Labradoodles are part Labrador Retriever and part Poodle. Both parent dogs have widely varying histories and body types, so you may be wondering, “Do Labradoodles get cold?”
If you’re itching to bring your pup outside for a romp in the snow, read this guide first. We’ll talk about how to tell whether your Labradoodle is too cold and what to do if your dog’s temperature drops too low.
Before reading this guide, “Do Labradoodles Get Cold,” check out: How to Train a Labradoodle! (2023) and When to Spay a Labradoodle? (2023).
Do Labradoodles Get Cold?
Your Labradoodle is a fleece-haired dog, and his fur will help insulate him even on the coldest of days. Veterinarians and dog experts agree, though: Labradoodles shouldn’t remain outdoors in temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
You may live in a cool climate, or you may just be experiencing cold weather at the moment. Regardless, you’re going to have to let your dog outside to poop, even if temps are in the negatives! Take precautions to ensure your dog doesn’t get too cold outside, whether you’re outside for playtime or a bathroom break.
There are precautionary steps you can take, but they’re by no means necessary. Doggy booties can help keep your puppy’s paws warm in the snow or the cold, and a sweater or jacket can help keep him insulated in extreme temperatures, too.
If you’re cold, your dog is probably pretty chilly, so when the temps dip, be sure you’re mindful of your dog’s comfort. Let’s take a look at a few of the ways your dog is telling you he’s too cold.
Signs Your Labradoodle Is Too Cold
Your dog can’t talk, but he’ll still tell you when he’s too cold! There are a few things you’ll need to look out for. If your dog is too cold, he may:
- Shiver or shake
- Tuck his tail between his legs
- Curl up to try to conserve his body heat
- Become uncharacteristically aggressive, vocal, or whiney
- Seek out shelter
- Display signs that his skin is changing color (blue or pale)
When you see any of these symptoms, it’s definitely time to head back in! Even if your pup is seemingly having fun playing outdoors, his condition can deteriorate quickly.
Frostbite and Hypothermia in Labradoodles
Cold temperatures impact your Labradoodle the same way they impact humans, and hypothermia and frostbite aren’t uncommon in dogs. Let’s take a look at each of these conditions, and at how each should be treated.
Frostbite is the freezing of skin and underlying tissues. It’s a very serious condition that can become irreversible if untreated, so watch for signs of frostnip and frostbite in your dog.
Should your dog get frostbitten, you’ll want to bring him inside as soon as possible. Use radiant heat to warm your pup, then tend to the affected areas.
You may submerge his paws (or other body part) in warm water — around 104 degrees Fahrenheit will do just fine. Do not rub his skin, as this may cause further damage, and bring your dog to the vet as soon as you’re able.
Hypothermia occurs when your dog’s core body temperature drops below around 99 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. For reference, normal body temps for dogs range between 101 and 102.5 degrees.
If your dog is hypothermic, start with a DIY approach as you call your vet. Bring him into a warm space, and apply warm blankets to your dog’s body. A hot compress will also help, so long as you avoid touching his skin directly. Again, radiant heat is best.
If you don’t notice your dog’s temperature returning to normal, a trip to the vet is in order. IVs and other treatments may be administered at the vet’s office.
How to Keep Your Labradoodle Warm
We mentioned earlier that you can choose to put your dog in a sweater or booties when he goes outside. Some pet owners are on board with clothes for dogs, while others are decidedly not.
There are a few methods you can use in lieu of dressing your dog up to make sure his body stays warm outdoors. First, if your pup will be outside for an extended period of time, you can provide outdoor shelter. A crate or kennel with blankets draped over it will provide temporary shelter for your dog.
Avoid shaving your Labradoodle’s hair short in the winter — he’ll need that furry coat to keep insulated. Kennel cuts and summer cuts aren’t ideal for dogs in cold climates. Opt instead to keep your dog’s hair a medium to long length.
Keep your dog dry, and don’t let him outside for a long time following a bath. Blow dry him before you let him go outside to use the bathroom.
Finally, talk to your vet about feeding your Labradoodle a little more food than usual. He can use this energy to keep him warm when it’s cold outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Labradoodles get cold? Well, yes, they do! But if you have further questions, read on to learn a bit more about how to care for your Labrador-Poodle mix.
If you’re comfortable within your home, your Labradoodle will be too. However, if your pup is just coming in from playtime outside, or if he is situated in a drafty area of your home, a blanket on his bed may help make him feel more cozy!
If it’s particularly cold in your space, you can try a source of radiant heat. Warm water bottles (make sure they’re tough enough to withstand your dog’s curiosity) or rice-filled heating pads wrapped in towels are a great option.
Generally speaking, however, if the temperature is comfortable for you, it’s comfortable for your pup.
Nope, your Labradoodle will be just fine without a coat. Pay attention to your dog, and make sure you take note of his comfort. Look for the signs we’ve mentioned above — your dog will give you cues if he’s too cold.
That said, there are certainly “clothing” options available for dogs like Labradoodles. Check out Amazon or specialty pet stores for jackets, booties, raincoats, and other goodies your dog may tolerate.
Your household temperature should be between 67 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain your dog’s comfort. Again, if it’s comfortable for you, your pup is likely comfortable as well.
It’s a good idea to give a little extra care to puppies and seniors, as they’re less tolerant of cool temperatures than adult dogs. Blankets, radiant heat, and dry conditions are ideal for your dog. Please refrain from putting a space heater in your dog’s space, as he can tip it over and start a fire!
Your Labradoodle will probably love snow. That’s why it’s so important that you keep an eye on him. Like kids, your pup may be so excited to be kicking around in snow drifts that he doesn’t realize that his temperature is dropping. Supervise your dog and bring him in at the first sign that he’s getting too cold.
In a perfect world, your dog will sleep inside with you at night. The temperature of your home is just fine for your dog, so long as you’re comfortable, too.
However, this world is not ideal and we understand that some of you may have differing housing situations. If you’re camping or sleeping outdoors, consider your dog’s safety by providing him with an insulated space. A blanket-draped crate (with air circulation) will help keep him warm. Provide him with blankets to help him maintain his body temperature (from 101 to 102.5 Fahrenheit) as well.
Please do not allow your dog to sleep outdoors at night, even in a dog house. When temperatures drop, your dog risks hypothermia — even death. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your dog.
Conclusion for “Do Labradoodles Get Cold”
If you’re wondering “Do Labradoodles get cold,” the answer is yes. Just like people, Labradoodles are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, so it’s critical that you keep your dog’s environment cold.
However, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking your pup outside for an outdoor winter break! Watch him for indicators of distress, and follow the steps outlined above if your dog shows signs of hypothermia, frostbite, or just discomfort.
If you find this guide, “Do Labradoodles Get Cold,” helpful, check out:
- Why is my Labradoodle Shedding? (2023)
- 240+ Best Labradoodle Names! (2023)
- Are Labradoodles Smart? (2023)
Learn more by watching “15 Facts About Labradoodles That You 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.
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