Keeping our dogs safe and comfortable in all kinds of weather is something that’s always on my mind. Whether it's the chill of winter or the heat of summer, understanding how temperature affects our dogs is crucial to their health.
Unlike us, dogs can't regulate their body temperature in the same way, so it's up to us to ensure they're protected from extreme conditions. Over the years, I've learned that the key to keeping them safe lies in knowing how their bodies handle temperature changes and what steps we can take to help them stay comfortable.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essentials of how dogs regulate their body temperature and share tips for keeping them safe, no matter the season.
Normal Temperature for a Dog
A dog's normal body temperature generally ranges between 101°F (38.3°C) and 102.5°F (39.2°C). This is slightly higher than the average human body temperature, which hovers around 98.6°F (37°C). Dogs have a higher metabolic rate, which helps maintain this elevated body temperature.
It's important to remember that a dog’s temperature can fluctuate depending on various factors, including their age, breed, and activity level. Puppies, for instance, tend to have higher body temperatures than adult dogs. Similarly, dogs who are more active may temporarily have a higher temperature due to exercise.
To learn more about your dog’s body temperature, feel free to read our Dog Body Temperature Guide [2026].
What’s Too Low of a Temperature for a Dog?
When the temperature drops below 45°F (7°C), it can become risky for dogs, especially for certain breeds or those with short coats. Small dogs, older dogs, and those with health conditions are more vulnerable. Below 32°F (0°C), dogs are at a high risk for hypothermia, especially if they are wet or exposed to cold for prolonged periods. In extremely cold conditions, dogs can begin to experience physical discomfort and health issues like frostbite, particularly on their paws, ears, and tail.
Signs of Hypothermia in Dogs
Hypothermia occurs when a dog’s body temperature drops below 99°F (37.2°C). The signs include:
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Shivering or trembling
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Lethargy or weakness
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Cold to the touch, especially paws and ears
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Slow heart rate and shallow breathing
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Stiff muscles or a lack of coordination
If you notice these symptoms, it's essential to act quickly and get your dog warm, either by moving them indoors or using blankets. In severe cases, seek immediate veterinary care.
How Dogs Keep Warm
Dogs have several ways of regulating their body temperature in cold weather:
Coat Quality Matters
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A thicker, denser coat helps trap heat and insulate the dog’s body. Double-coated breeds (e.g., Huskies, Golden Retrievers) naturally stay warmer in cold environments.
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Short-coated breeds or hairless dogs are more vulnerable to the cold and may require additional warmth, such as a dog sweater or coat.
Body Mass
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Larger dogs with more body mass retain heat better than smaller dogs. Fat serves as insulation, helping these dogs stay warm in colder climates.
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Lean dogs may struggle to keep warm and need extra protection when temperatures drop.
Heat-seeking Behavior
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When dogs are cold, they often exhibit heat-seeking behavior. They may burrow into blankets, curl up in tight spaces, or seek out warm spots like near a heater or fireplace. This instinct helps them conserve body heat and stay comfortable.
Shivering
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Shivering is the body’s natural response to cold. It helps generate warmth through muscle movement. If your dog is shivering, it’s a sign they are cold and trying to warm up.
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While mild shivering is common, prolonged shivering can indicate that the dog is getting too cold and could be at risk for hypothermia.
What’s Too High of a Temperature for a Dog?
When the temperature rises above 80°F (27°C), dogs can begin to overheat, especially if they’re active or exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. 85°F (29°C) and higher temperatures can become dangerous, particularly for dogs with thick coats, brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs), or older, overweight, or ill dogs. 90°F (32°C) and above is the threshold where heatstroke becomes a significant risk.
Dogs can’t sweat like humans to regulate their body temperature, which makes them more vulnerable in hot weather. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures without cooling down can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, both of which can be life-threatening.
Across U.S. reports from recent years, certain states like Texas, Florida, and California were among the most cited for reported heat‑related pet deaths, usually linked to confinement in hot vehicles or exposure to extreme heat outdoors.
Signs of Hyperthermia/Heatstroke in Dogs
Heatstroke happens when a dog's body temperature rises above 104°F (40°C). The symptoms of heatstroke include:
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Excessive panting
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Drooling or thick, sticky saliva
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Bright red or pale gums
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Weakness, lethargy, or confusion
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Rapid heart rate
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Vomiting or diarrhea
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Seizures (in severe cases)
Heatstroke is an emergency. If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, move them to a cool environment, offer water, and contact a vet immediately.
How Dogs Keep Cool
Dogs use a variety of methods to regulate their body temperature and prevent overheating:
Panting
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Panting is the primary way dogs cool off. As dogs pant, they expel warm air and draw in cooler air, which helps lower their body temperature. It’s their version of sweating, but it’s much less efficient.
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Heavy panting can indicate that the dog is struggling to cool down, especially if it’s accompanied by other signs of heat stress.
Hydration
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Keeping a dog hydrated is essential to maintaining their ability to regulate body temperature. Drinking water helps prevent dehydration, which can worsen heatstroke. Ensure your dog has access to fresh water at all times, especially on hot days.
Vasodilation
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Vasodilation is the process where blood vessels near the skin's surface dilate, allowing more blood to flow and releasing heat from the body. Dogs use this to help cool themselves when they are overheated.
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It’s why dogs with darker coats may appear to have more visible blood vessels in hot weather.
Cool-seeking Behavior
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Just like heat-seeking behavior in the cold, dogs will often display cool-seeking behavior when it's too hot. They might lie on cool surfaces like tile floors, dig in the dirt, or seek out shaded areas. These actions help them find cooler environments and regulate their body temperature.
What is Dog Thermoregulation?
Thermoregulation is the process by which a dog maintains its body temperature within a healthy range despite changes in the environment. Unlike humans, dogs don't sweat to regulate their temperature, so they rely on other methods like panting, shivering, and adjusting their behavior to keep cool or warm. Dogs also have physical mechanisms in place, like blood flow regulation and behavioral responses, to help them adapt to temperature extremes.
How Do Dogs Regulate Body Temperature?
Dogs regulate their body temperature using a combination of physiological processes and behavioral adaptations. The following mechanisms help them stay within a healthy temperature range, regardless of environmental conditions:
Convective Heat Loss
Convective heat loss occurs when heat moves from the dog’s body to the surrounding air. This process is more effective when there's airflow. In the cooler months, a dog’s body will release heat into the environment if the surrounding temperature is lower than the dog's body temperature. Dogs with less fur or a thinner coat will lose heat more quickly through convection. On the other hand, in hot weather, if the surrounding air is hotter than the dog’s body, convection doesn’t work as effectively to cool them.
Evaporative Heat Loss
Evaporative heat loss is the process where moisture (in the form of sweat or saliva) evaporates off the body, helping to cool it down. Since dogs don't have sweat glands all over their body like humans, they primarily rely on panting to create evaporative cooling. As the air moisture evaporates from the dog’s mouth and nose, it cools the body. This process is less efficient in hot and humid weather because the air already contains a lot of moisture.
Metabolism
A dog’s metabolism plays a critical role in maintaining body temperature. Dogs with a higher metabolic rate tend to produce more heat, making it harder for them to cool down in hot weather. Smaller dogs often have a faster metabolism, meaning they produce more internal heat than larger dogs. For this reason, smaller dogs are more prone to overheating compared to large breeds. In colder weather, the body’s metabolism slows down, helping dogs retain energy and warmth.
Exercise
Exercise naturally increases a dog’s body temperature as muscles generate heat during activity. High-energy activities like running or playing fetch can significantly raise a dog’s body temperature. To cool off, the dog will increase its panting and seek cooler areas. It’s important to limit exercise during extremely hot days and ensure your dog has ample time to cool down.
Ambient Temperature
The ambient temperature refers to the temperature of the surrounding environment. It plays a key role in how efficiently dogs can regulate their body temperature. On cold days, the body loses heat to the environment through radiation and convection. On hot days, dogs struggle to cool off if the ambient temperature is higher than their body temperature, especially if the air is humid. Dogs are particularly vulnerable when the ambient temperature reaches 85°F (29°C) or higher, which is when heatstroke risk increases.
For pet parents who leave their dogs alone at home or in an RV, keeping track of their pet’s environment is crucial. The Waggle Pet Monitor provides real-time temperature and humidity alerts, giving you peace of mind wherever you are. With Waggle, you can ensure your pet is safe and comfortable, even when you're not around.
Keeping Your Dog Safe from the Elements
It’s important to protect your dog from various weather conditions to ensure their safety and comfort. Here’s how to keep your dog safe from cold, rain, wind, heat, and humidity:
Cold and Snow
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Cold weather can be dangerous for dogs, especially those with thin coats or small body sizes. Exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to hypothermia and frostbite, particularly on their ears, paws, and tail.
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To protect your dog in snowy or cold conditions, use a warm dog coat or sweater if needed. After walks, dry their paws to prevent salt or chemicals from causing irritation.
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Limit their time outdoors in extreme cold and always check for signs of discomfort or frostbite.
Rain and Wind
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Rain can lower a dog’s body temperature, while wind can make cold weather feel even harsher.
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Protect your dog from getting wet and cold with a waterproof dog jacket. After rain, towel-dry your dog to prevent them from staying damp for too long.
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On windy days, limit outdoor exposure to prevent your dog from getting too cold, and try to provide a sheltered space for them to rest.
Heat and Humidity
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Heat and humidity increase the risk of overheating for dogs. In hot, humid conditions, panting becomes less effective, and dogs are more vulnerable to heat-related issues like heatstroke.
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Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water, and avoid walks during peak heat hours (usually mid-day). Opt for early morning or evening walks when temperatures are lower.
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Provide cool, shaded areas for your dog and use cooling mats if necessary to help regulate their temperature. Never leave your dog in a hot car, as this can quickly lead to heatstroke.
When You Should See the Vet
It's important to monitor your dog’s health, especially during extreme weather. Here are some situations when you should consider contacting your vet:
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Signs of hypothermia or heatstroke: If your dog is shivering excessively, drooling heavily, or showing signs of weakness in the cold, or if they are panting heavily, lethargic, or vomiting in the heat, these may be signs of severe temperature regulation issues that require immediate veterinary attention.
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Persistent coughing or sneezing: These symptoms, especially in winter, could be a sign of an upper respiratory infection or pneumonia, which can be aggravated by cold air.
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Limping or discomfort: If your dog seems stiff or has trouble walking, especially in the cold, it could be a sign of joint pain or frostbite. Similarly, in the summer, excessive panting or discomfort could indicate heat stress.
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Changes in behavior or appetite: A sudden change in eating habits, lethargy, or restlessness can signal underlying health issues that should be addressed by your vet.
When in doubt, always contact your vet to ensure your dog’s health and well-being during extreme temperatures.
Conclusion
Understanding how dogs regulate their body temperature and how to protect them from the elements is crucial for their health and well-being. Whether it's the cold of winter or the heat of summer, being proactive about their care can prevent serious health issues like hypothermia or heatstroke. By staying alert to their behavior and providing the right protection, you can ensure your dog stays comfortable year-round. Always remember, if you're ever unsure about your dog’s health in extreme weather, don’t hesitate to consult your vet to ensure they remain safe and happy.
FAQs
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What is the ideal temperature range for a dog?
The ideal temperature for a dog is between 101°F (38.3°C) and 102.5°F (39.2°C).
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How can I tell if my dog is too cold?
Signs of a cold dog include shivering, lethargy, and cold ears or paws.
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What should I do if my dog shows signs of heatstroke?
Move your dog to a cool place, offer water, and contact your vet immediately if they show signs of excessive panting and weakness.
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How can I keep my dog warm in winter?
Use a dog coat, booties, and limit outdoor time in extreme cold to keep your dog warm.
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When should I take my dog to the vet?
If your dog shows signs of hypothermia, heatstroke, or has persistent coughing, limping, or loss of appetite, see the vet.
