Can Golden Retrievers Survive In Cold Weather
Golden Retrievers can easily survive in a cold climate due to their lustrous double layer coats, which provide ample warmth during the cold season. Their long fur keeps them warm in very low temperatures. So, they can easily tolerate the cold weather between 45F and 90F. Further, they can also resist temperatures less than 45F but living in such frigid weather for long can be harmful to your puppy.
If you go out with your golden Retriever in frosty weather, it will survive the harsh conditions and enjoy every moment outside the house. He will enjoy the chill, walk on snowy roads alongside you, and do his usual activities like playing games, catching treats, and running around. No doubt, Golden Retriever is among the dog breeds that can survive extreme weather.
However, when the temperature falls below the limits mentioned above, it can become challenging for them to survive and resume usual activities in such frozen weather.
Staying in such harsh weather for a long time can cause various harmful effects on your dogs, including frostbite and hypothermia. Therefore, we recommend taking some precautionary measures to protect your lovely pet from the breaching cold weather in winter.
What To Do When You Just Cant Go Outside
Even if you love winter, there will sometimes be those days where its just too cold, windy, or snowy to get out for more than a bathroom break.
The problem with these scenarios is your dogs still need to exercise their bodies and minds or everyone will go crazy. Here are a few ideas for making indoor time fun with you dogs.
Is It Okay To Shave A Golden Retriever
A double coated dog, like Golden Retrievers, should never be shaved. Shaving the undercoat can cause a range of problems, including alopecia , and the undercoat growing back thicker than before, which will sabotage the dogs ability to withstand cold and heat. Or, it may simply not grow back the same at all.
Still, you may be tempted to clip their fur a little when it gets really blazing hot. Resist this temptation because even clipping a double-coated dogs fur a little can cause it to not grow back the same. Even more so, never shave the undercoat because that can permanently harm your dogs appearance and ability to self-regulate their temperature.
Its logical to think your furry friend isnt comfortable during the summer, but rest assured, double-coated dogs can withstand all but the most extreme temperatures. Too much sunlight, without the protection of their full double coat, is more dangerous than the heat itself.
In addition, there is a common myth that shaving a dog will keep them from shedding so much, but this isnt true. It may seem logical after all, they cant shed hair if they dont have extra, right? Nope. Even recently shaved Golden Retrievers will shed tiny hairs, making this an extreme solution that doesnt really work.
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How To Keep Your Dog’s Paws Protected From The Cold
Paws are one of the few areas of a dog’s body that are not protected by fur, and as a result they are prone to the cold, says Satchu. Dogs can potentially suffer from frostbite if conditions are severe. If Fido will tolerate it, booties are a great way to protect paws from the cold and from the salt and sand that is used on walkways. If booties arent your dogs style, wiping off paws with soap and water or even dog wipes can help prevent damage.
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Teach Your Pooch To Walk By Your Side
A dog who pulls you around the neighborhood is annoying at the best of times, but in the winter the scenario can become dangerous due to a much greater risk of you falling over on slippery snow and ice.
Its best to work on loose-leash walking when the weather is still pleasant, so that your dog is a pro when winter does hit.
To get started, read Leash Training for No More Pulling!
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Do Golden Retrievers Get Cold
As a responsible pet owner, it is our job to care for our pets and make sure they are comfortable and not too cold. This responsibility falls upon us to provide the proper care they need.
In return for our love and nurture, Golden Retrievers warm our hearts with their love, loyalty, and companionship.
What Temperatures Are Ideal For A Golden Retriever
If you want to know what temperatures Are Ideal For A Golden Retriever? Then you come to the right place.
The quick answer is:
Golden retrievers do well if the temperature is below 40 degrees Celsius or 140 degrees Fahrenheit. And above 5 degrees Celsius or 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
Golden retrievers are one of the best pets to have around. They have great temperament and are complete family dogs.
Originally bred in Scotland to be gundogs, this majestic canine is famed for retrieving hunted game without the bite marks ruining the hunters prize.
Their most significant characteristic trait is the luscious golden coat on their body, from which they derive their name.
Golden retrievers are generally playful and are known to be fun-loving and jolly.
Its a perfect breed to have around children or even first-time dog owners.
They are very active and love playing games, whether it be catch or chasing you.
They also make for great service dogs because of their temperament, obedience and empathic capabilities.
Golden retrievers love the water and would play in it for as long as youd let them to.
They are loved everywhere because of their good nature and cool temperament.
They are kind, love human interaction and would happily take part in your day to day lifestyle. They are medium-sized dogs, built to be strong and have a majestic coat that give them the adorable look.
If you have a golden retriever, needless to say youd have your spirits high throughout the day.
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Sleeping Arrangements For Your Golden Retriever Puppy
Its important that you let your golden retriever know where he should sleep on the first night. With this, you should guide your pet to go to his sleeping area. Once he gets the routine, he will be able to go to his sleeping place alone until your puppy grows up.
If you prefer it, you can also start by letting your puppy sleep indoors or even in your room. You can place him in a crate or prepare a small room for him. As your dog grows accustomed to the environment, you can move the crate farther.
Once the puppy is ready, you can then start introducing him to his sleeping place outside. Although there are puppies that need more sleeping time outside than others, you can allow your puppies to sleep inside the house at night and let them out in the morning to help them calm down.
How Do I Know If My Dog Is Too Hot
Excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, rapid or irregular pulse, seizures, and collapse are the most common signs of overheating in dogs. Heat exhaustion is a serious issue that can lead to heat stroke and cardiac arrest if not diagnosed and treated in time. Luckily, overheating is easy to spot and you should have enough time to help your pup and cool them down.
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Signs That Your Golden Retriever Might Be Too Cold
It is normal for pets to feel cold, particularly when they have been outside for long stretches on end.
Give cautious consideration to your pet and tune in to what they are attempting to let you know in their own specific manner.
In the event that your golden retriever is giving a portion of these indications, its presumably unreasonably cold for them to be outside.
- Limping.
- Going around to look for cover.
- Showing negative feelings like tension or discomfort.
- Hesitant to move, walk, or run.
- Continually lifting their paws off the ground.
- A slouched pose and tucked tail
All Temperatures Arent Created Equal
The temperature as it registers on a thermometer isnt the only environmental factor that affects how dogs feel the cold.
Wind chill A brisk breeze can quickly cut through a dogs coat and greatly decreases its ability to insulate and protect against cold temperatures.
Dampness Rain, wet snow, heavy fog, going for a swim any form of dampness that soaks through the fur can quickly chill a dog even if the air temperature is not all that cold.
Cloud cover Cloudy days tend to feel colder than do sunny days since dogs cant soak up the sun and warm themselves.
Activity If dogs are going to be very active while outside, they may generate enough extra body heat to keep them comfortable even if the temperature is quite low.
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Make Sure Your Golden Retriever Is Dry Before Heading Outside
Never walk your Golden retriever when they are wet during the winter, such as right after bath time. Their wet coats will make them feel chilled to the bone, especially if its windy outside. Therefore, you should always towel them off well, and give them several hours to fully dry before heading out into the elements.
Similarly, before you come back inside your house, remove any snow or ice thats become trapped in their coats as this will prevent them from becoming chilled once theyre back in the house.
Clothing For Your Retriever During Winter
The section above explained how you can do this along with a link to my article on the best booties you can purchase for your retriever. Along with booties, you can also dress your dog in a jacket, sweater, or just about any warm clothing that fits well and allows ease of mobility.
That said, its not just clothes that can be used to keep your pup warm outside. A few could be to insulate your dogs house, heated harnesses, heated mats, or use of some old blankets in a space where they rest.
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What Temperature Is Too Hot For Dogs
Just like some people, some dogs can adjust to being exposed to higher temperatures over time but if it is over 77 degrees Fahrenheit outside, you should be thinking about whether or not your dog is affected by the heat. Pavement temperatures can be much hotter than the air if in direct sunlight with no wind and low humidity, so foot pad burns can occur even if the air doesn’t feel that hot. The pavement can be 40-60 degrees hotter than the air temperature, so standing on ground this hot can cause burns in 60 seconds.
If the ground temperature isn’t your concern, anything that is higher than a dog’s body temperature short term can be problematic. Since a dog’s body temperature is normally between 100 and 103 degrees, this means that temperatures over 100 degrees can quickly cause problems for your dog, even if they are just sitting outside in the sun. But if it is cooler than 100 degrees and there is high humidity, this can also be a problem, since the humidity prevents a dog from being able to efficiently cool itself through panting. High humidity and temperatures in the 80s or 90s can cause issues if your dog is outside in the sun for lengthy amounts of time, especially if it is exercising.
Do Golden Retrievers Overheat Easily
Golden Retrievers are double-coated breeds, this is similar to you wearing multiple layers of clothes, imagine how uncomfortable it is in the hot days of summer.
Golden Retrievers, although belong to the list of breeds that are prone to heatstroke and overheating in summer, fall at the end of the list.
Because a Golden Retrievers optimum ambient temperature is between 60 Fahrenheit and 65 degrees, they are more disturbed by the heat than humans and other pets, so to put it simply, they would get hot faster than you.
In addition, If your dog is a puppy, their body temperature regulation mechanisms do not fully mature until they are around 6 months old.
Dogs acclimatize to heat in the same way that people do. They have a hard time adjusting to the heat during the first several days. They become a bit more used to the heat and tolerant of it as the summer progresses, but they will not fully get accustomed to it, only slightly.
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Can Golden Retrievers Be Left Outside
As one of the most active and exercise-loving dog breeds, golden retrievers will hardly ever pass up a chance to go outside and play.
Their active nature leads a lot of owners to believe they enjoy things more outside and makes them wonder just how long golden retrievers can or should be left outside.
Can golden retrievers be left outside? Golden retrievers can be left outside for short periods of time, but shouldnt be left outside indefinitely, overnight or for long periods of time. Golden retrievers are prone to skin problems, and being left outside can increase the chances of skin problems arising, amid other concerns.
There are a few reasons why golden retrievers shouldnt be left outside indefinitely or for long periods, and were going to walk you through them!
Well also take a look at how to know your dog is cold at night, so you can make sure to take the best care of your golden. Lets get into it.
Can My Golden Retriever Live Outside In The Cold
As I have mentioned earlier, I do not suggest that you let your Golden Retriever outside in the cold. Perhaps during the warmer seasons like spring, fall, and summer, you can allow them to sleep and live outside. However, if it snows in your area heavily, do not allow them to sleep outside.
This is because Golden Retrievers can only handle being in temperatures as low as 45°F or 7°C for only thirty minutes. If you let them stay outside longer than that, they may start getting too cold. Any more than that, and they might start getting hypothermia. In case that happens, immediately go to the veterinarian for the proper treatment. During the car ride, you can wrap your Golden Retriever in a thick blanket. You can also bring a bottle of hot water and press the bottle against the abdomen of your dog. The hot water will try to bring some warmth back to your dog. Doing that will increase your dogs chances of surviving from hypothermia.
If you really insist on letting your Golden Retriever live outside in the cold, then make sure to have their dog house insulated very well. This will cost you as high as $500. However, I believe that it is very worth your money. Otherwise, dont let your Golden Retriever live outside if you have not prepared a suitable place for them to live.
This place should be well-insulated, have a soft and warm bed for them to rest in, and have a bowl of food and water in case they get thirsty.
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Signs That Your Dog May Be Suffering From Hypothermia
Hypothermia happens when you are presented to cold water, air, wind, and downpour.
Your pet neednt be outside in the harsh elements to get hypothermia.
Studies show that both people and dogs can experience the ill effects of this health crisis in an indoor domain as well.
Your golden retriever can undoubtedly lose body heat if your house is chilly for a considerable length of time.
In the event that your pet lies on a cold floor for a decent measure of time, an expansion in their bodys pace of cooling is likely.
A portion of the signs and side effects of hypothermia to search for in your pet are:
- Lethargy.
- Respiratory issues like trouble in breathing.
What Should I Do With My Golden Retriever In The Summer
Keep your dog walks short, or walk earlier in the morning and later at night when it is not so hot out. Find a shady spot for your dog to rest. Be careful though because temperatures can soar even in the shade. Limit the time spent in the hot outdoors. Let your dog go swimming, get a kiddie pool for your backyard.
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My Favorite Golden Retriever Care Products
The golden retriever has two coats of hair on its body: the topcoat and the undercoat.
The topcoat is very dense, golden in color and wavy in texture.
They are, for the most part, water-resistant and do a good job of shielding the dog from natural elements.
Make sure you check their paws in the summer months, I have written an article on this called How to protect a golden retrievers paws in summer you can find it here.
The undercoat is soft and in place for additional protection. The double coat means golden retrievers can survive through a range of temperatures without having to do too much to adjust.
The undercoat does a good job of protecting the dog from the chills of the winter and sheds during spring and fall to lighten the dog and keep them cool during the scorching heat of the summer months.
The heavy coats mean they need regular grooming and it is good practice to comb their hair regularly to make sure their coats remain flowy and luscious and do not form knots.
If you have a golden retriever and there are children in the house, it is a good idea to give the children that job.
It teaches them responsibility as well as deepens the bond the children have with their house pet.