The exact temperature that poses a ‘serious risk’ to dogs when taken for walks
PET owners have been warned to consider the temperature before walking their dogs.
As temperatures drop below zero in many parts of Britain – and snow in some parts – the majority of us are wrapping up to keep warm.
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But people often forget that dogs often need a coat too, especially if they are on the small side or are a thin-haired breed.
The Animal Health Club went to TikTok to share a handy overview of the recommended temperatures to avoid, some of which pose a “serious risk” to animals if walked in them.
You can walk any dog from 15 degrees to 10 degrees Celsius, because there is “minimal to no risk”.
“Enjoy exploring nature!” they added.
For large dogs, 7 degrees Celsius is also minimal, while for small or medium-sized dogs it is “low risk”.
“Small dogs or dogs with thin coats may need a coat. Watch out for shivering or reluctance to walk,” she added.
At 4 degrees Celsius it is considered “low risk” for large dogs, but “potentially unsafe” for small or medium dogs.
“Short-haired, small and older dogs may be at risk. Limit walks and watch for signs of hypothermia,” they wrote.
Small, medium and large dogs are “potentially unsafe” if walked at one degree Celsius, or minus one degree, but the risk increases to “high risk” if small or medium dogs are walked when it is minus four outside.
“Potentially life-threatening, especially for smaller breeds,” they said.
“And the risk is greater when it is wet.”
At minus six degrees, the risk changes to ‘severe’ for small dogs, but remains ‘very high’ for medium-sized dogs and ‘potentially unsafe’ for large dogs.
That changes to a “very high” risk for medium and large dogs at minus nine degrees, while still “severe” for small dogs.
Anything below minus nine, and you should limit time outdoors for “quick toilet breaks only, especially for small dogs with thin coats.”
Veterinarian Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the five dogs she would never own
By Marsha O’Mahony
HUSK
Beautiful, intelligent and super active, just like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and loves to be kept busy.
If you lead a sedentary life, then this man is not for you, and you are not for him.
It should come as no surprise that huskies love the cold – just look at that coat. So living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs.
DACHSHUND
Cute, cute, funny and they can be very expensive.
The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favors. “Because of their long backs, they are very susceptible to intervertebral disc disease,” says Dr. Rachel.
It would be wise to keep a pot of money aside in case back surgery is likely to be expensive.
GREAT DAN
These fun-loving, sociable dogs are ‘goofballs’.
But they have a short lifespan and develop health problems early in life. Prepare for heartbreak.
DRIBLE
These are today’s “it” dogs, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with almost any other breed.
Their popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low-maintenance and hypoallergenic properties.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth, our vet said.
“These dogs are often mixed with molting dogs, so they shed and also require grooming very often,” she wrote.
Their temperaments are unpredictable and she has seen some who are great to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems.
BULLDOGS
These guys are cute, but they have serious breathing problems. Genetics is not on the side of any brachycephalic dog.
“I just wouldn’t own them,” she said. “They’re just not a healthy breed. They have trouble breathing with their smothered faces.”
Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease.
“We even run at -28°C, welcome to Finland!” one commented.
“And dogs aren’t dead here… if they’re cold, put on winter clothes!”
“Our dogs in Britain are not used to extreme cold temperatures,” the Pet Health Club responded.
