The fur traps a layer of still air, and that air is what keeps the skin warm. Rain, sleet and wet snow flatten the coat and replace that air with water, which pulls heat from the body much faster than air does. That is why a dog who was fine on a crisp, dry day can start shivering on a warmer but drizzly one.

Moisture also raises the stakes for frostbite. The AKC notes that if a dog is wet or damp, the extremities are more vulnerable to frostbite, and advises making sure your dog is dry before winter walks. That means drying fully after a bath or a morning walk before heading out again, not letting a dog sit outside after a swim, and towel-drying the belly and legs as soon as you get home.

For wet days, a waterproof layer keeps the back and chest dry so the fur underneath can do its job. Lined raincoats add warmth for cold rain; unlined shells are better for milder, wet days when a lined coat would make a dog overheat. Once you are home, a hooded robe like the Quick-Dry Dog Bathrobe Towel (size XS, for dogs about 8.8–16.5 lb) soaks up water while your small dog shakes off and settles down, so you get fewer wet paw prints around the house.

Your winter walk kit

Winter walks get colder and darker at the same time. Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 1, 2026, so many after-work walks suddenly happen in the dark. A ready-to-go kit by the door makes the routine painless.

• The right layer for today's band from the table above: sweater, fleece vest or raincoat.
• Reflective or lighted gear for both of you: a reflective leash, collar or harness and a clip-on light. Browse our reflective night walk gear, and see the night walk safety checklist for route and visibility tips.
• A towel by the door and another in the car for wet paws, legs and belly.
• Paw wipes or a bowl of lukewarm water for rinsing off salt.
• Booties, if your dog tolerates them. The AVMA suggests considering booties and making sure they fit.
• Poop bags and treats in a pocket you can open with gloves on.
• A shorter backup route for days when your dog signals they are done early.

Winter paw care: salt, de-icers and antifreeze

Paws take the hardest hit in winter. Rock salt and chemical ice melts can dry and crack pads, ice can cut them, and snow packs into balls between the toes. Dogs also lick their feet after walks, which means swallowing whatever they stepped in.

1. Before the walk: keep the fur between the pads trimmed neat so ice balls have less to grip, and keep nails short for better traction on icy paths.
2. On the walk: steer around slushy, salted puddles and the white crust along curbs. Choose snowy grass over freshly treated sidewalks when you can.
3. Right after: the AVMA recommends wiping down or washing your pet's feet, legs and belly to remove packed snow, ice, salt and de-icing chemicals. Use lukewarm water and dry carefully between the toes.
4. Inspect: the AVMA also advises checking paws frequently for signs of irritation or injury. Look for redness, cracks, cuts or limping.
5. At home: use pet-safe de-icing products on your own steps and driveway, and clean up any antifreeze spills quickly, as the AVMA recommends. Store it sealed and well out of reach.

If a cut is deep, a pad is bleeding, or your dog keeps licking or limping the next day, call your veterinarian.

Hypothermia and frostbite: when to call your vet

Most winter discomfort ends with a towel and a warm bed. Hypothermia and frostbite are different: they need prompt veterinary attention. According to the AKC, mild hypothermia starts when a dog's body temperature falls below 99°F (37.2°C). Watch for these signs:

• Shivering that does not stop once your dog is indoors and drying off.
• Sluggishness, weakness, stiffness or clumsy movement.
• Pale gums, slow or shallow breathing, or unusual sleepiness.
• Skin on the ears, tail, toes or paws that looks pale or grayish and feels cold or hard, a common sign of frostbite. Purdue notes that pets can easily get frostbite on extremities such as the ears, legs and tail.

The AVMA's guidance is to contact your veterinarian if your pet is shivering or extremely lethargic after being out in the cold. While you call, bring your dog somewhere warm, dry them gently and wrap them in blankets, as the AKC suggests for mild cases. Do not rub frostbitten areas or apply direct high heat such as a hair dryer on hot or a heating pad; let your vet guide the warming.

How long can dogs be outside in the cold?

For a healthy adult dog in the 40°F to 20°F band, a normal walk is usually fine as long as the dog keeps moving, stays dry and shows no signs of being cold. Below 20°F or in wind chill below 20°F, think in short sessions: the AKC's veterinarian guidance of 15–20 minutes, then time indoors to warm up. In truly extreme cold, keep outings to quick potty breaks and save the exercise for indoor games.

Standing still is colder than moving. A dog trotting beside you generates heat; a dog waiting in the yard while you shovel, or sitting on cold bleachers at a game, does not. Count those stationary minutes more strictly, and bring a layer and a mat for your dog to sit on.

Exercise indoors when it is too cold to walk

Skipping a long walk does not mean skipping exercise. Ten minutes of brain work can tire many dogs as much as a longer stroll, and it keeps bored dogs from inventing their own projects on cold days.

• Scatter feeding: toss part of a meal across a rug and let your dog sniff it out.
• Puzzle toys: treat-dispensing and snuffle toys turn a meal into a game. See our puzzle and enrichment toys.
• Lick mats: spreading wet food on a textured mat makes for a calm, focused activity; browse lick mats and slow feeders.
• Hide-and-seek: ask for a sit-stay, hide in another room, then call your dog.
• Short training sessions: practice "touch," "spin" or a reliable recall down a hallway in two-minute bursts.
• Gentle tug: a few rounds of tug on a non-slip rug, with breaks for "drop it."

Puppies and senior dogs in winter

Puppies have little body fat and are still learning to regulate temperature, and many are mid-house-training, which means frequent trips outside at night. Keep those trips brief and purposeful, carry very small puppies across icy patches, and have a towel at the door. Purdue's guidance that puppies come inside below 40°F is a sensible default.

Older dogs often have less muscle, thinner coats and stiffer joints. Purdue's veterinarians note that older dogs with arthritis could be in more pain during winter months. A light layer on walks, slower warm-up strolls, non-slip paths and a thick bed away from drafts help. If your senior dog suddenly struggles with stairs or getting up in cold weather, mention it at your next vet visit.

Worked example: one evening, two dogs

It is 30°F at 6 p.m., light wind, wet sidewalks after afternoon sleet, and dark outside. Here is how the decision table plays out for two very different dogs.

Same weather, same street, two very different plans. That is the core of winter dog care: start from the forecast, then adjust for the dog in front of you.

Do dogs get cold? Your winter care checklist

Do dogs get cold? Every dog can, and the ones built small, thin-coated, young or old feel it first. Run through this list each time the season turns:

• Know where your dog sits on the risk scale: size, coat, body fat, age and health.
• Check the "feels like" temperature and whether it is wet before every walk.
• Match the layer to the weather and make sure it fits chest, neck and back.
• Shorten walks as the band gets colder; use indoor games to make up the difference.
• Light up evening walks with reflective gear.
• Wipe, dry and check paws after every outing on treated surfaces.
• Raise beds off cold floors, block drafts and offer a blanket at night.
• Call your vet for shivering that won't stop, lethargy or signs of frostbite.

For a side-by-side look at warmth, rain protection and layering, see our comparison of dog sweaters vs coats vs raincoats.

Our step-by-step guide on how to measure your dog for a sweater includes a 60-second try-on checklist.

For walk lengths by dog type and temperature band, read how cold is too cold to walk your dog.

When the seasons flip, our guide on how to cool a dog down covers the summer side of temperature care.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs get sick from being cold?

Yes. Prolonged cold exposure can lead to hypothermia and frostbite, and the AKC notes mild hypothermia begins when body temperature drops below 99°F. Cold can also make arthritis more painful in older dogs. Being cold does not directly cause a cold virus, but a chilled, wet, tired dog is not at its best. Call your vet if shivering or lethargy continues after warming up.

Can dogs sleep outside in winter?

It is not recommended for most dogs. The AVMA says that in extreme cold even outdoor pets should stay inside, and outdoor pets need insulated shelter and unfrozen drinking water. Purdue's veterinarians advise bringing outdoor pets in when it drops below 20°F, and puppies and short-haired pets below 40°F. Small, short-coated, young and senior dogs should sleep indoors.

Does my dog need a blanket at night?

Many small, short-coated, senior and lean dogs sleep better with one, especially in homes kept cooler at night. Put the blanket on a raised, cushioned bed away from doors, windows and drafts, and let your dog burrow if they like. If your dog kicks it off or pants, they are warm enough. Double-coated breeds often prefer sleeping cooler.

What temperature is too cold for a dog in a house?

There is no official indoor number, but a practical rule from Purdue's veterinarians applies: if you are cold, your pet is most likely cold too. If you need a sweater indoors, small and short-coated dogs probably do as well. Raise beds off cold floors, block drafts, offer a blanket, and watch for shivering or tight curling.

Do vets recommend dog coats?

For the right dogs, yes. The AVMA suggests a sweater or coat if your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by cold, and a veterinarian quoted by the AKC names small, hairless, lean, low-slung, young and senior dogs as likely to benefit. Clothing should fit well, stay dry, and never be left on an unattended dog.

Ready to winter-proof your dog? Find sweaters, fleece vests and raincoats in every cut in our dog apparel collection, and remember shipping is free on orders over $79. Measure first, size up if you are between sizes, and enjoy the cold-weather walks.