You may be wondering if you can take your Boston Terrier outside during winter. It can be a bad idea since a Boston Terrier is an indoor dog. You may risk your dog catching hypothermia because its body isn’t built for extreme temperature in the environment outside.
So, what is considered cold for a Boston Terrier?
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How Cold Is Cold For A Boston Terrier?
Temperature below 45 degrees Fahrenheit is considered too cold for a Boston Terrier. Don’t allow your Boston Terriers to go running outside when the temperature drops below this point. It can cause frostbite and hypothermia.
When the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, it can be harmful to your Boston Terrier’s health. This breed of dog has a brachycephalic head – which means it has a flat face, short snout, tiny nostrils, long palates, and a narrow trachea.
What does this mean? They’re one of those breeds of dogs that are more prone to cold weather.
These features make this dog very sensitive to extreme temperature changes in the environment. In addition to that, the Boston Terrier has short coats that don’t offer enough insulation to protect him against the cold weather. The same reason makes this breed of dog mostly restricted as an indoor dog.
Signs That Your Boston Terrier Is Feeling Cold
When your dog is exposed to too much cold, it can catch hypothermia. Hypothermia can lead to serious issues such as impaired consciousness, complications, and even coma. If symptoms start to manifest in your pet dog, immediately take it to the vet for proper medical attention.
The normal body temperature for a Boston Terrier should be between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll know if it goes outside of this range if your dog starts acting uncomfortably. Make sure you know the signs if they feel cold to avoid future health hazards that could happen, such as hypothermia.
During cold months, monitor your Boston Terrier’s behavior. Below are the indications that your Boston Terrier feels cold:
- Lethargic
- Acting anxiously
- Shivering
- Whimpering
- Halting going outdoors
- Starts looking for a warm place in your house
On the other hand, more serious signs that lead to hypothermia include:
- Slow heart and respiratory rate
- Fixed and dilated pupils
- Difficulty in breathing
If you decide to bring your Boston Terrier for an exercise outdoors, do it in the noontime or the early afternoon. Early morning or close to evening isn’t recommended as these times are the coldest.
Do not leave your Boston Terrier outside. If ever you go on a short walk, put him on a leash. There’s a high chance your dog will wander and get lost. A leash will save your dog’s life. Make sure the leash isn’t too tight on his neck too.
Existing Medical Conditions That Can Get Bad During Cold Weather
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, certain conditions can get worse if you expose your Boston Terrier to too much cold. These existing medical conditions include:
- Diabetes
- Kidney Disease
- Heart Disease
- Hormonal Imbalance
Since a Boston Terrier can’t regulate their body temperature during the cold weather, this breed of dog is very prone to health issues brought by the cold weather — such as hypothermia and pneumonia.
If you suspect that your dog caught hypothermia, keep them warm as soon as possible. I know that there are some instances where you can’t take your dog to the vet right away. If you’re in this situation, do the following steps:
- Wrap your dog in a warm blanket. You can also use a water bottle with hot water. Make sure you cover it so it won’t cause any burns to your dog.
- Check your Boston Terrier’s temperature every 10 minutes. If the temperature keeps on falling below 98 degrees Fahrenheit, immediately ask for a veterinarian’s help. Take note that the normal body temperature should be between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cold temperature can also worsen the arthritis of senior Boston Terriers. You should take double precautionary measures when it comes to your dog with eight to 10 years of age.
How To Help A Boston Terrier During Cold Season
You can help your Boston Terrier cope up with the cold temperature in different ways. Here are some tips on how to keep your dog safe and healthy during the cold months.
Give Your Boston Terrier Frequent Exercise
Exercise keeps your Boston Terrier active during the cold months and from gaining weight. You need to give them at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. One example of a good exercise for your Boston Terrier is the tug of war.
Aside from keeping your Boston Terrier active, tug of war intensifies the bond between you and your dog —according to the director of the American Kennel Club Family Dog Program named Dr. Mary Burch. Other indoor exercises for your Boston Terrier include:
- Hide and Seek
- Play Fetch
- Running on treadmill
- Going up and down the stairs
- Playing ball
- Short walks outside
Put On Boots To Your Boston Terrier’s Paws
Dog boots add paw insulation from the cold brought by the ice on the ground. Boots also protect your Boston Terrier’s paws from the sharp edges of ice and snow. It also prevents harsh chemicals such as antifreeze from getting to their paws.
If not careful enough, your dog might lick and ingest the chemicals. If boots aren’t available, at least wipe your dog’s paws, legs and underside to ensure your Boston Terrier doesn’t take in the toxic chemicals to his system.
Make Your Boston Terrier Wear A Dog Sweater
As mentioned earlier, a Boston Terrier has a thin coat that isn’t enough to provide insulation against the cold temperature. A dog sweater fixes this issue. If you decide to give your dog a short walk outside, a dog sweater will keep your Boston Terrier warm.
Take note that dog sweaters and jackets provide warmth to your dog in a limited amount of time. Dogs, in general, lose their body heat through their ears, respiratory tract and the pads of their feet. Make sure that you indeed give your dog a short walk outside.
In introducing your Boston Terrier to any type of clothing, use a positive reinforcement technique. The advantage of wearing clothing such as sweaters, jackets or even boots shouldn’t outweigh any fear or discomfort your dog might experience.
Avoid Bringing Your Boston Terrier Outside As Much As Possible
I know for a fact that Boston Terriers are mostly indoor dogs. The reason is they don’t do well with extreme temperatures outside. Cold weather can cause hypothermia and joint disease conditions — especially on senior Boston Terriers.
The best way to keep your Boston Terrier indoors is by making them entertained. There are several ways to keep them entertained inside your house such as the canine enrichment toys and games. These activities will not only help your dog stay indoors but also keep his mind active.
Your Boston Terrier Can Still Enjoy The Snow
Despite the restrictions, your Boston Terrier can still have fun outside with the snow. Not all Boston Terriers hate snow.
Just don’t forget the most important thing, don’t let your dog play longer outside, and make sure that the temperature is above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s best if you can make your dog wear a jacket and dog boots.
Walks create good exercise for your Boston Terrier. Keep it short — let’s say for 10 minutes or shorter. It depends on your dog’s reaction. Remember, if the temperature is cold for you, then it’s cold for your Boston Terrier too.
One great place to take your Boston Terrier is the dog park. You can give your dog a few minutes to run around and play. You can also put a dog backpack with a little weight. This is one great way of giving him exercise while having fun. He gets to burn some energy this way.
Related Questions
How Cold Is Too Cold in the House for Dogs?
Small breeds of dogs with thin coats like the Boston Terrier need a temperature between 73 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit inside the house. Exposing your dog below this point for a long time can cause a cold if left unresolved. Always monitor the temperature inside your house to make sure it’s not too cold for your dog.
What Temperature Is Good For Dogs to Sleep In?
The ideal temperature for your dog to sleep in is between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Anything that goes below 60 degrees Fahrenheit is already bad for short-haired dogs like Boston Terriers and other small breeds or senior dogs. Don’t leave the thermostat below this point.
Do Dogs Need Blankets?
Yes. Vets recommend giving your dog extra warmth using blankets or clothing. Small breeds of dogs like Boston Terriers have a hard time keeping themselves warm. If you need a blanket to keep you warm when it’s cold, your dog likely needs one, especially during the cold months.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, a temperature lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit isn’t healthy for your Boston Terrier anymore. The physical features of this dog breed aren’t suitable for cold environments. As much as you can, let your dog stay indoors. If it’s cold for you, it’s cold for your beloved pet too.
