How cold can my dog tolerate?
Yes, dogs get cold too. The General Directorate of Animal Rights, under the Ministry of Social Rights and the 2030 Agenda, has published some tips on how animals can withstand extreme cold.
According to the infographic published by the Spanish government, Dogs can safely endure walks at an outside temperature of 7 degrees. It is at this point that the size of the dog is important to assess whether the animal is exposed to dangerously cold conditions.
Dogs: according to their size and breed
For small breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Pinscher or Chihuahua, the most dangerous temperatures for them are from - 4 ºC.
The dogs that adapt best to the cold are: The Mastiff, Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, German Shepherd, and Nordic breeds in general. Temperatures become dangerous for them at -6°C.
The Animal Rights chart also specifies values for those medium-sized dog breeds. As the graph indicates, the outside temperature that is dangerous to your well-being is between -4 and -9 ºC.
All of these values, according to the infographic, also depend on the humidity of the location, whether the dog is acclimatized to the area, whether the dog is wearing a coat, its coat, its age, and whether it has other health conditions.
Should the dog be covered?
There are different options: coats, sweaters and raincoats for dogs, but Do they need to be covered? Veterinarians say that There are animals that need it, above all with low temperaturesA coat helps a dog maintain its body temperature. So we recommend looking for a coat that's comfortable and warm. Here are some ideas for coats you can find at Arquivet: link.
Watch out for your pads!
Dogs' pads suffer if the ground is icy and can suffer burns from ice, snow, or the salt used to mitigate its effects on sidewalks. Therefore, It is important to take care of your pads by preventing them from coming into contact with ice. Or with the salt thrown in some areas on the snow, which can cause chemical burns. Upon returning home, clean and dry them thoroughly. And before the walk, you can apply a special protective wax for pads or one of the booties to protect their pads.
How do cats and birds cope with the cold?
For cats that live on the street for much of the year, The General Directorate for Animal Rights reminds us that many cats use cars as a refuge, taking advantage of the residual heat from the engines or simply seeking protection from the cold. Therefore, it is important for anyone who has to use this transport during a cold snap to tap the hood before starting the vehicle.
Finally, for the birds, They ask the population to leave suitable food for these animals on balconies and windows. And avoid leaving food on the ground or in the street, as it could become contaminated or damaged by snow.
