As a dog expert, many pet owners ask me questions about their dogs, like do Labradors get cold in winter? Can a Lab survive cold? What happens if I leave my Lab outside?
I got answers for you if you worry about your pet staying outside, especially during the harsh winter.
The first thing I want you know is that your Lab is a winter breed, but they can suffer hypothermia or frostbite. Therefore, I recommend keeping your Lab inside if the temperate is below 20°F.
Labradors Vs. Winter
Many pet owners do not know that their Lab can survive cold, unlike most breeds. Labradors came from Newfoundland but were considered the lesser St.John’s and Newfoundland dogs.
Newfoundland Island has an average temperate of 61°F during summer and 32°F in the winter. In Britain, fishers use these dogs as fishing and swimming pets. As a result, this breed stays comfortable during cold weather.
Labradors can play and swim during the cold, making them great companions for people living in temperate regions like Canada. You must be careful because these dogs are still susceptible to cold and can suffer hypothermia.
The Labrador’s Double Coat
I smile when pet parents tell me that their Lab mess their homes with shedding. When I explain to them what happens during shedding, they stop complaining. This breed has a double coat, which is soft and thick undercoat and a topcoat.
What does this mean? The upper layer is called the guard or the topcoat and consists of rough, glossy hair. The guard ensures that the undercoat stays protected from any external item.
The undercoat gives a Lab the build it needs to stay in the cold. Labs stay warm and protected from cold because of their undercoat. In addition, the undercoat keeps the dog dry and warm even when it swims. Labs do not feel cold because of their undercoat.
Therefore, I recommend that you should not try to shave your Lab. If you shave this hair, the dog will not have the original hair when it grows back.
Temperature Vs. Labrador
I cannot tell you a specific temperature that can leave your dog vulnerable to cold. Age has a major part to deal with Labs and feeling cold. I tell pet owners to keep their Labs inside when the temperature is lower than 35°F.
Even the strongest dogs feel cold when the temperature is below 20°F. Therefore, you must consider the wind chill before leaving your dog outside.
How Cold Weather Affects Labradors
Old Labradors and puppies are more susceptible to winter or cold weather. While you can find puppies energetic and healthy, they are weak and prone to diseases. On the other hand, older dogs have weak immune system and less energetic. As a result, they tend to fall sick more than the young Labs.
You should ensure that you protect your dog from frostbite or hypothermia. Also, sick Labs may be immunocompromised and susceptible to diseases. I recommend that you don’t leave old or sick dogs outside during the winter. Keep them warm and safe.
Should Labs Sleep Outside During the Winter?
I will answer this question based on the Labs tolerance and health. While some dogs can stay outside and not fall sick, others may develop hypothermia or fall sick. Therefore, you should consider your dog’s age, health, and strength before you leave it outside.
You can leave your Labrador outside based on the following factors:
- Age: The old and very young Labradors should not sleep outside because they are more susceptible to the cold.
- Damp fur: When you realize that your Labrador has wet fur, you should take it inside to ensure it does not suffer from hypothermia or cold.
- Weight: Pet owners with fat Labradors can leave them outside because they can comfortably sleep there because their fat acts as excellent insulator against cold.
- Sickness: Do not keep your sick Labrador outside during winter. Ensure that it stays warm and safe inside..
- Cloud coverage: You should take your dogs insider during the clear nights because they are y colder than cloudy nights.
- Conditioning: Dogs that have always spent time outside during the winter and sleep in the cold may not have a problem sleeping outside during the winter.
My Conclusion
I want you to know that Labradors are cold-weather breed and must be protected when the weather is extremely cold. You should pay attention to puppies, sick and old Labs because they tend to suffer from cold. You must ensure that your dog spends less time outside.
Your dog can become more susceptible to diseases if you leave it outside for a long and can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite. I recommend you give your Lab more water and food during the winter to build its immunity.
During winter, Labs get dehydrated and need fresh water to keep them safe. However, they should not consume cold water. Frostbite can leave your Lab in a difficult situation. It happens when your dog’s extremities freeze because of a lack of heat and low temperatures.
You should keep your dog warm and protected during winter. Finally, if you have a dog with a chronic illness like diabetes or heart disease, don’t leave it outside for long.
You can talk to a vet if you don’t know what to do with your pet’s sleeping pattern during winter.
FAQs
Do Labradors get cold in winter
Labradors hardly get cold during winter, unlike many breeds. Labs are known as winter dogs. You must not leave your Labs unprotected during the winter because they can suffer from hypothermia or frostbite. You must keep your dog inside and warm if the temperature goes below 20°F.
How cold is too cold for a lab?
While Labs are considered winter dogs, they have a limit to cold temperatures. They may not withstand temperatures below 20 degrees.
Do Labradors need coats in winter?
You should get a warm dog coat for your Lab during winter, especially if you reside in extremely cold areas.