There’s a common misconception that dogs are more resilient to colder temperatures than humans because of their fur. Although this is truer for long-haired breeds with a thicker layer of protection from the cold. Short-haired breeds can have quite a disadvantage. Temperatures below forty-five degrees Fahrenheit can make breeds like Pugs uncomfortable, with colder temperatures and snowfall posing a threat to their health.
So Can Pugs Walk In The Snow?
Yes, as long as they are given the proper winter protection to help them stay warm, protected from pollutants, and you don’t walk them when it’s too cold. That said, an older Pug won’t enjoy being outside in the elements as much as a younger dog. But walking a Pug is no different than any other dog and will do fine in the snow.
Although Pugs feel the cold more than larger and longer-haired breeds. You may find your Pug rearing to go and ready to frolic in that fresh layer of snow.
Before you say no for the sake of their health, though, a stroll in the snow is not completely out of the question. Let’s look at how to keep your pooch comfortable in the snow.
What Makes A Pug More Susceptible to the Cold and What are the Dangers of Snow?
Pugs are not necessarily built to take on extreme cold (or hot) weather. If you find yourself asking why the answer, in short, comes down to their physical characteristics.
Pugs have exceptionally fine, short hair that offers them barely any protection from cold weather conditions.
Pugs are also a small breed. As a result of their small size, their proximity to the ground makes it more likely that their bodies will come in contact with the snow, which will get them wet and make them feel the cold even more.
How Can a Walk in the Snow Impact My Pug’s Health?
Taking a walk in the snow for a prolonged amount of time can harm your Pug’s health. Especially, if they aren’t properly bundled up. Small, thin-haired dogs are at risk of developing hypothermia.
Hypothermia is when your Pug’s body temperature drops below normal. Depending on the severity of it, this can be a fatal condition and can require medical intervention.
Another less extreme impact on your Pug’s health is that harsh winter conditions can cause them to catch a cold, which Pugs are prone to catching. Having them out in the snow can potentially result in your Pug feeling under the weather and needing a visit to the vet.
Another hazard with snow can come from your little furball wanting to eat it. This is important because not a lot of people are aware of EXACTLY how polluted snow is (or rain for that matter).
What Are Snow Pollutants and Why is it Dangerous to My Pug?
When water evaporates into the air, those water molecules can’t reform into rain or snow unless they have a surface to attach to. This means that any particles in the air, like air pollutants, act like a foundation for the water molecules to build upon.
So basically, every drop of rain or flake of snow that falls contains trace amounts of pollutants and toxins. This is even more so problematic in urban areas where snow is more likely to contain elevated amounts of carcinogenic substances from vehicles.
Although these pollutants are microscopic in amount, your Pug is much more vulnerable to these toxins building up to substantial amounts over time because of their small size.
What Other Dangers Can Snow Present?
Another thing to worry about is your Pug being exposed to harmful bacteria in the snow or by chemicals like anti-freeze, which is commonly used in the winter by car owners and is extremely lethal to your dog’s health.
Drawn to it by its sweet smell and taste, your canine friend won’t know not to lick or eat it. Or they may step in it without knowing and lick their paws clean when safely inside.
If you notice your Pug walking/acting drunk, lethargic, depressed, experiencing diarrhea, or experiences seizures or convulsions after playing in the snow seek medical assistance immediately.
How Can I Help My Pug Stay Safe and Play in the Snow?
Even though a Pug’s physical characteristics cause them to feel the cold more, your Pug may be just as excited as a toddler on a snow day to see it.
Not only is it a new and different sight from the rest of the year, snow means new smells, new sounds, new ways to play, and something new to touch and jump into.
With proper weather protection, taking your Pug for a walk in the snow can be a safe and healthy outdoor venture for you both.
What is the Rule of Thumb?
When it comes to protecting your Pug from the cold, a good rule of thumb is that if y