If you’re wondering whether your Australian Shepherd is going to get cold during the colder months, then you’ve found the right article! In this article, not only will you find out how cold is too cold for Australian Shepherds, but you’ll also learn how to keep them warm and other winter safety tips!
So keep reading to find out everything you need to know!
Table of Contents
Do Australian Shepherds Get Cold?
Australian shepherds are just like any other species on the planet when it comes to becoming chilly. Even though they have a double layer to keep them warm, it will not be enough to keep them warm in frigid temperatures.
How Cold Is Too Cold For Australian Shepherds
Anything below 40°F is too chilly for most dogs, as a general rule. Hypothermia and frostbite are likely to occur as the temperature drops below 20°F.
But as a rule of thumb for your Australian Shepherd, as long as they aren’t outside for extended periods of time, temperatures as low as 32°F are going to be tolerable for them.
Remember…
However, it’s important to remember that the temperature isn’t the only factor in deciding whether the temperature is going to be too cold for your Australian Shepherd. You should also be aware that the following can drastically affect how cold your Shepherd feels!
Wetness – If your Australian Shepherd is wet, they won’t be able to insulate themselves and will be much more susceptible to cold. Even if the temperature may not appear to be particularly high, this can occur.
Cloud Cover – During the day, cloud cover makes things feel colder, and at night, no cloud cover makes things feel colder.
Wind Chill – We’ve all experienced the chilling effects of the wind. Even on a hot day, the wind can make you feel chilly quickly. It can also readily cut through the fur of your Australian Shepherd.
Exercise – the amount of activity your Australian Shepherd receives can have an impact on them. If your dog is just lounging around, it will become cold faster than if they are active.
As you may imagine, all of these factors together can quickly make your Australian Shepherd too cold.
How To Tell When You Australian Shepherd Is Too Cold?
Fortunately, it’s incredibly easy to spot when your Australian Shepherd is too cold. In most cases, they’re going to let you know through their behavior if they’re struggling; however, there are also other signs you can look for as well!
Here are all the different signs that your Australian Shepherd may be too cold.
Shivering
Shivering is the most evident indication that they are cold. If you observe your Australian Shepherd shivering, make sure they warm up immediately.
As you know, It’s hard to stop shivering, so if this happens, you know it’s time to move them somewhere warmer.
However, keep in mind that shivering and shaking can also occur when a dog is enthusiastic. So if the weather is nice, it could be exciting.
Howling/Barking/Trying To Get Your Attention
If you’ve left your dog outside, he or she may start howling, barking, whimpering, or whining if it becomes too chilly.
It is all too usual for individuals to leave their dogs outside in all weather conditions. However, a dog should never be left alone for more than 5-6 hours at a time.
Not only does leaving them out in the cold endanger their lives, but they also require social interaction with their families.
Their Tail Is Tucked In & Their Back Is Hunched
Your Australian Shepherd may also be too chilly if you notice them hunching their back and tucking their tail under themselves. When you see this, you should get them somewhere warmer ASAP.
Tucking their tail and hunching helps them retain body heat as they reduce their surface area.
They Curl Up
When it becomes too chilly for Australian shepherds, they will curl up too. This allows them to remain as tiny as possible, which in turn causes them to lose less body heat (due to the reduced surface area).
Lack Of Energy
If you observe muscular stiffness or limping in your Australian Shepherd, it’s because their muscles are starting to become too cold to move.
Hypothermia is usually indicated by this, along with a lack of energy. You shouldn’t have allowed it to go this far, but if you did, get them into the warm as soon as possible and get aid from a veterinarian.
Hypothermia in dogs can also cause weakness, sleepiness, and shallow breathing.
It’s Too Cold For You
Is it getting too chilly outside for you?
If it’s too cold for you, then there’s a strong chance that it’s going to be too cold for your Australian Shepherd as well, so you should bring them inside!
Refusing To Walk
In most cases, Australian shepherds are extremely loyal dogs that are great at following commands. However, if you’re taking them out in conditions that are too cold, then they may refuse to stop walking.
Of course, when this happens, the best thing you can do is bring them back home.
They’re Staying In Their Kennel
If your Australian Shepherd is kept in a kennel and refuses to come out, it’s because they’re attempting to stay as warm as possible inside.
Even more concerning, if you see that they’re shivering inside, you should quickly bring them into your home. Alternatively, they may perish from frostbite.
They’re Cold Too The Touch
Finally, if your Australian Shepherd is cold when you touch them, it’s one of the first signals that it’s getting too cold for them. While the exterior fur isn’t as vital as their inner fur, you should absolutely bring them inside if the fur underneath is chilly.
They’re Holding Their Paw Off The Ground
There is going to be even less warmth in the ground when it’s too cold outside. Because of this, the ground might be too painful for them to stand on, so they’ll start raising their paws for comfort.
How To Warm Your Australian Shepherd Up
Fortunately, there are so many different ways you can warm your Australian Shepherd, so if they are too cold, they don’t have to stay cold for long.
Get Them Some Dog Boots
Not all dogs love these, but if yours does, they’ll be great for the winter. While your dog’s pads can keep the cold away for a while, their little paws will get cold at some point.
However, dog boots will be able to keep their paws warm and dry if you buy them dog boots.
Remember to give your German Shepherd some time to get used to their dog boots, as well. When I first brought my dog snow boots, she didn’t like them at first. But after a week, she would leave them on without a hitch.
Get Them A Coat
Coats aren’t needed for all Australian Shepherds. However, a coat is strongly advised if you have a puppy or an older one.
They’ll help your dog retain more heat, and, unlike dog boots, they’re less likely to be rejected by your pup.
And remember, when shopping for a coat, choose one that is both water-resistant and warm.
Bring Them In Regularly
Make sure you’re bringing them in to warm up on a frequent basis. Even if they enjoy playing in the snow and cold, they are sometimes unaware of how cold they’re becoming.
Don’t Let Them Eat Snow
Make sure your Australian Shepherd does not consume any snow that has been treated with salt or deicer since this can quickly turn fatal.
Be Careful With Young/Sick/Senior Dogs
If your husky is young, sick, or old, make sure they don’t spend too much time outside. They won’t be able to handle it as well as a dog in good health would.
It is preferable to take them on a series of short walks rather than a single long one.
Dry Them Thoroughly
When you arrive home from your walk, make sure you dry them thoroughly. Even if your home is warm, being wet might cause your dog’s body temperature to drop rapidly.
Make sure they get a nice towel dry and, if feasible, a hairdryer when they arrive.
Keep Them On A Leash
If your Australian Shepherd has a tendency to run away, keeping them on a leash when you go for a walk is an excellent idea.
If it’s snowing and cold outdoors, they’ll have a more difficult time locating your smell and following you. If you take them somewhere where they may become disoriented, then they might not be able to find out again.
Don’t Leave Them In A Car
Make sure you don’t leave your dog in the car on a particularly chilly day, just as you wouldn’t on a particularly hot day.
Both extremes are dangerous to your dog and, if left neglected for too long, can be fatal.
Keep Their Paws Trimmed
You might think it’s a good idea to allow your Australian Shepherd’s paws to grow out their fur. Keeping them clipped, on the other hand, is more advisable.
Ice and snow can get trapped between their paws if the hair between them is excessively long. Until the ice and snow melt, there will be a lot of inconveniences. It’s going to be really cold, and your dog won’t be able to come out.
Recap
As you can see, there are so many ways you can keep your Australian Shepherd warm and so many signs that will show you when they’re cold, so as long as you’re keeping an eye on them, there shouldn’t be a problem.
If you liked this article, make sure you check out the rest of the website. Otherwise, have a great day!
