With the onset of cold temperatures, many owners wonder how prepared their dogs are for winter. Although often It is believed that all dogs tolerate cold well.the reality is very different.
As Lucía Vicat, specialist in canine cognition and behavior and broadcaster through her Universican platform, recalls, “Dogs are homeothermic animals, capable of maintaining a constant body temperature between 37°C and 40°C.regardless of climatic changes in their environment, but that does not mean they are safe from hypothermia.
Vicat explains that “hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops below normal and involves heat loss faster than the body can produce“, a condition that can put the animal’s life in danger.
The symptoms are clear and, according to the expert, require immediate attention. “Tremors, groans, immobility, cramps, apathy… There is even a risk of death if the body temperature drops to 31ºC.“, he assures. “If you have any questions, we should go to the vet.”
The specialist also invites observe the dog’s behavior during walks. If he stops longer than usual or shows discomfort, it is not advisable to persist. “Don’t force your walk: if you stop and it’s very cold, you may have to go home,” he explains.
There are many reasons why a dog may be particularly vulnerable to the cold. The coat is one of the key factors: A dense, thick coat acts as a natural protection, while dogs with short or fine hair are more exposed.
Size matters too. Small dogs, Vicat points out, lose a lot of heat and are more sensitive to low temperatures. Body weight also plays an important role: fat serves as insulation, although the specialist warns that being overweight remains a serious risk that “can seriously harm your health.”
Symptoms such as tremors, moaning, immobility, cramps, listlessness require immediate attention
Age makes another big difference. Puppies and senior dogs “have fewer defenses against the cold” and must be protected with particular care. Something similar happens with sick dogs or dogs with weakened immune systems, who have more difficulty regulating their temperature.
But perhaps one of the most concerning factors is the type of housing. Vicat criticizes the fact that there are still people who keep their dogs outside“as if there were no video surveillance systems in 2025”, exposing him to extreme cold, humidity, wind and drafts which compromise his well-being and his life.
Winter also affects those waiting for reception in animal protection centers, where resources are not always sufficient. The protectors remind us that any help is precious: blankets, food, beds, waterproof coats or even becoming temporary shelter for the most vulnerable.
The expert concludes his awakening with an essential reminder: “Be careful with the dog: he has feelings and can suffer from bad weather like any human.” In a country (Argentina) where thousands of families live with pets, understanding this evidence is the first step to ensure your well-being.
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