PET owners have been warned to consider the temperature before taking their dogs out for a walk.
As the temperature drops below zero in many parts of the UK – with snow in some – the majority of us are wrapping up to keep warm.
But people often forget that dogs often need a coat on too – especially if they are on the smaller side or a thin-haired breed.
The Pet Health Club took to TikTok to share a handy chart showing the advised temperatures to avoid, some of which pose a “severe risk” to animals if they’re taken out in it.
From 15 degrees to 10 degrees Celsius, you can take any dog out, as there’s “minimal to no risk”.
“Enjoy exploring the great outdoors!” they added.
For large dogs, 7 degrees Celsius is also minimal, while it’s a “low risk” for small or medium dogs.
“Small or thin-coated dogs may need a coat. Watch for shivering or reluctance to walk,” they added.
At 4 degrees Celsius, it’s considered “low risk” for large dogs, but “potentially unsafe” for small or medium dogs.
“Short-haired, small and elderly dogs could be at risk. Limit walks and watch for signs of hypothermia,” they wrote.
Small, medium and large dogs are “potentially unsafe” if taken out in one degree Celsius, or minus one degree, but it increases to “high risk” if small or medium dogs are walked when it’s minus four outside.
“Potentially life-threatening, especially for smaller breeds,” they said.
“And the risk is higher if it’s wet.”
At minus six degrees, the risk changes to “severe” for small dogs, but remains “very high” for medium dogs and “potentially unsafe” for large.
That changes to “very high” risk to medium and large dogs at minus nine degrees, while it’s still “severe” for small dogs.
Anything below minus nine, and you should limit outdoor time for “quick toilet breaks only, especially for small and thin-coated dogs”.
By Marsha O'Mahony
HUSKY
Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy.
If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him.
It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold – look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs.
DACHSHUND
Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive.
The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. “Because of their long backs, they’re really prone to intervertebral disc disease,” said Dr. Rachel.
You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive.
GREAT DANE
These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are “goofballs.”
But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak.
DOODLE
These are the current “it” dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed.
Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth, said our vet.
“These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently,” she wrote.
Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems.
BULLDOGS
These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog.
“I just would not own them,” she said. “They’re just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces.”
Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease.
“We walk even at -28°c, welcome to Finland!” one commented.
“And dogs are not dead in here… if they are cold you put winter clothes on!”
“Our dogs in the UK aren’t used to extreme cold temperatures,” the Pet Health Club responded.
