Cold Weather Hazards for Dogs: Frostbite, Hypothermia, and More

Dogs and cold weather can be a match made in heaven. After all, they come equipped with a permanent fur coat! But even with their built-in parka, frigid temperatures can pose some serious health risks to your pup. Different dog breeds have varying tolerance levels for the cold, with certain cold weather dog breeds adapted to withstand lower temperatures better than others. The best way to keep your furry pal(s) safe this winter? Know the risks and take proper precautions. With the right approach, you can ensure your pup stays healthy and snug till spring has sprung. So, bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and let’s go through the top cold climate dangers for dogs, as well as how to prevent them.

#1 Frostbite

If exposed to extreme cold (below 32 degrees Fahrenheit) for an extended period of time, your dog’s body will stop distributing blood to the extremities, like the¹:

Ears
Paws
Tail

Instead, it will redirect this blood to core vital organs in an attempt to keep them warm. This process leaves the outer tissue susceptible to freezing, which can lead to permanent damage called frostbite. Signs of frostbite in dogs include¹:

Bluish or gray discoloration
Patches of blackened skin
Blisters
Swelling
Pain in the affected area

It’s important to note that frostbite symptoms may take a few days to show up, so remain vigilant after any prolonged cold exposure. Additionally, small dogs, older dogs, and young puppies are at a higher risk of frostbite, as their bodies have a tougher time regulating temperature. Dog ear protection can also be helpful, as a dog's ears are particularly sensitive to the cold. Additionally, small, elderly, and young dogs are at a higher risk of frostbite, as their bodies have a tougher time regulating temperature. Cold Weather Hazards for Dogs

How to Prevent Frostbite in Dogs

Since frostbite stems from extended exposure to frigid temperatures, keeping your pup indoors for the most part (and especially at night) is the best way to avoid it. If you do take your dog for a walk in the snow, make sure it’s brief and keep an eye on their behavior. If they hold their paws in the air or refuse to walk further, it could be a sign of impending frostbite. The risk of frostbite also rises when your pup is wet. During periods of snow or freezing rain, it's best to keep them inside all day (aside from bathroom breaks). Be sure to dry them off thoroughly when they come back inside.

#2 Hypothermia

If your dog’s core temperature drops below 99 degrees Fahrenheit, they can experience hypothermia.² This is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body continuously loses more heat than it can regenerate.³ It often occurs alongside frostbite. Signs of hypothermia include²:

Elevated or depressed heart rate (it may alternate)
Rapid breathing, followed by slower and slower respiration
Sluggish or unresponsive behavior
Pale skin
Dilated pupils
Unconsciousness

As with frostbite, puppies, seniors, and pint-sized dogs are most susceptible to hypothermia.

How to Prevent Hypothermia in Dogs

Luckily, simply keeping your pup toasty will ward off hypothermia. So, when temperatures plummet, invite your dog indoors. If they must spend time outside during colder weather, consider investing in some dog sweaters and paw booties to keep them extra snug. But you should use these only as supplements during short stints outside. They won’t protect your pups from long-term cold exposure. You should also ensure that your pup is dry before setting out on walks.

#3 Joint Stiffness

Have you ever handled a piece of frozen rope? It probably felt hard as iron, with no give at all. This is because cold causes contraction—and this is especially true for the joints and ligaments. As such, some dogs, particularly seniors, struggle with stiffness when the temperature drops. Some signs of joint stiffness, or aggravated arthritis, include⁴:

Refusal to exercise
Slow, sluggish movement
Licking at the affected joint
Depressed mood

These symptoms are usually worse in the morning, especially when the air is damp.

How to Prevent Joint Stiffness

While you can’t completely erase the effects of cold weather on aging joints, there are nevertheless several ways you can take the edge off:

Supply firm bedding – Soft and fluffy beds might seem ideal for irritated joints, but they can actually worsen symptoms. Sturdy support is usually the best remedy for joint pain.⁵ Consider providing your pup with a firm, orthopedic sleeping mat.
Position them near heat sources – Set up your dog’s bed near vents or a space heater so that they can stay toasty throughout the night. You might also consider purchasing a heated bed or electric blanket for extra chilly evenings.
Keep walkways clear – Ailing joints don’t handle slippery surfaces well, and the consequences of a fall can be harsher for older canines. Stay on top of salting and shoveling so they have a safe space to walk and use the bathroom.
Get them moving – As the old adage goes, ‘Use it or lose it.’ While arthritic dogs should avoid intense physical activity, ensuring they receive a daily dose of movement will help keep joints flexible and soothe pain.

Ultimately, it’s no fun for your pup when their joints start barking. Make life a little easier for them by maintaining snug surroundings. Cold Weather Hazards for Dogs

#4 Antifreeze Poisoning

Extreme cold wreaks havoc on cars. In areas with intense winters, many people add antifreeze to their coolant reservoirs. Antifreeze, as the name suggests, prevents radiator fluid from freezing.⁶ But when the temperature dips, hoses and hose clamps also contract. As they do, rubber gaskets may pull away from metal surfaces and allow fluid to escape.⁷ This results in puddles of antifreeze (or other toxic chemicals) scattered across streets and driveways. Antifreeze poses a special danger for dogs because it emits a sweet, tantalizing odor.⁸ When pups encounter antifreeze puddles, most will rush to lick them up. But this is bad news: Even ingesting a small amount of antifreeze can cause severe kidney damage.⁹ When suffering from antifreeze poisoning, dogs may⁹:

Become unsteady on their feet
Vomit
Drool excessively
Experience fainting spells
Refuse food
Develop extreme fatigue

However, even if your dog has lapped up antifreeze, they may seem fine afterward. This doesn't necessarily mean they’re okay—the effects of kidney failure often take 2-3 days to fully appear.⁹

How to Prevent Antifreeze Poisoning

While it’s certainly a threat, a bit of vigilance is sufficient to avoid antifreeze exposure. To protect your pup, make sure to:

Avoid spilling antifreeze or other chemicals when adding them to your vehicle.
Monitor your driveway and street for puddles. Clean up any you come across.
Store antifreeze (and other toxic chemicals) on high shelves or in locked cabinets.
Watch for suspicious puddles when out on walks with your pup.

If you suspect antifreeze poisoning, prompt care is critical. Get your pup to the vet as quickly as possible. There are antidotes to antifreeze poisoning, but they’re most effective when administered soon after exposure.

#5 Skin Irritation

If you’ve ever dealt with chapped lips and hands, you know that cold, dry air is no friend to sensitive skin. Dogs aren’t immune to this irritation either, especially when spending their days inside a heated house. As winter wears on, you may notice dry flaky patches on your dog’s coat. They may worsen as your pup licks and scratches them, and infection may set in if left untreated.

How to Prevent Skin Irritation

A multi-pronged approach is the best way to ward off parched skin. While you’ll want to tailor your solutions to your pup’s unique needs, let the following tips be your guide:

Keep your pup well hydrated
Apply pet moisturizer daily
Use a humidifier, especially in your pup’s sleeping area
Supplement with Omega-3—Vetericyn ALL-IN-1 Dog Supplement is an excellent source

Even with these best practices, skin troubles may still pop up—especially in sensitive areas like your pup’s ears. Topical treatments, such as Vetericyn Triple-Action Ear Treatment, can help soothe the area and fend off irritation. It packs a pet-safe formula of 1% hydrocortisone, enzymes, and botanical extracts designed to soften wax, support immune response, and provide long-lasting itch relief. Cold Weather Hazards for Dogs

#6 Disorientation

Dogs navigate the world with their mighty sense of smell. In fact, with smell, many dogs can find their way back home even from miles away. But heavy snow and ice can thwart even the strongest sniffers. This increases the risk of a wandering pup getting lost. If you live in a rural area and allow your pups to roam, this can become a serious issue during winter storms. Dogs who can’t get their bearings run the risk of becoming caught in hazardous winter weather and experiencing frostbite or hypothermia.

How to Prevent Disorientation

Even if your pooch reliably returns from his sojourns, it’s best not to take chances when the forecast calls for snow and ice. If inclement weather is on the horizon, keep your dog leashed or limit their outdoor time to fenced-in areas.

Turn Cold Into Cozy, With Vetericyn

When Jack Frost starts nipping at your (and your pup’s) nose, it should be an occasion for joy, not worry. Fortunately, by taking the proper precautions, you can ensure your winter revolves around fireside snuggles with your furry friend—not health issues. In fact, you should never have to worry about your pet’s health, no matter the season. At Vetericyn, we have the tools you need to keep your pup happy and healthy year-round. With products like our soothing Foamcare Medicated Pet Shampoo and our Hot Spot Antimicrobial Hydrogel, it’s easy to keep your pup thriving, from Yuletide to the dog days of summer. Discover how we can ease your mind when it comes to pet health by exploring our entire catalog today!

Reviewed by C. Scott Van Winkle

Scott has been with Innovacyn for the past 11 years and has been working within the Burlingame portfolio of companies for the past 23 years. Scott brings a diverse background to Innovacyn. With an upbringing as the 5th generation on his families cattle ranch, Scott has a passion for animal health and the continuous improvement surrounding agricultural practices. Scott earned marketing and business management degrees from the University of Idaho and holds an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University.

Sources:

VCA Animal Hospitals. Frostbite in Dogs. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/frostbite-in-dogs
American Kennel Club. Hypothermia in Dogs: How Cold Is Too Cold? https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hypothermia-in-dogs-how-cold-is-too-cold/
Mayo Clinic. Hypothermia. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothermia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352682
The Kennel Club. Arthritis in dogs. https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/arthritis/
Forbes. The Best Mattresses For Arthritis Pain, According To Medical Experts. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/best-mattresses-for-arthritis/
Eden Tyres and Servicing. Why anti-freeze is so important for your vehicle. https://www.edentyres.com/why-antifreeze-is-so-important-for-your-vehicle-this-winter/
K-Seal. How Does Cold Weather Affect My Radiator? https://www.kseal.com/expert-advice/how-does-cold-weather-affect-car-radiator
Machinery Lubrication. The Sweet Taste of Antifreeze. https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/465/sweet-taste-of-antifreeze
The Kennel Club. Antifreeze poisoning in dogs. https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/antifreeze-poisoning-in-dogs/

Cold Weather Hazards for Dogs: Frostbite, Hypothermia, and More