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How Do I Know If My Dog Is Cold

January 13, 2026
7:18 am

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Cold? A Real Pet Owner’s Guide to Chilly Weather and Cozy Coats

Last winter, I took my dog Max — out for his usual morning walk. It was 35°F (about 1.6°C), and halfway through, I noticed him lifting his paws off the ground and shivering. That was the moment I realized: even tough little dogs can feel the chill.

So if you’re wondering “how do I know if my dog is cold”, here’s the quick answer: If your dog is shivering, lifting paws, hunched over, or seeking warmth, it’s too cold.

Most dogs start to feel uncomfortable when temperatures drop below 45°F (7°C), and below 32°F (0°C) can be dangerous, especially for small, short-haired, or thin breeds. That’s the general threshold for “how cold is too cold for dogs.”

If you’re asking “how can I tell if my dog has a cold” or “how to know if your dog has a cold”, look for:

Sneezing or coughing
Runny nose or watery eyes
Lethargy or loss of appetite

It’s similar to humans catching a chill — and yes, dogs can get respiratory infections too (though not human colds). Always see a vet if you’re unsure.

Cold Tolerance: Breed-by-Breed Guide

Breed	Cold Tolerance
Labrador Retriever	High
Golden Retriever	High
German Shepherd	High
Beagle	Medium-Low
French Bulldog	Low
English Bulldog	Low
Boxer	Low
Pug	Low
Chihuahua	Very Low
Dachshund	Medium
Border Collie	Medium-High
Siberian Husky	Very High
Alaskan Malamute	Very High
Great Dane	Low
Rottweiler	Medium
Doberman Pinscher	Low
Boston Terrier	Low
Corgi	Medium
Basset Hound	Medium-Low
Poodle (Standard)	Medium
Poodle (Toy)	Low
Shih Tzu	Medium
Yorkie	Low
Great Pyrenees	Very High
Newfoundland	Very High
Pit Bull	Low
Australian Shepherd	Medium-High
Dalmatian	Low
Mastiff	Medium
Samoyed	Very High

My Experience: How to Tell If Your Dog Is Cold (and What to Do)

Living in Illinois, I’ve had winters where my short-haired dogs refused to step outside, while my friend’s Husky would roll in the snow for fun. That’s how I learned that every dog’s “cold threshold” is different.

Here’s how I personally tell when a dog is getting too cold — and how to respond:

Physical Signs

Shivering or trembling – first sign it’s too cold.
Tucked tail, hunched back – trying to conserve warmth.
Cold ears or paws – touch behind the ear or between toes.
Whining or slowing down on walks – wants to go back inside.

Behavioral Signs

Seeking warmth (curling up or trying to climb into your lap).
Refusing to go outside or lifting paws on cold ground.
In extreme cold, stiffness or lethargy may indicate hypothermia – call your vet.

If you ever wonder “how to tell if your dog has a cold” or “how do I know if my dog has a cold,” symptoms include sneezing, mild cough, nasal discharge, or tiredness. Keep your dog warm, hydrated, and rest — and always consult your veterinarian.

Choosing the Right Dog Clothing — My Honest Recommendation

Here’s what I recommend based on years of experience outfitting dogs through our wholesale platform US PetFairs:

Dog Type	Signs of Being Cold	Recommended Clothing	Where to Buy
Small / Toy Breeds (Chihuahua, Yorkie, Pug)	Trembles below 60°F	Soft fleece sweater or thermal hoodie	US PetFairs (U.S. local, 3–15 days)
Medium Breeds (Beagle, Corgi, Border Collie)	Shivers below 45°F	Padded winter vest or reflective jacket	US PetFairs (fast U.S. delivery)
Large Breeds (Labrador, GSD, Rottweiler)	Fine until 35°F	Waterproof coat or harness jacket	PetFairs (global shipping, more styles)
Cold-Climate Dogs (Husky, Samoyed, Malamute)	Rarely cold	Lightweight raincoat only	PetFairs (international)
Short-Coated / Senior Dogs	Often cold indoors	Thermal pajamas or indoor sweater	US PetFairs (local stock)

US PetFairs: ships locally within the U.S. (3–15 days delivery), ideal for groomers, vets, and trainers needing bulk stock fast.

PetFairs (overseas): larger variety, slower shipping (~3–4 weeks), better for bulk e-commerce imports.

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Final Take

If you’re asking “how do you know if a dog is cold” — trust your eyes and your hands. If your dog’s ribs feel cold to touch, their ears are icy, or they start shivering, it’s time for warmth and maybe a cozy jacket.

Dogs can’t tell us they’re freezing — but their body language always does.

As a dog parent and a pet-supply wholesaler, I’ve seen how the right winter gear can make all the difference — keeping dogs happy, healthy, and ready for adventure, even when the snow starts to fall.

References

Petfairs Writer Introduction：

Hi, I’m Aria—an animal lover rooted in Minnesota with 11 years of hands-on pet parenting experience. Raised in a small town here, I’ve spent years helping neighbors train their cats and dogs, from correcting basic behaviors to fostering better human-pet bonds. Beyond caring for my own furry companions, I’m passionate about rescuing stray animals, dedicating time to their care and rehoming. With a deep understanding of what pets (and their owners) need, I’m here to share practical insights, tailored to Minnesota’s climate and pet owners’ daily lives—all backed by my years of real-world pet care experience.

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