Care & how-to
Do Dogs Get Cold? Signs, Risks and When They Need a Coat
Yes, dogs get cold, and some get cold quickly. A fur coat helps, but how well a dog copes depends on size, coat type, body fat, age and health. A Siberian Husky can be comfortable in weather that leaves a Chihuahua shivering within minutes. Small, short-coated, hairless, lean, young and senior dogs feel the cold first, and those are the dogs that benefit most from a coat or sweater in winter.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 9, 20264 min read4 sources
Why some dogs feel the cold more than others
Small dogs lose heat fast because they have a lot of skin surface for their body size, and toy breeds have trouble regulating body temperature, as the AKC notes. Short, single coats and hairless skin offer little insulation, and lean breeds such as Greyhounds and Whippets carry very little body fat to hold warmth in.
Low-slung dogs such as Dachshunds and Basset Hounds have their bellies close to snow and wet ground. Puppies and senior dogs regulate temperature less well, and dogs with arthritis or other health problems often stiffen up in the cold. A dog that lives mostly indoors in a warm house also adjusts less than one that spends time outside every day. If your dog is one of the cold-sensitive ones, browse our dog winter coats and dog sweaters, and read our guide to choosing a winter coat for dogs for what to check.
Signs your dog is cold
Shivering and trembling are the obvious ones, but the AKC also lists panting and extreme fatigue as signs of discomfort outdoors. Watch for a dog that lifts one paw after another off the frozen ground, tucks its tail, hunches up, slows down or tries to turn back toward home. Whining and looking for shelter are clear messages too.
Indoors, a cold dog often curls into a tight ball, burrows under blankets or presses against a heat source. Ears, paws and the tail tip that feel very cold to the touch are worth noticing. If shivering is strong, your dog seems dull or confused, or skin looks pale or gray, call your vet, because those can be signs of hypothermia or frostbite.
Do dogs need coats and sweaters?
Not all of them. The AKC says large dogs with thick double coats, such as Alaskan Malamutes, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards and Siberian Huskies, are usually well protected, and that healthy large dogs with thick coats could overheat in a sweater. Putting clothes on those dogs is about fashion, not need.
The dogs that benefit, per the AKC, include small and toy breeds, hairless breeds, dogs clipped short such as Poodles, low-to-the-ground breeds such as Dachshunds and Corgis, short-coated sporting dogs like Vizslas, lean sighthounds such as Greyhounds and Whippets, and puppies, seniors and dogs with arthritis. If you are unsure about your dog, ask your vet at the next checkup.
Coat or sweater: which one?
A sweater is usually lighter and more comfortable for indoor wear, according to the AKC, which makes it a good choice for a hairless or very thin dog in a cool house or on a quick trip outside. A coat or jacket is better for real weather, especially one that is water resistant, because a wet dog gets cold far faster than a dry one.
Whichever you choose, fit matters. Your dog should walk, run, sit and lie down normally. Too baggy and it can snag or trip them, too tight and it rubs and restricts movement. The AKC also warns never to leave a dog unattended in clothing, so take it off before leaving your dog alone at home or in a crate.
Simple ways to keep a cold-sensitive dog comfortable
Keep walks shorter on bitter days and split them into two or three trips rather than one long outing. Dry your dog off thoroughly when you come back in, paying attention to the belly, legs and paws. Give them a bed that is raised off a cold floor and away from drafts, and an extra blanket they can burrow into.
Boots protect paws from ice and de-icing salt, and a quick wipe of the feet after every walk removes salt even if your dog will not wear them. Indoors, play games and scent hunts to burn energy on days when long walks are not practical. Never leave a dog in a parked car in winter, because a car holds cold as well as heat.
When the cold becomes dangerous
The AKC says dogs are at risk of frostbite once temperatures drop below 32°F, and it suggests limiting small dogs to 10 to 15 minute outings below that point. Wind and wet fur make any temperature feel colder to a dog. If your dog is shivering hard, moving stiffly or seems confused after being outside, bring them in and call your vet.
Pale, gray or blue skin on the ears, tail or paws can be frostbite, and a cold dog that has stopped shivering but is still dull may be getting worse, not better. Both are reasons to call a vet straight away.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Do dogs get cold at night?
They can, especially small, short-coated, young and senior dogs. A raised bed away from drafts, a blanket to burrow into and a warm room overnight help. A dog curled in a tight ball or shivering is telling you it is chilly.
Do dogs need winter coats?
Some do. Small, hairless, short-coated, lean, young and senior dogs benefit, while large dogs with thick double coats usually do not and can overheat in clothing, according to the AKC.
Should dogs wear clothes indoors?
Most dogs do not need to. A light sweater can help a hairless or very thin dog in a cool house, but never leave a dog alone while wearing clothing, because it can snag or tangle.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
