Cold Weather Tips

Cold weather is not just uncomfortable — it can be deadly. Here is how to recognize hypothermia and frostbite, protect paws from ice and deicers, and know when a shivering dog needs emergency care.

At-a-Glance Guide

How do you recognize hypothermia and frostbite in a dog?

Hypothermia occurs when a dog's core body temperature falls below the normal range of 101–102.5°F. Mild hypothermia (body temperature 90–99°F) presents as shivering, lethargy, and cold ears and paws. As hypothermia progresses to moderate (82–90°F), shivering may stop — a dangerous sign, not a reassuring one — and the dog may become stiff, confused, and unresponsive. Severe hypothermia (below 82°F) can cause fixed and dilated pupils, loss of consciousness, and cardiac arrhythmias that can be fatal. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that wet conditions dramatically accelerate heat loss; a dog that is wet and exposed to wind can become hypothermic at temperatures well above freezing (Merck Veterinary Manual, 2025).

Frostbite typically affects body regions that are poorly insulated and have reduced blood flow in cold conditions: the tips of the ears, the tail, the scrotum, and the paw pads. Affected skin may appear pale, gray, or bluish, and will feel cold and firm to the touch. As the tissue warms, it may become red, swollen, and painful. In severe cases, the skin may blister or turn black as tissue dies. Frostbite damage is often more extensive than it initially appears, and a veterinarian should evaluate any suspected frostbite — even if the visible signs seem minor (Merck Veterinary Manual, 2025).

Which breeds are most and least tolerant of cold weather?

Northern breeds developed for cold climates — Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, and Norwegian Elkhounds — have dense double coats, compact ears that lose less heat, and furry paws that provide natural insulation against snow and ice. These breeds can typically tolerate temperatures down to about 0°F to -10°F for limited periods if they are acclimated, dry, and active. However, even these cold-adapted breeds need shelter from wind and wet conditions, and they should not be left outside overnight when temperatures drop into the single digits or below (AVMA, n.d.).

At the other end of the spectrum, short-coated breeds with minimal body fat — Greyhounds, Whippets, Chihuahuas, and Doberman Pinschers — have almost no natural cold tolerance. These dogs can begin to show signs of cold stress at temperatures as mild as 45°F, especially if they are standing still or walking slowly. Small breeds lose heat faster than large breeds because of their higher surface-area-to-volume ratio. Very young puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with chronic health conditions — particularly heart disease, kidney disease, or hypothyroidism — are also at elevated risk and should have outdoor time strictly limited in cold weather (AAHA, 2024).

How do you protect a dog's paws from ice, snow, and chemical deicers?

Ice and frozen snow can cut a dog's paw pads, and the sharp crust that forms on top of snow after a thaw-freeze cycle is particularly dangerous. Ice balls can form between the toes of long-haired dogs, causing pain and increasing the risk of frostbite in the webbing. Trimming the hair between the paw pads before winter sets in reduces ice-ball formation. Dog booties provide the best protection against ice, salt, and chemical deicers, but they must fit properly — a bootie that is too loose will slip off, and one that is too tight can restrict circulation. Introduce booties gradually with positive reinforcement before the first snow, because a dog that has never worn them will need time to adjust to the sensation (AVMA, n.d.).

Chemical deicers — particularly those containing calcium chloride or sodium chloride — can cause chemical burns to paw pads and are toxic if ingested when the dog licks its feet after a walk. Pet-safe deicers labeled as urea-based or containing magnesium chloride are less irritating but still not entirely benign. After every winter walk, wipe your dog's paws with a damp cloth or rinse them with lukewarm water to remove salt and chemical residue, then dry them thoroughly. Pay special attention to the spaces between the toes, where salt crystals can lodge and cause irritation. Apply a paw balm or petroleum jelly before walks to create a protective barrier, but note that this does not replace the need for post-walk cleaning (AAHA, 2024).

What kind of shelter does an outdoor dog need in winter?

The AVMA recommends that all dogs be kept indoors during severe cold weather, but for dogs that must spend time outside — working farm dogs, for example — a proper shelter is non-negotiable. The shelter should be raised several inches off the ground to prevent heat loss to the frozen soil, with a floor insulated by straw, cedar shavings, or foam mats. Blankets and towels absorb moisture and freeze, so they are not appropriate bedding for outdoor shelters in winter. The entrance should face away from prevailing winds and be covered with a heavy flap — canvas, rubber, or plastic — to block wind while still allowing the dog to enter and exit freely (AVMA, n.d.).

The shelter must be small enough to retain the dog's body heat but large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. An oversized doghouse in winter is worse than a properly sized one because the dog's body heat dissipates into the empty space. Fresh, unfrozen water must be available at all times — snow is not a substitute for water, and eating snow lowers core body temperature. Heated water bowls prevent freezing but must be used with a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet to prevent electrocution. Check water at least twice daily in freezing weather, because even a heated bowl can fail (Merck Veterinary Manual, 2025).

What other cold-weather hazards should dog owners watch for?

Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is one of the deadliest winter hazards for dogs. It has a sweet taste that attracts animals, and as little as 2–3 tablespoons can kill a 20-pound dog. The initial signs of antifreeze poisoning — appearing within 30 minutes to 12 hours of ingestion — mimic alcohol intoxication: staggering, vomiting, and depression. This is followed by a deceptive period where the dog appears to recover, then 12–24 hours later, acute kidney failure sets in, marked by vomiting, seizures, and coma. Treatment with fomepizole or ethanol must begin within 8–12 hours of ingestion to prevent irreversible kidney damage. If you suspect antifreeze ingestion, this is a race-the-clock emergency — go directly to a veterinary hospital (ASPCA, n.d.).

Space heaters, fireplaces, and heating pads present burn and fire risks. Dogs — especially puppies and senior dogs — may lie too close to a heat source and sustain thermal burns, or knock over a space heater and start a fire. Never leave a space heater running unattended in a room with a dog. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a risk in homes that use fuel-burning heaters, generators, or fireplaces during winter power outages; symptoms include lethargy, weakness, vomiting, and bright red gums. If you use any fuel-burning heat source indoors, install a carbon monoxide detector and ensure adequate ventilation (CDC, n.d.).

What symptoms mean this dog needs emergency veterinary care in cold weather?

Any dog that has been exposed to cold and is shivering uncontrollably, lethargic, or unresponsive needs immediate warming and veterinary evaluation. Do not use hot water or heating pads directly on a hypothermic dog — rapid rewarming can cause dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Instead, wrap the dog in warm (not hot) blankets, place warm water bottles wrapped in towels against the dog's groin and armpits, and transport to a veterinary hospital. A dog that has stopped shivering after cold exposure is not recovering — it is deteriorating, and the situation is critical (Merck Veterinary Manual, 2025).

Paw pads that appear pale, gray, blue, or black after cold exposure need veterinary assessment for frostbite. Do not rub or massage frostbitten tissue — this causes further damage to frozen cells. Suspected antifreeze ingestion is a time-critical emergency: if you see a puddle of green or orange liquid under a car and your dog has been near it, or if your dog shows staggering or vomiting followed by apparent recovery, go to a veterinary emergency hospital immediately. The window for effective treatment is measured in hours, not days. Keep the ASPCA Poison Control number (888-426-4435) and the address of your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital posted where every family member can find them.

References

• American Animal Hospital Association. (2024). Cold weather pet safety tips for dogs and cats. https://www.aaha.org/resources/cold-safety-for-pets/
• American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Cold weather animal safety. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/cold-weather-animal-safety
• ASPCA. (n.d.). Antifreeze poisoning in dogs. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Carbon monoxide poisoning. https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/
• Merck Veterinary Manual. (2025). Keeping pets safe during cold winter months. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/news/editorial/2025/01/15/15/23/keeping-pets-safe-during-cold-winter-months