How Cold is too Cold for your Puppy or Adult dog?

As I am raising my winter litter and also sending puppies home very soon, I want to be sure that everyone keeps their puppies safe during the cold winter days.   So what is the appropriate temperature for taking a puppy outdoors.   A puppy coat will offer some degree of warmth but for a new puppy that may not be enough.   When the temperatures are cold enough that you need to wear a coat, please limit your puppies exposure to just a few minutes.  I personally do not take new puppies outside unless I am comfortable without a coat.  When temperatures outside are colder than your home, you need to keep outdoor time brief.    Please watch your puppy to see signs of his comfort level.   If he is shivering, you better bring him inside and cuddle him in a blanket right away.   If the weather is raining, make sure he does not get wet.   If he does get wet, blow him dry with a blow dryer on a warm (not hot) setting.   You must not allow your puppy to stay wet, or he may get sick.

If your intention is to potty train a puppy in the winter, keep in mind that a cold puppy will not use the potty outside.  Better to use a potty tray until the weather is warm enough.   You should also know that a cold puppy will not eat or sleep well.  Watch for signs that your puppy is well, a wagging tail and happy face.   Do not wait for him to be shaking, whining or crying.   A new puppy does not regulate his body temperature as well as and adult puppy, so please be especially careful.

I have trained our litters to use a Ugodog potty to protect them during these winter months.  I highly recommend that every family have a Ugodog potty on hand especially for when the weather is cold, when it snows or rains, and for the middle of the night.   Spring is only a few months away and you can start bringing your puppy outside more often.  But right now, you need to keep your puppy very warm.   And when he is an adult dog, you will also need to pay attention to the cold.  Again, a puppy coat are helpful, but is not enough protection for a very young puppy.  This breed does not have a double coat and will not want to go out when the weather is bad.

If you want to be sure to have the best information on safety and your dog, please refer to the PDF by Tufts Animal and Condition Care TFAC which describes safe conditions for your dog.

Also, Dr Kym Smythe has summarized this information in the chart below.   Keep in mind, the Schnoodle does not have a double coat like many other breeds.  So you should always have a winter coat available for the cold weather.