Do Pitbulls Get Cold? Signs & FAQs
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Pitbulls have shorter coats and weren’t built for colder weather. Pitbulls can get cold fairly easily—more so than long-haired breeds. Therefore, care should be taken to ensure your pup stays warm if you live in a colder area. Preferably, you don’t want to leave your Pitbull outside in colder weather.
That said, many factors determine how cold a particular Pitbull will get. Older and younger dogs tend to be particularly susceptible to the cold. Dogs with little body fat may also get cold faster.
Like most animals, Pitbulls can get hypothermia when their body temperature drops too low. This condition can be deadly if left untreated. Leaving your dog outside without shelter isn’t recommended, but even a solid shelter may not be enough when the temperature gets low.
Luckily, there are many ways you can prevent hypothermia and keep your Pitbull safe.
What Is the Coldest Temperature a Pitbull Can Withstand?
The answer to this question depends on many factors. Pitbulls can develop hypothermia far faster in damp environments without adequate shelter than in a dry area with a quality doghouse.
Without proper shelter, Pitbulls may develop hypothermia in temperatures as warm as 45 degrees F. Younger and older dogs are particularly prone to hypothermia but any dog can quickly become cold when it rains or snows. Very few dogs are waterproof enough to stay warm in damp winter weather (and Pitbulls are not one of them).
With that said, Pitbulls can go out in decently cold weather for short, brisk walks and potty breaks. There is no reason to keep your Pitbull cooped up inside, but you shouldn’t leave them outside for long periods. You may have to leave your dog inside when it reaches the negatives.
That said, if there isn’t a warning against it in your area, don’t put off exercising your Pitbull, even if it is a bit brisk.
It’s a misconception that darker-colored Pitbulls stay warmer than lighter-colored Pitbulls. Technically, dark colors do absorb more heat. However, the difference is large enough to give darker dogs significant protection. Don’t leave your dog outside in the cold just because they are a darker color.
How Do You Know If Your Pitbull is Too Cold?
If your Pitbull is too cold, it will develop hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when a dog’s body temperature is too low. Their body can no longer produce enough heat to keep their temperature at the right level. The lowering temperature can have a range of adverse effects on their organs and ability to function.
Initially, the body will attempt to save the more important organs by constricting blood vessels in the extremities. Once this occurs, the dog is considered to have mild hypothermia. Signs include:
- Shivering
- Muscle stiffness
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Pale gums
- Difficulty with coordination
- Cool areas of the body
Mild hypothermia can be turned around quickly by getting the dog somewhere warm. Intervening at this point prevents complications from occurring. If a dog stays cold, their chance of frostbite is high, as the body has diverted its warmth from the extremities.
Slowly, the dog will progress to moderate hypothermia. At this point, the body is trying to generate extra heat by shivering and activating the muscles. Signs to look for include:
- Clumsy movements
- Shivering
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Pale gums
If the dog is left in the cold, their hypothermia could progress to severe. At this point, the body has run out of energy and will stop shivering. Once this occurs, their body temperature will drop quickly, and the dog will be in trouble.
The dog’s usual bodily functions can’t occur with a lower-than-average body temperature. The heart will slow down, and they won’t be able to think clearly. Eventually, the dog’s heart will stop. They’ll go into shock and organ failure. Sadly, dogs at this stage aren’t always able to be saved.
Signs to watch for include:
- Not shivering
- Rapid drop in body temperature
- Lethargic
- Dilated pupils
- Confusion
- Slowed breathing
- Delayed responses (or no responses altogether)
Luckily, the lower temperature of the dog’s body reduces the oxygen the body needs. Therefore, completely comatose dogs are sometimes able to be revived. However, vet care must be sought right away.
Do Pitbulls Need a Jacket in the Winter?
Pitbulls have very short coats that don’t do much to protect them from the cold. Therefore, your Pitbull may need a jacket if you live in a colder climate.
A jacket does not let you leave your Pitbull outside for extended periods in the cold, though. Jackets don’t protect the dog’s extremities, which can still get frostbite. Plus, jackets vary widely in quality; many are for anesthetics more than function.
Using a jacket is only helpful if you live in an area that reaches the negatives regularly. A jacket can help keep your dog warm while you take them outside for potty breaks. In warmer climates, you should not leave your dog outside for extended periods during colder weather, but it isn’t cold enough to use a jacket for potty breaks. Therefore, jackets are less useful in these borderline areas.
Of course, if you purchase your dog a jacket, make sure the jacket is built for practical purposes, not just looks.
Final Thoughts
Pitbulls have shorter coats, so they do not have much protection against the elements. For this reason, you should not leave them outside for long periods on cooler days. It can lead to hypothermia, which can be deadly.
That said, Pitbulls can go outside for quick bathroom breaks before the temperatures enter the negatives. If it gets extremely cold where you live, you may want to invest in a quality dog jacket and booties to protect your Pitbull from the weather.
Featured Image Credit: SvetikovaV, Shutterstock