Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you decided to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Every dog has a different tolerance for the cold. If you live in a region where the temperatures drop below zero, it’s important to know how far your German Shepherd can handle these types of conditions. We’ve put together this post that can help you access how cold can your beloved German Shepherd can handle and some tips to protect them during the winter. Read on to find out more.
Most German Shepherds, having double-coat, can tolerate temperatures as low as 30°F or -1°C. Long-haired GSDs can withstand even colder temperatures. Yet, factors like age, health conditions, activity level, and weight may also affect their ability to stand the cold weather.
What is German Shepherds’ cold tolerance?
Unlike some breeds who were bred to live and sleep in the snow, like Sebastian Huskies, Saint Bernards, and Malamutes, German Shepherds were bred to live and work with people and livestock.
Related post: Can German Shepherds Live Outside By Themselves?
The fact is, the German Shepherd is a breed of dog that has a double coat. This means that there are two layers of fur.
Their outer coat is long and coarse, and it is there to protect the dog against snow and ice. The undercoat is thick and soft, and it insulates the dog against cold in the winter as well as heat in the summer.
Related posts: How to Stop German Shepherds from Shedding?
Many owners have shared that their GSDs literally love the snow. Their pooches were fine even after being out in the snow for one to two hours. And when they are cold, they will come inside.
Depending on their coat length, age, weight, lifestyle, and diet, German Shepherds will do alright even below zero, as long as they are on the move and are not left outside for a prolonged period of time.
How cold is too cold for your German Shepherd?
If the temperature gets too far below, your dog will have trouble regulating its temperature.
However, there are a few exceptions to this. For example, if your pup is a long-haired German Shepherd with a thick fur coat, eats a healthy diet, or is muscular, he may be able to withstand even lower temperatures.
Some long-haired German Shepherds, for short periods, can handle temperatures as low as 10° F or -12°C.
While German Shepherds should not be spending all their time in the freezing cold weather, some owners report that their pooch can handle temperatures as low as -30°F or -34°C outdoors just fine.
How long can your German Shepherd stay in below zero temperature?
Your GSD can go outside for 15 to 20 minutes at below-freezing temperatures for potty breaks. Owners should keep a close eye on their dogs while they’re outside to make sure that they’re not showing any signs of discomfort.
Your dog’s natural behavioral adaptation
Just like a human, when moving from a warmer place to a colder one, it may take some time for your GSD to get used to the colder weather.
All dogs also have ways to retain heat. For one, their bushy tail can be used to cover the face and keep it warm while sleeping. Also, as a German Shepherd curls up, he retains heat better while sleeping. Raising the coat hairs also helps to trap heat and keep the body warm.
Factors that affect a GSD’s cold tolerance
Now that we know more about how cold a German Shepherd can tolerate, we need to also focus on some of the factors that may affect this cold tolerance. These factors include:
Age
German Shepherd puppies have a thin fur coat that makes winter very hard on them. Their muscles are also underdeveloped, making it hard to regulate body heat well. Feeding your puppy a highly nutritious diet and giving them a warm coat can help them stay warm during winter.
On the other hand, older dogs may also have trouble regulating their body heat as well. Over time, older dogs lose their hair and muscles, and their immune systems may dwindle as they age. It is usually best to not take a senior German Shepherd into the severe cold too often.
In case you live in an area with a very cold winter, you may keep your young or old dog warm with a vest while going outside.
Activity Level
If a German Shepherd is highly active and always on the move, he can keep himself warm on a chilly day just by staying busy. This should not be a problem if your dog is healthy. They can run for at least several hours a day for sure.
This is a dog who is bred to go all day regardless of the temperature, and all that activity helps to keep your Shepherd warm.
Weight
If your German Shepherd is slim and seems to be losing weight, this means he may not have enough muscle and body fat to keep him warm. Both of these are important to maintain heat.
In really cold weather conditions, the body fat can be converted to extra energy to keep your pup warm. If your dog doesn’t have enough fat reserve in his body, he will struggle more with staying warm.
Protein from meat and salmon is a calorie-dense nutrient. And many of the high-protein diets are extremely high in calories and can lead to being overweight.
Consider adding plant-based protein, like sweet potatoes and pumpkin, to your dog’s diet to help him gain weight. Boosting their diet with fat and fiber will help your dog’s digestion as well.
Health conditions
If your dog eats a balanced diet and has enough physical and mental stimulation during the day, he is a happy and healthy dog that can stay active to keep himself warm in cold weather.
However, when your dog is sick, their bodies automatically take extra energy and direct it toward healing. This leaves very little energy left to help the dog stay warm. This is why it is best to keep any sick German Shepherds inside where it is nice and warm.
What to look for when your dog reacts to colder temperatures?
Again, not all German Shepherds have the same ability to regulate their body heat temperatures, and they may struggle with colder temperatures. If it seems like your dog is shivering when it gets colder, you need to keep them inside or give them some added layers of protection.
Simple cold-weather caring tips for dogs
You may assume that your Shepherd will be able to handle the cold with no problem. After all, this is what they were made for, and your Shepherd sure isn’t slowing down. However, even if your dog seems to be having a great time in the snow, there are some things that you can do to make it safer and easier for them:
Paw Balm
Paw balm has been used throughout history to protect the paws of dogs who have to track over ice and snow. The formula even includes vitamin E to heal any wounds as well as keep the paws healthy. Just rub it on your dog’s paws before you go outside. It can protect them from ice, snow, and salt.
Vets Preferred Advanced Pad Protection Dog Paw Pad Wax
This moisturizing formula includes natural white beeswax, yellow beeswax and coconut for safe, non-toxic paw protection that’s ideal for use in extreme weather.
Key Benefits:
- Premium paw balm helps to protect and soothe cracked pads and paws.
- Moisturizing formula made from premium ingredients.
- Safe, non-toxic, natural protection includes white beeswax, yellow beeswax and coconut.
- Easy to apply and you can reapply as needed.
- Made in the USA.
Musher’s Secret Paw Protection Natural Dog Wax
Musher’s Secret forms a breathable, dense barrier to protect your dog’s paws from the elements in even the most extreme weather conditions.
This moisturizing formula is a blend of 100% pure natural waxes, including white and yellow beeswax and vitamin E that not only protects but also soothes cracked pads and paws.
Key Benefits:
- Natural dog wax provides the ultimate paw protection in any season without the need for uncomfortable dog boots
- Moisturizing blend of 100% pure natural waxes
- Musher’s Secret forms a breathable, dense barrier to protect your dog’s paws from the elements in even the most extreme weather conditions
- Say good riddance to irritating sand, ice or snow between the paws or stuck to the furry paw pads!
- Safe, non-toxic formulation
Dog Boots
If you can make your dog wear them, dog boots (like these) are an excellent way to protect their paws from snow, ice, and debris. If your dog works long hours, especially on rough terrain, these are a great choice.
The best way to train your dog to wear boots is to reward and distract them at first, then get them into the midst of activity so they stop worrying about what’s on their feet.
Bark Brite All Weather Reflective Neoprene Dog Boots
These superior shoes adapt to the shape of your canine’s feet, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit while shielding paws from extreme temperatures, rocks or anything in between.
Key Benefits:
- High-quality dog boots conform to your dog’s natural paw shape
- Shields paws from the extreme temperatures of frozen sidewalks and hot asphalt while protecting against sharp objects, rocks and more.
- Water-resistant shoes for outdoor activities in all weather conditions
- Reflective straps give your companion better 360-degree visibility in low light
- Lined interior helps to control your dog’s temperature, while the tough and durable, non-slip sole protects him from slipping and sliding on slick surfaces.
Dog jacket (for young puppies and seniors only)
Dog jackets or vests are usually unnecessary for a breed with double-coat like GSD.
But in case you have a young puppy or an unwell senior dog, providing them with an extra layer of insulation is still a wise choice.
Dog coats can come in many different shapes and sizes, they will not only keep your dog warm in cold winter, but they are also weatherproof, waterproof, and comfortable.
Safety LED Collar
Not only does winter mean it gets colder, it also gets darker earlier.
For walks before the sun comes up or after it goes down, a light-up leash like this can come in handy for you and others, especially drivers, to see your dog.
This vibrant, lightweight accessory can keep your furry friend visible up to 350 yards and stays lit for over 8 hours when fully charged. Choose between three fun modes—on, strobe or blink.
It’s crafted from a durable, yet soft nylon material and has a discreet on/off box, a protected USB charging port, and a padded handle for added comfort.
How to exercise my dog if we can’t go outside?
Most people walk their dog rain or shine, regardless. Right, because your dog can’t care less about the weather. But there will be days when the outdoor conditions are not ideal so you and your pooch will need to stay home to stay safe. How do you keep your dog physically and mentally engaged when at home, without eating the arm of your couch or chewing up the bathroom door?
How about mind-challenging indoor game ideas that let you have fun with your dogs? Click below to see the online training course 8611+ dog owners have ordered:
For those of you who have a backyard and want to turn it into a dog park with lot lots of fun games, you must see the Dog Agility @Home course where you can immediately:
- Give your dog physical and mental exercise
- Bond with your dog over fun activities that have you work together as partners
- Transform an energetic dog into a calmer, happier and more attentive companion
The course comes with easy-to-follow instructions to build your own affordable jumps out of PVC. And you can start agility training with your dog in no time.
Bottom Line: Read your dog’s body language
Keep an eye on your dog’s body language when staying in the cold for a while. Be cautious of cues that your pup may not be able to handle the low temperature any longer.
If your pooch is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down, or stops moving, get them indoors to stay warm immediately.
Other than body language, check your dog’s paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. During a walk, a sudden lameness may be due to an injury or maybe due to ice accumulation between his/her toes. You may be able to reduce the chance of iceball accumulation by clipping the hair between your dog’s toes.
Further Questions
How do dogs’ paws not get cold?
When your dog’s paw pad is exposed to the cold elements, the circulatory connection of the paw’s arteries and veins – called arteriovenous anastomoses – recirculates the blood flow from the surface of the pad back to the body’s core thereby preventing heat loss for reasonably long periods of time. (Source)
Can ice burn dogs’ feet?
Winter weather can pose a few risks to your dog’s well-being, particularly their paws. Snow and ice can increase your dog’s risk of frostbite and dry out their paw pads, leaving the skin chapped or cracked. (Source)
Why is my dog licking his paws after being in the snow?
During the winter months, dogs’ paws are often swollen and irritated. Examination of the interdigital area (between the toes) reveals red, inflamed skin. Often the first symptom is an incessant licking of the paws. The dog will usually try to lick between the toes. (Source)
More on German Shepherd Health and Care
- German Shepherd Weight Chart: Is My Dog Overweight or Underweight?
- How to Make German Shepherds Gain Weight?
- How Cold Can German Shepherds Tolerate? (Caring Tips Included)
- What is the Best Temperature for German Shepherds to Thrive?
- Do German Shepherds Shed? Tips and Care Guide for “German Shedders”
- Can You Stop German Shepherds from Shedding?
- When Will My German Shepherd Puppy’s Ears Fully Stand Up?
- German Shepherd First Heat 101: What You Need to Know
You may also like:
Picture attribution: We are a premium user of Freepik and paid for a subscription so this picture does not require any attribution.
