6 Signs Your Dog Is Cold

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re uncomfortable, but their bodies and behavior give us clues.

Shivering is often one of the earliest signs a dog is cold. It happens when the body contracts muscles to generate heat, and it’s a completely normal response to feeling cold.

In mild cases, shivering simply means your dog needs warmth. Offering a fuzzy blanket or dressing your pup in a dog sweater or coat can help keep them comfortable.

But if the shivering is intense, persistent, or accompanied by weakness, confusion, or lethargy, it may be a sign of hypothermia. This can become a medical emergency if it doesn’t stop after warming your dog.

Bring your dog indoors, dry them if they’re wet, and provide warmth right away. If shivering continues, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Dogs may curl into a tight ball or tuck their tail close to their body to conserve heat. Like shivering, this behavior is usually an early sign of being cold.

While this behavior alone isn’t an emergency, it does indicate discomfort, so offer a warm bed, extra blankets, or move your dog to a warmer area.

A cold dog may stick close to heaters, burrow under blankets, or press against people or other pets. This behavior isn’t an emergency on its own, but it’s a clear sign your dog needs help staying warm.

Make sure heat sources are safe, and never let your dog lie directly on heating devices that could cause burns.

Dogs may lift one or more paws when walking outside in winter, especially on snow or ice. This is a telltale sign that the ground is too cold for their feet.

Protective shoes and booties can help keep paws warm and prevent injury.

Dog boots also protect against winter hazards, such as snow and ice buildup between toes and exposure to ice melt products that can irritate a dog’s skin and cause cracked paw pads.

When dogs are cold, extremities like the ears, paws, and tail often feel cool to the touch because they lose heat faster than the core of the body.

Cool extremities can be an early warning sign of hypothermia. If the skin becomes very cold, pale, or hard, frostbite may be present. Contact your veterinarian immediately and follow their guidance.

Dogs who are cold may seem unusually tired, stiff, or reluctant to move.

Mild lethargy often improves once the dog is warmed. However, weakness, collapse, or a lack of normal responsiveness may indicate hypothermia and should be treated as a medical emergency. Seek veterinary care right away.

Pet parents can help protect dogs from cold weather by:

• Limiting time outdoors: Never leave dogs outside for long periods, especially in freezing, wet, or windy conditions.
• Offering warm bedding: Heated beds can be especially helpful for very young, very old, or very small dogs. Keep all bedding and blankets away from drafty areas of your home.
• Dressing for the weather: Dog clothing can help dogs retain body heat. Some breeds, like Chihuahuas, might even need to wear a shirt or sweater indoors when it’s especially chilly.
• Keeping up with grooming: Brushing your dog regularly prevents mats, which reduce insulation against the cold.

• Drying thoroughly: After walks in snow or rain, towel-dry your dog to stop them from becoming cold.

Always check with your veterinarian if you’re unsure how to protect your dog from cold weather, especially if your pup is a senior, very young, or has underlying health conditions.

How cold is too cold for dogs?

This varies based on size, breed, coat type, age, and health. Some dogs feel cold when temperatures drop below 45 F, while others tolerate colder weather. Watch your dog’s behavior for signs of discomfort.

Are some dogs more sensitive to cold than others?

Yes. Small dogs, short-haired breeds, senior dogs, puppies, and dogs with medical conditions tend to lose body heat faster and need extra protection.

Can dogs get hypothermia?

Yes. Hypothermia can develop when a dog’s body temperature drops too low, particularly after prolonged exposure to cold or wet conditions. It’s a medical emergency.

Should dogs wear sweaters or coats?

Some dogs benefit from sweaters or coats in cold weather, especially those without thick fur. Make sure clothing fits properly and doesn’t restrict your pup’s movement.

When should I call the vet?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog shows severe shivering, weakness, confusion, collapse, or fails to warm up after being brought indoors.