Do Dogs Get Cold? Signs Your Dog Needs More Warmth

Dogs may have fur coats, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to cold weather. While some breeds are built to handle freezing temperatures, others struggle to stay warm, especially in winter months or chilly environments. Knowing when your dog is too cold is essential for keeping them safe, healthy, and comfortable.

So, do dogs get cold? Yes, they do. Here’s how to recognize when your pup needs extra warmth.

How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs?

Most dogs are comfortable in temperatures above 45°F (7°C). However, when the temperature drops below 32°F (0°C), small, short-haired, senior, and sick dogs are at risk of getting too cold. Once it reaches 20°F (-6°C) or lower, all dogs—regardless of breed—can face serious health risks like hypothermia or frostbite.

It’s important to monitor your dog’s behavior and body language in cold weather, even if they seem active and playful. Here are signs that your dog needs more warmth:

1. Shivering or Trembling

Just like humans, dogs shiver when they are too cold. Shivering is their body’s natural way of trying to generate heat, but excessive shivering means they are struggling to stay warm.

What to Do: If your dog is shaking, trembling, or tensing their muscles, bring them inside or provide extra warmth with a coat, blanket, or heated dog bed.

2. Cold Ears, Nose, or Paws

A dog’s ears, nose, and paws are the first areas to lose warmth in cold weather. If these parts feel cold to the touch, your dog’s body temperature is dropping.

What to Do: Provide a warm indoor spot with a soft bed or blanket, and consider dog booties to protect their paws when going outside.

3. Curling Up into a Tight Ball

Dogs naturally curl up when they sleep, but if your dog is hunching tightly, tucking their tail, or pressing their limbs close to their body, they may be trying to conserve heat.

What to Do: If your dog is constantly curling up and avoiding open sleeping positions, offer them a warm, draft-free space with extra bedding.

4. Slowing Down or Becoming Lethargic

If your normally energetic dog is moving slower, lying down more than usual, or reluctant to play, they may be too cold to be active. Cold temperatures can sap a dog’s energy, making them feel sluggish or sleepy.

What to Do: If your dog suddenly seems low-energy or hesitant to go outside, bring them indoors and provide a warm resting area.

5. Whining, Restlessness, or Seeking Warmth

Dogs will seek out warm places when they’re cold. If your dog is whining, pacing, or trying to snuggle into blankets, under furniture, or next to heaters, they may be looking for warmth.

What to Do: Make sure your dog has a cozy sleeping area away from drafts and consider a heated pet bed or soft fleece blanket.

6. Lifting Their Paws Off the Ground

When outside in cold weather, snow, or ice, dogs will lift their paws or hop from foot to foot if their pads are getting too cold. Prolonged exposure to frozen surfaces can even cause paw injuries or frostbite.

What to Do: Use dog booties or paw wax to protect their feet. If they keep lifting their paws or refusing to walk, bring them inside to warm up.

7. Reluctance to Go Outside

If your dog suddenly refuses to go on walks, hesitates at the door, or wants to come back inside immediately, they may be too cold. Some dogs simply dislike the cold, while others may be at risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

What to Do: Dress your dog in a warm coat or sweater, and keep outdoor trips short and supervised.

How to Keep Your Dog Warm in Cold Weather

For Indoor Dogs:
• Keep your home at a comfortable temperature (above 60°F/15°C).
• Provide a warm dog bed with extra blankets.
• Keep them away from drafts or cold tile floors.

For Outdoor Dogs:
• Provide an insulated, weatherproof doghouse with straw or thermal bedding.
• Make sure they have access to fresh, unfrozen water at all times.
• Limit their outdoor time in extreme cold, bringing them inside whenever possible.

For Walks & Outdoor Adventures:
• Use dog coats, sweaters, and booties for warmth.
• Shorten walks when temperatures drop below freezing.
• Wipe off their paws after walks to remove ice, salt, or chemicals.

Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Cold

Yes, dogs get cold just like humans do. If your pup is shivering, curling up tightly, acting sluggish, or avoiding the outdoors, they’re telling you they need more warmth.

By providing warm bedding, protective gear, and limiting outdoor exposure, you can keep your furry friend safe, cozy, and comfortable all winter long.