Like all species in the animal kingdom, dogs have their own unique anatomy and adaptations that help them function in their daily lives — one being temperature regulation. Dogs have several ways in which they adapt to temperature changes. Let’s explore how dogs regulate their body temperature and how to ensure they are safe, healthy, and comfortable in all seasons.
First things first…what’s a normal temperature for a dog?
Before getting into temperature regulation and what’s abnormal, it’s important to understand what is normal for a dog. Most people are surprised to learn that dogs naturally run warmer than humans. In general, a temperature of 101.5°F is considered a normal temperature for dogs. As opposed to a human’s “normal” which is around 98°F.
Of course, some dogs can run a little cooler or warmer so anything between 99°F and 102.5°F is still considered within a normal range for a dog. Anything outside of this range can become dangerous and require emergency veterinary treatment.
What’s too low of a temperature for a dog?
Anything below 99°F is considered hypothermia — meaning your dog’s body temperature is too low. Once a dog becomes hypothermic they can experience a decreased heart and respiration rate, shock, and multi-organ failure. Hypothermia can be fatal and requires emergency veterinary treatment. The most common cause of hypothermia in dogs is exposure to cold temperatures but it can also be brought on by prolonged exposure to rain and wind.
Signs of hypothermia in dogs:
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Shivering
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Body surface or extremities feel cool or cold to the touch
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Muscle stiffness
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Lethargy/weakness/collapse
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Difficulty walking
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Pale gums
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Dilated pupils
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Disorientation
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Slowed breathing
Any dog showing signs of hypothermia should be removed from the cold immediately, wrapped in blankets or towels, and brought to the emergency vet.
What’s too high of a temperature for a dog?
Anything above 103°F is considered hyperthermia — meaning your dog’s body temperature is too high. Once a dog becomes hyperthermic it can lead to a host of complications including seizures, blood clotting issues, and organ failure. Hyperthermia can be fatal and requires emergency veterinary treatment.
The most common cause of hyperthermia in dogs is heatstroke brought on by exposure to high temperatures but it can also be brought on by exercise. Or, a combination of exercise and heat, like running with your dog on a hot day — a big no-no! Hyperthermia can also be brought on by fever caused by infection.
Signs of hyperthermia/heatstroke in dogs:
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Heavy panting
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Difficulty breathing
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Bright red gums
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Drooling
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Excessive thirst/dehydration
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Lethargy/weakness/collapse
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Disorientation
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Vomiting and diarrhea
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Increased heart rate and body temperature
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Seizures
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Bleeding
Any dog showing signs of hyperthermia or heatstroke should be removed from the heat immediately, begin cooling with fans and towels soaked in cool water, and brought to the emergency vet.
How do dogs regulate their body temperature?
Dogs have several unique features for thermoregulation. From their coats that might grow or shed to keep them warm or cool (depending on the season) to internal features like their specialized respiratory system which helps cool them down by panting. Let’s explore the different ways dogs thermoregulate.
How dogs keep warm
When exposed to cold temperatures dogs have several defenses to help keep them warm, but like all mammals, there’s a limit to their cold tolerance. It’s up to us humans to learn our dog’s cold tolerance, know the signs of discomfort or danger, and ensure our dogs don’t get too cold!
Fur…the first line of defense
A dog’s first line of defense against the cold is their fur. In fact, some dogs were “made” for colder weather and thus have thick, double-layered coats. Think of breeds like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes that were bred to withstand snowy conditions, they have some of the thickest coats in the canine kingdom.
Double-coated dogs, which also include breeds like Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds, have two layers of fur on their body, an undercoat and a top coat. The undercoat is a dense, soft fur that provides insulation while the top coat consists of short, smooth hairs known as “guard hairs.” Single-coated dogs on the other hand, like Greyhounds and Boxers, only have the “guard hair” layer (no undercoat) so they are less tolerant to cold temperatures.
Like most dogs, double-coated dogs will still shed year-round, however, they’ll also go through a seasonal shedding process where you’ll see much larger volumes of shedding. This is because they shed their undercoat twice a year, typically during the spring and fall to prepare for the change in temperatures.
Body mass
Like most mammals, body mass also plays a role in the thermoregulation of dogs — both fat and muscle. Dogs with a lower body mass will typically feel the effects of cold temperatures quicker than those with a higher body mass. Think of breeds like Chihuahuas and Miniature Pinschers that are small and tend to have low body fat. They are much more sensitive to the cold. Elderly dogs, of all breeds, can also have trouble staying warm due to the decreased muscle mass that typically comes with aging.
Heat-seeking behavior
When their fur or body mass isn’t enough to keep them warm, dogs will often display heat-seeking behaviors to try and warm up. You may see them walking with their tails tucked or taking slow apprehensive steps, especially if you are trying to walk them outside in cold temperatures. Indoors, you may find them looking for warmth by digging in blankets or pillows, cozying up next to the fireplace or heater, or curled up into a “ball.” A common protective position dogs take when trying to preserve warmth and protect their vital organs.
Shivering
Just like humans, dogs will shiver or shake when they are cold. This is an involuntary response generated by the body in an attempt to create warmth. Dogs with less fur and lower body mass are more prone to shivering and shaking. There’s even a nickname for this in Chihuahuas, a breed that’s notoriously cold, known as “The Chihuahua Shakes.” Of course, any breed can shiver or shake when they’re cold so it’s important for dog owners to be aware of this sign.
How dogs keep cool
Under normal circumstances, about 70% of a dog’s body heat is dissipated through natural radiation and convection — meaning that they release heat into their environment through air or surface contact. Their fur also helps with this which contrary to popular belief, is not only there to help them stay warm, it can also help them stay cool.
When exposed to higher temperatures and humidity, dogs have additional mechanisms they’ll use to help them cool down. Like all mammals though, there’s a limit to their heat tolerance. It’s up to us humans to learn our dog’s heat tolerance, know the signs of discomfort or danger, and ensure our dogs don’t get overheated!
Panting
One of the most efficient ways that dogs help cool themselves down is by panting. When a dog pants, they inhale cool, dry air, humidify it in the nose and lungs, and expel warm, moist air. This process creates an evaporative cooling effect, similar to how humans sweat. Since dogs don't sweat in the same manner that humans do (they only sweat through their paws and nose), their evaporation cooling system is internal.
Unfortunately, if the outside air is also warm, such as in a humid environment or an enclosed space like a parked car, this method becomes ineffective. This means that no matter how much a dog pants, they will be unable to cool down and they can quickly overheat if they are not removed from the hot environment.
Hydration
It’s no surprise that when a dog is overheated they will drink more. All mammals including humans are prone to thirst when heat and exhaustion set in. It’s extremely important to ensure your dog has access to water at all times, but especially before, during, and after any heat exposure. Dehydration can occur not only due to the heat itself but as dogs pant, they lose moisture quickly, leading to further dehydration.
Vasodilation
Another way a dog’s body will attempt to dissipate heat is through vasodilation. Vasodilation, meaning the expansion or dilation of blood vessels, helps bring warm blood closer to the body’s surface, in an attempt at cooling it. You may notice this the most in a dog’s face and ears which may appear redder during vasodilation. Similar to evaporation cooling, if the temperature outside of the dog’s body is also too warm, vasodilation won’t help much to cool the dog down.
Cool-seeking behavior
When a dog is overheated they will often seek out a cooler area. This can mean moving out of the sun and into the shade, lying in front of a fan or air vent, or one of the most commonly observed behaviors — splaying out on a cool surface. Most dog owners have witnessed their overheated pup “belly flop” onto a cold tile floor or cool patch of grass at one point or another. This conducts heat away from the body and helps cool your dog down.
Keeping your dog safe from the elements
In the ancient world, dogs were well adapted to their unique environments and there were far fewer breed varieties. Today, most dogs have been manipulated in some way through selective breeding and all types of dog breeds now live in all types of environments.
It’s not uncommon for Siberian Huskies, which originated from snow sledding dogs of Siberia, to be spotted in hot, humid Florida. Likewise, you’ll find Chihuahuas, which hailed from desert-dwelling canines in Mexico, now living in icy Alaska. It’s important for dog owners to understand the needs of their breed and keep them protected from the elements.
Cold and Snow
When winter hits many pet parents are faced with figuring out how cold is too cold for their dog to be outside. While some dogs can tolerate cold temperatures and snowy conditions better than others, as a general guideline, anything under 32°F which is the freezing point, warrants limiting your dog’s outside time (unless you have a very cold-tolerant breed). Furthermore, vets warn that anything under 20°F could lead to hypothermia and frostbite.
Of course, smaller dog breeds, those with single coats (or no coat at all like hairless breeds), and dogs that are ill, elderly, or puppies, will all have less tolerance to the cold. If you live in a colder climate, you can protect your pup from the elements with some well-fitted, quality cold-weather gear. Just as you’d likely not go outside in the snow without your winter jacket on, your dog needs one too!
Voyagers K9 Apparel makes high-quality cold-weather dog gear made with performance-grade fabrics that offer protection from cold, snow, sleet, rain, and wind. All in customizable, breed-specific sizing. Keep your dog warm all winter long with a soft, fleece tummy warmer. Gear them up for winter walks with a warm, well-fitted winter coat, add a hoodie for ear protection, and protect their paws from snow, ice, sleet, and salt with ultra-durable, grippy booties. If you live in a cold climate or experience harsh winters, outfitting your dog in winter gear is a must! And, the unmatched quality, durability, and comfort of Voyagers K9 Apparel will last for many seasons to come.
Rain and Wind
Nothing puts a damper on your dog’s walk than when the skies darken and the storms roll in. Walking your dog in the rain and wind can not only be messy and uncomfortable for your dog, but it can also irritate certain dermatological conditions or even lead to pneumonia or hypothermia in some instances. Depending on their coat type, some dogs can also take several hours to dry after being in the rain. Unfortunately, sometimes rainy conditions last all day, and one way or another, your dog will need to go out.
Always be ready for rain, wind, and whatever else Mother Nature throws at you with a dog raincoat. Voyagers K9 Apparel makes high-quality, custom dog raincoats that are comfortable, durable, and waterproof. Every dog can use some protection from the rain and if you live in a rainy climate, a dog raincoat is a must-have to protect your pup from the elements and protect your home from that dreaded “wet-dog” smell!
Heat and Humidity
Heat and humidity can be a very dangerous, and even deadly, combination for dogs. Dogs don’t handle the heat or humidity in the same way that humans do and overexposure to heat or humidity can quickly progress to a case of heatstroke. Sadly, heatstroke has only around a 50% survival rate, and that’s typically with immediate medical attention. When it comes to heatstroke, the best treatment is always prevention.
Always be mindful of the temperature and humidity level when taking your dog for a walk or exercising them. Limit their time outside during the hotter parts of the day. Even on days that are seemingly not that warm, heatstroke can still occur. Especially in dogs that are older, overweight, have a chronic illness (like diabetes), or are brachycephalic — breeds with flattened faces like French Bulldogs and Pugs. Know your dog’s risk factors (talk to your vet) and consider using a cooling coat (coming soon from Voyagers K9 Apparel) on warm weather days.
Keep a close eye on your dog while outdoors and make sure they have access to shade and water. Never, under any circumstances leave a dog in a parked car, even on cool days, the temperatures inside parked cars can soar to dangerous levels within just minutes. Lastly, learn the signs of heatstroke like heavy panting, bright red gums, drooling, elevated heart rate, weakness, and disorientation — and seek immediate veterinary treatment if your dog shows signs.
Finding the best all-weather gear for your dog
There’s no shortage of dog apparel on the market these days, but while you’ll certainly find quantity, quality can be a little harder to come by. Many items are mass-produced overseas, with ill-fitting measurements, and are made from cheap, low-quality, and even sometimes toxic materials. When purchasing any kind of apparel for your dog, you want to make sure it fits them well, is comfortable, and will last a long time.
Voyagers K9 Apparel offers high-quality, long-lasting, custom dog apparel for all weather conditions. From custom dog raincoats and dog winter coats to hoodies, booties, and cooling gear (coming soon), you’ll find everything your dog needs to gear up — rain, shine, snow, or sleet!
What makes Voyager K9 Apparel different from the rest?
Since 1993, Voyagers K9 Apparel has been a leader in high-quality, custom dog apparel. Here are just a few of the ways Voyagers K9 Apparel does things differently:
Made in the USA
While many other dog apparel companies (or human apparel companies for that matter) are sending their designs overseas to cut costs, every item from Voyagers K9 Apparel is made right here in the USA — in the Pacific Northwest.
Handmade Craftsmanship
Every item produced by Voyagers K9 Apparel is handmade — from the cut of the fabric to every last stitch! This provides the highest quality craftsmanship and attention to detail you won't find in mass-produced dog apparel.
Custom Sizing
With unique, breed-specific designs, and made-to-measure custom sizing, Voyagers K9 Apparel ensures that every dog finds the perfect fit. There’s no generic small, medium, or large that only fits certain dogs' body types. From giant Great Danes and small, but hard-to-fit Frenchies to dainty Italian Greyhounds and perfectly plump Pugs — every pup gets a custom and most importantly, comfortable fit.
High-Quality Materials
Voyagers K9 Apparel only uses high-quality, durable, and sustainable materials in every piece of apparel. From soft, cozy performance fleece to top-notch Taslan Nylon that stands up to tough weather conditions. No low-quality, itchy fabrics to irritate your dog’s skin or cheap plastic that peels off. Every material is selected for its comfort, durability, and sustainability.
Easy-To-Use
Dogs aren’t always the most careful creatures — trying to get them to sit still while you put on their winter jacket or trying to keep them from rolling in their raincoat is next to impossible! All of Voyagers K9 Apparel items are easy to put on and take off. No need to wrangle heads and legs through awkward openings. Everything is also machine washable for easy cleanup, so there’s no need to panic when your four-legged friend splashes in puddles or rolls in mud. Dogs can be dogs in their Voyagers gear!
Comfort, Style, & Functionality
When it comes to dog apparel, it can be hard to find pieces that offer comfort, style, and functionality. Oftentimes, items are made mostly to appeal to consumers for looks, not for comfort or functionality. Voyagers K9 Apparel is made by dog people for dog people! Each item is designed with a dog’s best interest in mind while remaining functional and stylish. You’ll find reflective details for safety, soft materials for comfort, and functional features like adjustable velcro closures, leash openings, and easy-to-roll hoods. And, they all come in a variety of colors so you can have the best-dressed dog on the block.
Recycling Program
When it is time for a new coat or you just want to upgrade or change colors, Voyagers K9 Apparel offers a unique RE♻️COAT program. You can trade in gently used Voyagers K9 gear for a discount on new gear. This helps keep waste out of landfills and gives your gear a chance to help another pup — something you won’t find at most other dog apparel manufacturers.
Get ready to wander in any weather
Whether you and your dog are seasoned hikers trekking through snowy mountains or city-dwellers in need of some extra protection on those winter walks — Voyagers K9 Apparel has you covered.
You’ll find a wide selection of custom dog apparel for all-weather conditions including winter coats, booties, raincoats, hoodies, tummy warmers, and coming soon — cooling coats for summer. Whether your dog needs protection from heat, cold, wind, or rain, Voyagers K9 Apparel ensures you and your pup can wander in any weather!
