How Cold is Too Cold For Bearded Collies (Explained!)

Winter is coming. Temperatures drop, it’s snowing and you and your Bearded Collie just want to get out and go for a walk, or a run. But, how cold is too cold for Bearded Collies?

When you look at a Bearded Collie, the first thing you notice is their long-haired coat. Immediately you will think that this dog can withstand low temperatures. However, this is not always the case.

In this article, I will be talking about how cold is too cold for Bearded Collies, how can you protect your pup from the cold, and how to prepare your Bearded Collie for the winter.

Key Takeaway

• Bearded Collies, with their thick double coat, are fairly tolerant to cold weather, but temperatures below 20°F (-6.67°C) could be too cold and potentially harmful for them, especially if they are exposed for extended periods.
• To protect your Bearded Collie from winter impact, ensure they wear a doggy sweater or coat during walks, limit their time outdoors in extreme cold, provide them with a warm shelter indoors, and use pet-friendly de-icing products to protect their paws from irritation.

How Cold is Too Cold For Bearded Collies?

Even though Bearded Collies have a thick coat, they are still susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia if exposed to too much cold weather. In general, if it’s too cold for you, it is too cold for your Bearded Collie. If you do need to take your Bearded Collie out for a walk during the winter months, make sure they have bundled up appropriately with a coat, boots, and hat.

Some people might think that Bearded Collies can tolerate cold weather better than other dog breeds, but this is not always the case. In fact, bearded collies can be susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia (a condition where the body temperature of the dog falls below normal) if they are exposed to too much cold weather.

Owners of Bearded Collies should take steps to make sure their dogs stay warm during the winter months, such as keeping them inside when it is very cold outside and providing them with warm blankets and coats.

It is also important to keep an eye on your dog’s behavior during extreme cold weather conditions; if your dog seems uncomfortable or starts shivering, it’s time to bring him inside. Bearded collie owners should never leave their dogs outside in freezing temperatures for extended periods of time, as this can be very dangerous.

What Temperature is Hypothermia in Dogs?

Hypothermia is a condition in which the body’s core temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. When a dog’s internal temperature dips too low, it can lead to serious health complications and even death.

Some common symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, lethargy, weakness, poor coordination, and confusion. In severe cases, dogs may experience seizures or cardiac arrest.

If you think your Bearded Collie might be suffering from hypothermia, take him to the veterinarian immediately. The vet will perform a physical examination and may order some diagnostic tests to determine the severity of the condition.

Treatment for hypothermia usually includes warm fluids and blankets, along with medications to help raise the dog’s body temperature. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove any frostbitten tissue.

With prompt treatment, most dogs make a full recovery from hypothermia. However, it’s important to take steps to prevent your dog from getting too cold in the first place. If you’ll be spending time outdoors with your pup during cold weather, dress him in a warm coat or sweater and make sure he has access to a warm shelter.

Never leave your dog alone in a car during the winter months, as the temperature inside can drop quickly and cause hypothermia. By taking some simple precautions, you can help keep your furry friend safe and warm all season long.

Most Common Signs of Hypothermia in Dogs

Hypothermia in dogs is something that has to be addressed immediately. If your Bearded Collie is showing signs of hypothermia, make sure to go to the vet as soon as possible. Here are the most common signs of hypothermia in dogs:

• Shivering or trembling
• Excessive whining or barking
• Lethargy or weakness
• An unwillingness to move
• Inability to stand up without assistance
• Muscle stiffness and stiffness in the joints
• Slow heartbeat
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Dilated pupils
• Panting excessively
• Lack of coordination
• Vomiting and diarrhea (in severe cases)

If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Hypothermia is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly. With prompt treatment, most dogs make a full recovery.

How To Protect Your Bearded Collie From Winter Impact

Low temperatures are not the only thing that poses a threat to the well-being of your dog. There are some other things that might be normal for you but could be a danger for your dog. Here is how to protect your Bearded Collie from winter impact.

1. Groom your Bearded Collie regularly

When the coat is appropriately maintained, it provides you with the right kind of insulation. For starters, make sure that the hair on their paws is always trimmed. If not, snowy particles will easily get attached to the hair and will, later on, turn into ice balls which are pretty hard to remove. Plus, long hairs on paws lead to reduce traction which can cause your dog to slip and fall on the ice.

Then, make sure that their coat is groomed as well. After the little snow adventure, you will have to give your Bearded Collie a bath. If the fur is matted, adding snow and ice will only make it worse. So, make sure that you always brush your dog’s coat to avoid getting it matted.

2. Don’t let your dog lick the snow on the streets

It’s one thing to let your dog lick the snow in the backyard, but it is a whole different story to let them lick snow from the streets. City officials use salt and other products that melt the ice. These ice-melting chemicals usually contain ethylene which can lead to depression, lack of coordination, diarrhea, thirst, and more.

In many cases, salt and other chemicals can irritate the Bearded Collie’s paws. So, once their paws get irritated, their instinct will be to lick that paw. In those cases, there is a high chance that your Bearded Collie can ingest these chemicals and cause inflammation in their digestive tracts.

After you have finished walking with your Bearded Collie out in the snow, make sure to wipe their paws before entering the house.

3. Limit the outdoor activities

We all know that bearded collies love to play outside since they are an active breed. However, in wintertime, their outdoor activities should be limited. Prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to many Bearded Collies and frostbites.

The ears, toes, and scrotum are the most common areas affected by frostbites in Bearded Collies.

Frostbite can lead to hypothermia as their body temperature decreases. That is why it’s so important to limit outdoor activities to no more than 30 minutes.

4. Ensure that your Bearded Collie drinks plenty of water

You may think that dogs need to drink a lot of water only in the summer. That is totally incorrect. In fact, the chances of dehydration actually increase during the winter months because dogs don’t feel as thirsty when the temperature drops and they forget to drink enough water.

Always make sure that your Bearded Collie drinks water before going out. Also, you can bring a bottle of fresh water just in case. Better to be prepared because you never know how long the walk will take.

5. Improve the Bearded Collie’s nutrition

Nutrition plays a vital role in the quality of living in your bearded collies. Bearded collies that play outside always need extra energy to regulate their bodies against the cold. Here, more calories are required to keep them warm since the snow can be strenuous.

However, as much as they need the extra calories to survive during the winter season, please ensure that you keep them in check. Avoid overfeeding since they can be couch potatoes during the winter season.

6. Be careful around frozen ponds and lakes

During the winter season, always be careful around bodies of water. If your Bearded Collie jumps into frigid water, its body temperature will drop significantly, resulting in hypothermia. I would also avoid even small puddles. The key is to keep your dog as dry as possible when outside in the cold.

Items That Will Help Your Bearded Collie During The Winter Season

Our furry friends have more body hair than humans which keeps them warm in the winter season. However, their thick coats can help them only to a certain point. From there, it is our mission to help them keep warm. Here are some items that you can buy for your dog during the winter season:

1. Dog boots

Every Bearded Collie should own a set of dog boots. At first, your dog might act funny with the boots, but they will get used to them. The boots will keep their feet away from the ice-melting chemicals and the cold surface. Here are some great rubber dog boots on amazon.com.

2. Winter coat

Many people see dog winter coats as meaningless accessories. However, your Bearded Collie will be grateful if you get them a winter coat to help them warm up during the cold months. These coats cover most of their bodies but keep their feet free for normal movement. Here are some cool waterproof winter coats for dogs on amazon.com.

3. Dog hat

Dog hats make our furry friends look cute, plus it protects their ears and head from the cold. However, not everyone will require a dog hat. Depending on how cold it gets where you live, you should decide whether your dog requires a hat or not. In case you want to get a hat, here are some high-quality dog hats on amazon.com.

FAQs

Q: Can Bearded Collies live outside in cold climates?

A: While Bearded Collies have a thick coat that helps them in colder weather, they are companion dogs and thrive when living indoors with their human family. It is not recommended to leave them outside in cold climates without proper shelter and supervision. They are social dogs and need the warmth and companionship that indoor living provides.

Q: Do Bearded Collies need winter boots?

A: Bearded Collies have a natural grip and do not typically require winter boots. However, if you live in an area with icy or salted sidewalks, you may consider using protective boots to prevent paw injuries or irritation. Ensure the boots fit properly and gradually introduce them to your Bearded Collie to allow them to adjust to the sensation.

Q: How often should I groom my Bearded Collie in cold weather?

A: Regular grooming is essential for Bearded Collies, even in cold weather. Their thick, double coat can become matted or tangled if not properly maintained. Brush them at least once a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting. If they get wet, make sure to dry them thoroughly to avoid chilling.

Q: Can Bearded Collies swim in cold water?

A: Bearded Collies are natural swimmers and enjoy being in the water. However, swimming in cold water can be dangerous for any dog, including Bearded Collies. Cold water can lead to hypothermia, and icy conditions can pose additional hazards. It is important to monitor the water temperature and use caution when allowing your Bearded Collie to swim in cold water.

Q: Should I adjust my Bearded Collie’s diet in cold weather?

A: Bearded Collies may require a slightly higher calorie intake during colder weather to help maintain their body temperature. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if any adjustments need to be made to your Bearded Collie’s diet based on their specific needs.

Q: Are Bearded Collies prone to winter-related health issues?

A: Bearded Collies are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be susceptible to certain health issues in cold weather. These may include hypothermia, frostbite, joint stiffness, and respiratory problems. It is important to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to protect your Bearded Collie’s health during winter.

Q: Can Bearded Collies be left alone in a cold house?

A: Bearded Collies are social dogs and do not do well when left alone for extended periods, especially in a cold house. They are prone to separation anxiety and prefer the warmth and companionship of their human family. If you need to leave them alone, make sure the house is appropriately heated, and provide them with cozy bedding and toys to keep them occupied.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, while Bearded Collies are somewhat cold-resistant due to their thick double coat, they can still be at risk in temperatures below 20°F (-6.67°C).

Prolonged exposure to such cold conditions can lead to hypothermia or frostbite.

Therefore, it’s essential for owners to monitor the weather and ensure their Bearded Collies are kept warm and safe during the colder months.