- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
First responders often remind us in the spring and fall that despite warm air temperatures, the water can still be very cold—and the bigger the difference between air and water temperatures, the bigger the shock to a swimming dog’s system.
So if your pup loves the water, how do you know when or if it’s safe to go for a dip? And just how cold is too cold for your dog to swim?
We spoke with two veterinarians, Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, of Rover’s expert Pet People Panel, and Dr. Paige Adams of Etowah Veterinary Hospital in Marietta, Georgia, for guidelines on safe swimming temperatures for dogs.
Water Temperature
What water temperatures are safe for a dog to swim? In general, if the water feels too cold for you to stand or wade in, it’s likely too cold for your dog. A popular rule of thumb is to make sure the water temperature + the air temperature = +100 degrees Fahrenheit.
In reality, however, the answer depends on a few factors. “There are conflicting reports about what constitutes too cold a water temperature and further research is needed, likely because it depends on a number of variables,” Greenstein explains.
These variables include:
- external temperatures
- length of time outdoors
- ambient conditions like wind chill
- the individual characteristics of your particular dog
Breed considerations
Adams says in general, most dogs will be guided by their own instincts about swimming. “Dogs will usually be aware of their own bodies, to a degree. So, I tend to trust their judgment,” she explains.
Even still, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, your individual dog’s constitution, and trust your instincts when deciding if swimming is a good idea.
For example, some breeds have a higher cold tolerance than others, such as long-haired dogs who are typically better equipped for frosty weather than short-haired breeds. Other heartier breeds such as Retrievers, Huskies, and Newfoundlands have special double coats that act as insulation, help them repel water, and can even help regulate their body temperature.
“The breed of dog makes a huge difference in their tolerance of the weather, both on land and in the water,” says Adams. Sporting, herding, and working breeds, for example, have a higher tolerance for colder conditions.
iStock/Chalabala
Age and medical considerations
Even dogs bred for colder climes have their limits in cold water. For instance, if your senior Lab has a medical condition, check with your veterinarian before taking them swimming outside.
Small breeds, short-haired dogs, puppies and geriatric dogs, and those with heart or other medical conditions are all more sensitive to colder temperatures. If your dog falls into any of these categories, think twice before spending long periods of time at the river or local swimming hole.
Air Temperature
Air temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit are generally considered too cold for extended exposure for most dogs or cats—which makes it the cutoff point for most aquatic expeditions.
“Usually, if the air temperature is below freezing, that would make the water temperature too cold as well,” Adams explains.
Don’t forget to take into account wind chill, which can impact how cold the air will feel to you and your dog. For example, if it’s 50°F outside and the wind is blowing at 15 mph, then it may actually feel closer to 44°F.
iStock/knape
Time in the Water
Length of time swimming is also a major factor. A quick dip or splash in a cold body of water isn’t likely to cause a problem for an otherwise healthy dog, especially if you dry them off afterward.
Prolonged swimming in cold temperatures, however, can lead to hypothermia.
A longer swimming time means a dog’s coat soaks up more water. This could lead to a higher chance for their internal body temperature to drop, says Adams. So if you’re out on a hike and it’s going to be a while before you can grab a towel and head inside, you may want to think twice about letting your dog splash in the river.
Other factors to consider include wind chill, dampness of the air, and cloud cover. Any of these factors can tip a wet dog into the too-cold territory.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a major risk of taking a dip in water that’s too cold.
While it’s possible to check your dog’s temperature with a thermometer (below 95 degrees indicates a risk of hypothermia), a more practical check is to feel your dog’s ears. “If they feel cold, especially around the edges, that’s a sign to get inside,” Greenstein cautions.
Other signs of hypothermia in dogs include:
- Shivering
- Lethargy
- Stiff muscles
- Pale or gray gums
- Stumbling or lack of coordination
- Fixed and dilated pupils
- Low heart and breathing rates
- Collapsing
Treatment for hypothermia is urgent, as it can quickly become a life-threatening emergency. “Immediately move them indoors and begin warming them slowly by rubbing their paws while also calling your vet about next steps,” says Greenstein.
iStock/Janice Chen
Cold Water Safety Tips
If you and your pup are going to spend time around the water during spring, fall, or winter, the following tips can help them stay safe, warm, and dry.
- Use a non-retractable leash. Non-retractable leashes give you better control over your dog on walks. This could come in handy if you want to steer your dog away from water.
- Keep a towel on hand. If your dog doesn’t heed your warnings and takes a dip anyway, having a towel in the car can allow you get cold water off their fur faster. Snuggling with a dry towel or blanket could also help your dog warm up on the ride home.
- Avoid frozen water and iced over lakes and streams. Drowning, hypothermia, and injuries from slips and falls are possible not just for your dog, but for you, too.
- Steer clear of all strong currents and riptides.
- Bring a doggie life jacket if you’ll be recreating by the water or on a boat.
The Takeaway
Swimming can be a great way for your dog to get exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. But if it’s too cold out for you to comfortably take a dip, the safest option is to keep your dog out, too.
We hope these tips will help you and your dog enjoy the outdoors safely in the colder months!
