Quick Answer
Most experts agree that you should bring your dog inside when temperatures dip below 45°F. Some larger or thick-coated breeds may tolerate temperatures as low as 32°F, but smaller and short-haired dogs should come in at 45°F or higher. Puppies, elderly dogs, and dogs with health issues are even more sensitive to the cold.
Ideal Temperatures for a Dog House
The ideal temperature range for a dog house is between 45-75°F. Here’s a breakdown of recommended temperatures for dogs:
- 75°F and up – Safe for most dogs
- 65-75°F – Ideal for average adult dogs
- 45-65°F – Only suitable for cold-tolerant breeds
- 32-45°F – Potentially unsafe depending on breed, age, and health
- Below 32°F – Unsafe for almost all dogs
Puppies under 4 months old and elderly dogs over 10 years old should not be left in temperatures below 60°F for extended periods. Short-haired toy breeds like Chihuahuas and Greyhounds cannot tolerate cold as well as Huskies or St. Bernards. A dog house alone does not provide enough insulation for smaller dogs in cold climates.
Signs Your Dog is Too Cold
Watch for these signs that indicate your dog needs to come inside to warm up:
- Shivering
- Whimpering or barking
- Seeking warmth/huddling up
- Lifting or curling paws
- Reluctance to move
- Lethargy
If your dog is exhibiting these behaviors in chilly weather, bring them into a warm area right away. Cold temperatures can quickly lead to hypothermia, especially in small or wet dogs. Seek emergency vet care if your dog seems weak, uncoordinated, or unresponsive.
Tips for Keeping Your Dog Warm
If your dog must spend time outdoors in cold weather, here are some tips to help them stay warm and safe:
- Provide a well-insulated doghouse raised off the ground
- Use thick bedding like straw or old blankets
- Make sure the house blocks any drafts or precipitation
- Use a flap over the entrance to keep heat inside
- Face the opening away from the wind
- Consider a heated dog bed or microwavable heat disc
- Always provide unfrozen water
- Check your dog frequently for signs of cold stress
- Never leave your dog outside for extended periods below 45°F
A properly constructed doghouse can help buffer your dog against the elements, but it’s not a substitute for coming indoors when temperatures drop dangerously low.
Breeds Better Suited to Cold Weather
Some dogs have natural adaptations that allow them to tolerate cold better than others:
- Huskies – Thick double coat provides excellent insulation
- St. Bernards – Large size and long coat helps retain body heat
- Newfoundlands – Water-resistant coat sheds cold water
- Samoyeds – Dense, white coat reflects heat
- Akitas – Adapted for cold winters and snow
- Chow Chows – Fluffy double coat protects against cold and dampness
These northern or mountain dog breeds have higher cold tolerance but still require appropriate shelter from wet conditions, wind, and extreme cold.
Breeds Vulnerable to Cold
Some breeds and mixes are at higher risk in cold weather due to having thin coats and small bodies that lose heat quickly:
- Greyhounds – Virtually no body fat and thin coat
- Whippets – Lean build with short fur
- Italian Greyhounds – Tiny, minimally insulated sighthounds
- Chihuahuas – Tiny body size loses heat fast
- Toy Breeds – Higher surface area relative to their weight
- Pugs – Susceptible to breathing issues in cold air
- Pit Bulls – Thin, short coats offer little protection
- Dobermans – Lean build and short coat
These dogs reach dangerous hypothermic temperatures much faster than hardier breeds when exposed to cold environments. They should not remain outdoors for long in temperatures below 45°F.
Providing Adequate Shelter
If your dog must be left outdoors for periods of time in cold weather, providing an appropriate doghouse is crucial. Here are the key elements of proper shelter:
- Waterproof and draft-free construction
- Elevated floor to prevent contact with cold ground
- Bedding like straw to insulate
- Entrance covered by a flexible flap
- Face opening away from prevailing winds
- Smaller interior size to conserve body heat
- Ventilation holes near roof to prevent moisture buildup
The enclosed space should be just large enough for your dog to stand, lie down, and turn around inside – excess space will get cold. The entryway should also be covered to retain heat and block drafts.
Using Heating Devices Safely
If you need extra warming power for your dog’s house in frigid conditions, heating products can help – but proper precautions are essential:
- Use chew-proof power cords for electric heaters
- Don’t use space heaters powered by an open flame or combustible fuel
- Monitor microwavable heat disks to avoid overheating
- Don’t place heating devices directly underneath bedding
- Choose low-wattage heating pads designed for pets
- Set thermostats carefully to prevent overheating or burns
- Never leave heating devices unattended when in use
Unmonitored heating sources can pose serious risks to your dog. Supervise carefully and use products designed specifically for pets whenever possible.
How Insulation Works
Insulation in a doghouse traps your dog’s natural body heat inside the enclosed space. Here’s how different insulating materials work:
- Straw – Traps air in hollow shafts to slow heat transfer
- Fiberglass – Fibers reduce convection so heat doesn’t rise and escape
- Foam boards – Plastic foams impede air flow through tiny pockets
- Blankets – Fibers restrict air movement to keep heat contained
- Newspaper – Layers of paper resist airflow to retain warmth
Any materials that are porous enough to trap air pockets will help insulate your dog against cold external temperatures. The more dead air space, the better the heat retention.
Maintaining Adequate Ventilation
While insulation is crucial for holding in warmth, adequate air exchange is also important in a doghouse to prevent moisture buildup. Here are some tips:
- Allow for air flow under the roof
- Avoid fully sealing the house
- Use breathable materials like straw rather than impermeable materials
- Add ventilation holes if sealing against drafts
- Face opening away from rain or snow
- Check for condensation and ventilate accordingly
- Remove wet bedding promptly to avoid dampness
Ventilation allows fresh, oxygenated air to circulate while still blocking direct wind and precipitation. Proper ventilation prevents mold, odors, and stuffiness.
Watching Out for Frostbite
Extreme or prolonged cold can lead to frostbite on exposed skin. Higher-risk areas include:
- Ears
- Nose
- Tail
- Toes
- Scrotum
Check these areas frequently for redness, swelling, pain, blisters, or blackened skin indicative of frostbite. Move your dog inside immediately to gradually warm the tissue and consult your vet. Don’t rub the affected area.
Dangers of Hypothermia
Without adequate warmth, a dog’s body temperature can spiral dangerously low, leading to life-threatening hypothermia. Warning signs include:
- Uncontrollable shivering
- Weakness or lethargy
- Collapsed or rigid posture
- Glassy eyes
- Slurred barking
- Cold and stiff limbs
Take your dog’s temperature if hypothermia is suspected – anything below 101 ̊F is too low. Get them to a warm area, wrap in blankets, and contact your vet right away. Don’t warm them too quickly, as quick temperature changes can harm the heart.
Avoiding Common Hazards
In addition to cold itself, winter conditions pose other seasonal dangers to dogs, including:
- Frozen ponds – May appear safe but can lead to deadly hypothermia if a dog falls through the ice and gets wet
- Antifreeze – Has a sweet taste but is profoundly toxic, even in small amounts
- Falling snow or ice – Can injure dogs or damage outdoor kennels/houses
- Rock salt – Used to melt ice but can irritate foot pads
- Electric cords – Could be chewed, posing electrocution risk
Take extra precautions around cold weather hazards that could harm your dog. Keep them safely indoors when not supervised.
Cold Weather Tips for Dog Owners
To safely care for your dog in cold conditions:
- Bring dogs inside at temperatures below 45°F
- Never leave dogs unattended in vehicles during cold weather
- Provide adequate insulation, bedding, and ventilation in outdoor shelters
- Check your dog’s water to make sure it isn’t frozen
- Bathe your dog indoors to avoid chilling them after a bath
- Dry your dog thoroughly if they get wet outside
- Clean feet and belly after walks to remove snow, salt, and deicers
- Monitor closely for signs of frostbite or hypothermia
- Consider a coat or sweater for vulnerable short-haired breeds
With proper precautions, most dogs can safely spend short supervised time outdoors in cold weather. But when in doubt, bring them inside.
Conclusion
For dogs’ health and safety, it’s best to bring them indoors anytime temperatures drop below 45°F for extended periods. Some large, thick-coated breeds like Huskies may tolerate temperatures down to freezing, but smaller dogs and those with short fur can quickly become dangerously cold when left outdoors. Watch closely for signs of discomfort like shivering, and provide adequate heated shelter for dogs who must be kept outside briefly in winter weather. But the safest place for your furry companion in cold conditions is ultimately inside with you!