Attention dog owners: This is the temperature that is considered too cold to walk your dog in winter
At least one daily walk is essential for dogs of all sizes providing vital exercise as well as stimulating the animal instinct.
Dogs need exercise with a daily stroll essential for a dog’s well-being and development.
Walking your dog offers mental stimulation, physical exercise, a chance for socialization, and opportunities for behavioral training for your canine companion. It also provides the owner with a chance to rack-up the daily step count, enjoy some fresh air and helps to cement the bond you have with your pet.
However, as many parts of the US are falling foul of unseasonably cold weather, is there ever a time when it’s dangerous to take the pooch for a stroll when the mercury hits sub-zero temperatures?
When is cold, too cold?
There are plenty of factors to take into consideration before making the call on the outside air temperature.
Factors such as a dog’s health, age, size and coat thickness, all play a role in how safe it is to head out for a stroll with the pet.
Dogs with a thinner coat will suffer as opposed to the likes of huskies or old English sheepdogs who have thicker coats.
If you do decide to brave the elements and see your dog shivering, whining or resisting on the lead, the animal may be struggling and this is their way of communicating their unhappiness with the conditions.
If you do feel the need to get the dog outdoors, consider reducing the time spent outside and contemplate purchasing a winter-warmer jacket with the likes of fashion brands such as Carhartt and Hackett developing padded jackets for dogs of all sizes.
Experts consider 60-80 F as the ideal temperature range for a stroll with your pet and advise reconsidering the need for a walk when temperatures plummet to anything lower than 20F.
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