My dog is about 30 pounds (mixed breed). She loves our walks. Lately the temps have dropped quite a bit, single digit temps feeling about 10 degrees F lower than it is. Anyways, I typically walk her in my neighborhood loop on the sidewalk. I was getting pretty cold after about 15 minutes and we came inside. She didn’t seem bothered at all by it but I realized that dogs are good at hiding their discomfort and then felt terrible that perhaps she was cold during that brief walk as well. Should I be putting a coat or boots on her? Should she avoid going outside altogether when it’s that cold? Her fur isn’t quite as dense as a Lab’s coat nor does it have the under coat that they have but it’s about the same length. How do I know what is appropriate temperature-wise for her?
Hi GoHawks! For temperatures below 20F, it’s a good idea to keep walk time to a minimum. Dogs can develop hypothermia and/or frostbite when outside for extended periods of time. Your pup’s thinner coat is also a good reason to protect her from frigid weather. Investing in a doggy coat and boots can help a lot — and even extend your walks if your pup loves them. See our reviews of the best dog boots and coats for winter for some top products to consider. Stay warm!!