Is Your Dog Cold? 2025 Vet-Approved 8 Signs to Watch ❄️🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Dogs can absolutely feel the cold, and while some breeds are more weather-tolerant than others, chilly temperatures can lead to discomfort, stiffness, or even hypothermia if ignored. Knowing the signs will help you keep your pup safe and cozy when the temperature drops.

🐾 1. Shivering

The most obvious sign — just like humans, dogs shiver when cold. Shaking is the body’s way of trying to generate warmth.

🐾 2. Whining or Anxious Behavior

Restlessness, whining, or anxious pacing can signal that your dog is uncomfortable in the cold.

🐾 3. Slower Movements or Stiffness

Cold weather can tighten muscles and worsen joint pain, especially in older dogs or those with arthritis. If your pup seems stiff or hesitant to move, it could be a response to low temperatures.

🐾 4. Cold Ears or Body

Touch your dog’s ears, paws, or body. If they feel unusually cold — especially while indoors — it’s a strong indicator your dog is chilly.

🐾 5. Paw Lifting

Dogs may lift their paws off the ground or walk gingerly when the surface is too cold, icy, or snowy.

🐾 6. Seeking Warmth

Curling up in a tight ball, burrowing into blankets, or trying to find cozy corners are classic signs your pup wants extra warmth.

🐾 7. Change in Appetite or Energy

Some dogs eat more in colder months to generate energy, while others may become lethargic when chilled. Any unusual shift in appetite or behavior could be a clue.

🐾 8. Refusal to Go Outside

If your dog suddenly resists walks or hesitates at the door in winter, it may be avoiding the cold air or icy ground.

🌡️ Which Dogs Feel the Cold Most?

Not all dogs tolerate cold equally. Breeds with thin coats, small dogs, seniors, puppies, or those with health conditions are more vulnerable and may need extra protection.

🛡️ How to Help a Cold Dog

If you notice these signs, try:

• Adding a dog sweater or coat for outdoor walks

• Providing a heated or well-padded bed indoors

• Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature

• Using booties to protect paws from ice, snow, and salt

✅ Bottom line: Dogs can absolutely get cold — and sometimes dangerously so. By watching for these signs and providing extra warmth when needed, you’ll keep your pup safe, healthy, and happy through the winter.