How cold is too cold for dogs? Keep your pets inside if they're showing these symptoms.

Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press
Updated

If you're wondering how to keep your pet safe and healthy as freezing temperatures have swept across the country, experts say there are a few key steps you can take to protect your furry friends.

Being out in the severe cold can pose serious health risks to pets, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin, but these aren’t the only discomforts pets can suffer. Winter walks can become downright dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off of bare paws," the ASPCA's website said.

Here's what to know.

How cold is too cold to walk your dog outdoors?

A good rule of thumb: If it's too cold for you to be outside, it's probably too cold for your pet to be outside.

While sensitivity to cold can vary by factors like a dog's health, age, size, coat thickness, and more, the ASPCA warns no dog should be left outdoors amid below-freezing temperatures.

Dogs with thick, double-layered coats tend to be more resistant to cold, while dogs with thin coats are more susceptible to cold, according to PetMD. It's also important to keep in mind that puppies, sick dogs and older dogs face a greater risk in the cold, as it's more difficult for them to regulate their body temperature.

Stray cats can withstand temperatures around 15-20 degrees but are in danger of hypothermia when the mercury drops lower. Some cities give away small, insulated boxes that serve as shelter for cats – they can also be made easily out of Styrofoam coolers – and volunteers or other residents spread them around.

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What health risks do pets face amid severe cold?

Similar to humans, cats and dogs face the risk of frostbite and hypothermia if exposed to severe cold for prolonged periods, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. In light of this, it's crucial to shorten walks and avoid leaving pets unattended outdoors for lengthy time periods.

These conditions can impact a dog's ears, paws and tail tips and require immediate medical treatment, per the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine's Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center.

What are signs it's too cold out for your pet?

Experts with Cornell University and PetMD point out symptoms that suggest your pet may be experiencing dangerously cold weather, including:

  • Shivering

  • Whining

  • Anxious

  • Holding up one or more paws

  • Reluctant to walk

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What if your dog won't go outdoors in the cold?

While it's important to avoid leaving your pet unattended outdoors, dogs may still need to go out to take care of business.

Depending on the dog size and breed, your pet may be able to head outdoors to relieve themselves for a few minutes. However, if it's too cold outdoors for your dog, consider training them to use indoor pee pads amid severe winter weather, Hill's Pet Nutrition recommends.

How can you protect your pet from the cold?

There are steps you can follow to protect your pet amid the arctic surge, per experts with the ASPCA and the AVMA. Here are some tips to follow to keep your pets safe during severe winter cold:

  • Keep pets indoors. If pets must go outdoors, avoid prolonged exposure.

  • Dress dogs in a sweater or a coat.

  • Wash and towel dry your pet when they come indoors.

  • Keep anti-freeze and de-icers away from pets.

  • Feed your pets well, consider a little extra.

  • Avoid ice when outdoors.

For people who like to look after neighborhood cats that may visit from time to time, experts suggest leaving food and warm water available to them. It’s important the water remain liquid because hydration is critical to maintaining proper body temperature.

Contributing: Amaris Encinas and Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY; The Lansing State Journal

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: How cold is too cold for dogs? Skip the walk if you notice this

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