Do you really have a Pit who enjoys running about in the yard with you? You're probably wondering if he'll be able to stay outside when it's cold, such as in the winter or snow. Is it common for these dogs to become cold? What is the maximum amount of time they should be left outside?
The short answer is yes, dogs do get chilly in the cold and must not be kept outside unattended without shelter during that time. To be sure, how vulnerable the Pit is to the climate will depend on how cold and icy it is at the time, as well as the age and physical condition of your dog.
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Let's take a closer look at how Pitbulls fare in the winter!
What temperature is too chilly for pitbulls?
The majority of cold temperatures do not cause discomfort in a dog until the temperature falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit; this is the temperature at which most cold-adverse dogs begin to feel uncomfortable. Pets who are smaller, having thinner coats, and that are very young, old, or unwell should not be kept outside for an extended period of time when temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures reach approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the risk of frostbite or hypothermia in your pets increases considerably.
Do Pitbulls have a tendency to catch a cold?
Unlike some dog breeds, Pitbulls do not have a heavy coat keeping them warm in the winter. Yes, these dogs are susceptible to becoming cold, particularly when they're not moving.
When it is romping around the snow or accompanying you on a stroll, your Pitbull is most likely in good health. As a result of the heat generated by his body during exercise, he will remain warm and comfortable.
If the Pitbull is not moving, on the other hand, he will cool down extremely rapidly. His body warmth is not captured by a thick futon and is therefore able to escape almost immediately. The above is particularly true if the weather is very windy!
Anything below 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit is too cold for you to let the Pitbull outdoor for long durations without looking on him. He will be particularly cold if the weather is moist (rainy or foggy).
It is especially important not to let young Pitbull puppies outside when the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or when it is wet and windy.
Pitbulls are allowed to be outside in the snow.
Your Pitbull can go outside in the snow as long as he is moving about and not laying down. You can bring him for walks or play catch with him in the backyard. He will stay warm because of the heat generated by his body while racing around.
You should not, however, let your Pitbull outside in the snow for extended periods of time. If you are unable to keep the Pitbull indoors for any reason, you might consider purchasing a heated dog housing.
If you intend to take your Pittie on longer winter treks, you might consider purchasing a pup coat to protect him warm. Considering that his coat does not give enough insulation, he will appreciate the extra warmth provided by his garments.
Dealing with cold
So, what can you do to assist your dog if they begin to shiver? Or, even better, prevent them from shivering at all? Don't be concerned; there are a variety of choices available to assist your Pit Bull in dealing with the winter cold. Most of them are, in reality, no different than the measures you would use to keep oneself warm.
The simplest straightforward recommendation is to just minimize the amount of time the dog spends outside and it's cold outside. Even the strongest sled dogs, let alone the thin-coated Pit Bull, will be unable to keep up for an extended period of time. Despite having a thick coat, its nose, paws, or ears still are exposed to the cold pavement and frigid air even when they are covered. Bring your dog outside only if there is going to be action or activity involved when it is freezing outside during the winter months.
Sweaters and coats are another useful piece of advice. Yes, the same as it is with humans. When it comes to vests, you don't want to go for the pretty, trendy ones if you don't want to. A simple cable-knit vest is quite acceptable in this situation. But don't bother with the hat. If it's chilly enough for you all to consider wrapping your dog's head, it's probably too cold for him to be outside in the first place, regardless of the temperature.
If at all possible, keep your dog's paws warm during the winter months. If you live in an area where the roads have been salted, take extra precautions; if you don't have small boots, make sure to wipe the paws down each time you go inside. It is possible that snow will become lodged between the toes of longer-haired dogs, in which case it will need to be gently melted & removed. Additionally, sharp ice and snow can scratch and injure the paw pads, therefore keep an eye out for that as well.
Keep this in mind:
It's impossible to avoid the chill of winter completely, and most dogs like playing in the snow in spite of their best efforts. However, it is essential to restrict your pup's time spent outside, to keep them warm, and to look for signs of hyperthermia in order to avoid any complications. If you keep all this in memory, you & your Pit Bull are sure to enjoy a wonderful winter together.
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