Do Cockapoos get cold? The Cockapoo is a mix between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel, and your pup probably has what looks like a thick coat of woolly hair. But how well does that hair or fur insulate your dog in the colder months?
In this guide, we’re going to look at whether Cockapoos can tolerate cold temperatures and how you can care for your dog during the cooler months. We’ll also discuss hypothermia and frostbite in dogs, and will talk a little about how to treat these conditions if they occur.
Before reading this guide, “Do Cockapoos Get Cold,” check out: When to Neuter a Cockapoo? (2023) and When is a Cockapoo Full Grown? (2023).
Do Cockapoos Get Cold?
The Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, two dogs that originated in Europe. The Poodle comes from Germany, which is known for its cooler climate and cold winters, and the Cocker Spaniel is thought to come from the UK.
Your dog will inherit a mix of traits from each parents, but most importantly, a Cockapoo’s fur will vary from dog to dog. See, the Poodle and the Cocker both have hair rather than fur, and both have a double coat. But your dog may inherit the kinky, woolly coat of a Poodle, or she may have the straight hair of the Cocker.
In either case, your dog’s double coat will help keep her warm in cooler months, though they’re not impervious to the cold. Speaking in generalities, your dog will probably be just fine outdoors until temperatures drip to around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. When that occurs, it’s best to supervise her playtime and look for signs your pup is getting too cold.
Signs Your Cockapoo Is Too Cold
Your Cockapoo will let you know if she’s too cold, but you’ll need to be looking for her cues.
Signs your Cockapoo is getting too cold include:
- Shivering and shaking
- Hair (usually on the spine) standing “on end”
- Curling into a tight ball
- Lifting her paws from the ground
- Becoming excessively and uncharacteristically aggressive or whiny
- Barking frequently
- Seeking out shelter or cover
- A change in skin color to blue or pale
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to end playtime or bring it indoors. Your dog is too cold, and he is at risk of hypothermia or frostbite.
Hypothermia and Frostbite in Dogs
Hypothermia and frostbite are two temperature-related conditions that can occur if your dog gets too cold. Let’s look at what each is, and how you can treat your dog for these ailments.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when your dog’s body temperature drops to below around 99 degrees Fahrenheit. A dog’s normal body temperature ranges between 101 and 102.5 degrees, and when it drops abnormally low, your dog is in trouble.
If your dog exhibits any of the symptoms we listed above, she is at risk of hypothermia.
Bring your dog inside, as untreated hypothermia may lead to:
- Coma
- Cardiac arrest
- Respiratory distress
- Death
Do you suspect your dog has hypothermia? Secure her in a warm space, then provide her with radiant heat like a hot water bottle, plenty of warm blankets, and water to help her regulate her body temperature.
If your dog doesn’t show signs of recovery with an increase in body temperature, it may be necessary to bring her to the vet. The doggy doctor may choose to administer warm IV fluids to help her bring her body temperature back to normal.
Frostnip and Frostbite
Frostnip and frostbite can cause permanent harm to your dog, so again, it’s important to treat these conditions immediately. Conditions involve the freezing of blood vessels, skin, and underlying tissues.
Frostbite usually occurs in your pup’s extremities, like her ears and paws, and symptoms include:
- Pain at the site of the frostbite
- Numbness
- Skin that’s very cold to the touch
- Blisters
- Blackened or dead skin
- Swelling
- Brittleness of skin or the affected area
If you suspect your dog is frostbitten, bring him inside and consider immersing the affected body part in water that’s around 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not attempt to rub the skin, as this may cause permanent damage.
As with hypothermia, please opt for radiant heat to warm your dog. Applying hot compresses or other heat sources directly to your dog can hurt her. While you treat your dog, call your vet to schedule an emergency visit.
Do Cockapoos Like Cold Weather?
Cold weather doesn’t necessarily mean harm to your dog. In fact, there’s a good chance she’ll have a blast playing outside in the cool weather or even the snow.
Your Cockapoo should have two walks a day, and ideally these walks should be outdoors — even in cold weather. Low temperatures won’t bother her too much when she steps outside for a potty break, either. So, do Cockapoos get cold? Yes, of course! But your pup will be just fine playing outside or taking a bathroom break outdoors.
Now, if temperatures drop, it’s going to be necessary to monitor your dog. Look out for signs that she’s in distress or that her temperatures are dropping, and go indoors when that happens.
Cockapoos are like humans in that some like the cold weather and some would just prefer to be spoiled indoors. Read your pup’s social cues and, if you must, shorten her walks and outdoor playtime to shorter bursts, more frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about whether your dog likes the cold weather? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by We Love Doodles readers.
Your dog will be most comfortable in temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. She will play outside in cooler temps, and potty breaks are obviously going to be required, but extended outdoor time isn’t advisable.
Under no circumstances should your Cockapoo sleep outdoors at night, especially in cold temperatures. Sleeping outside carries quite a few risks, including those from low temperatures, insects, predators, dognappers, and even just noise complaints from the neighbors.
Your Cockapoo may or may not enjoy wearing a coat. She doesn’t need one, but there are quite a few adorable and comfy options available online and in pet stores, so that choice is left up to you.
Sweaters, doggy booties, slippers, coats, and even little pants offer your dog an extra layer of insulation in cold temperatures, but they’re not required. If you’re concerned about whether your dog’s fur or hair is enough to keep her warm, talk to a vet who has knowledge of your pup.
Again, your Cockapoo has her own unique personality. Some dogs will love the snow while others will tend to prefer the indoors. If your pup is seeing snow for the first time, she may even be fearful or intimidated.
Try to introduce your Cockapoo to the snow slowly, letting her get used to that weird white fluff falling from the sky. In time, you’ll have a better idea whether your pup’s personal preference is to play outside or stay indoors.
Your Cockapoo’s body temperature should range between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Should your dog’s temps dip below 99, she is hypothermic and will need immediate attention. Hypothermia can cause coma or even death in dogs, so please take it seriously.
Some dog breeds originated in places where the temperatures are naturally colder, and they’re well-suited to cool climates and cold winter days. Other dogs, put simply, are not.
To keep your dog safe, abide by the general rule of thumb that if you are cold, your dog is cold. Whether you’re playing indoors or out, should you begin to feel a chill it’s best to assume that your pup does, too.
Conclusion for “Do Cockapoos Get Cold”
Do Cockapoos get cold? Of course they do! They’re warm-blooded mammals that are susceptible to discomfort in cold temperatures. They can also get hypothermia and frostbite just like people.
When your dog wants to play outside in the cold, keep an eye on her. Watch her for signs of distress, or indicators that she’s too uncomfortable in the cool weather. If you notice symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite, bring your dog inside right away and also take steps to bring her temperature back up to a safe range.
If you find this guide, “Do Cockapoos Get Cold” helpful, check out:
- Are Cockapoos Hypoallergenic? (2023)
- How to Stop Your Cockapoo Barking! (2023)
- 150 Best Cockapoo Dog Names! (2023)
Learn more by watching “10 Important Facts About Cockapoo Every New Mom Should Know” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
Why Trust We Love Doodles?
At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.