How Cold Can A Blue Heeler Be Outside? Pro Tips To Fight The Cold

Your Blue Heeler is robust with his thick double coat. Unfortunately, it doesn’t mean that you can let him out in the snow for hours. 

Humans and animals have a specific endurance level to temperature. Beyond that friend, one may face unexpected disasters. 

So how cold can a Blue Heeler be outside? Let’s follow our post to find out the best running routine with your little puppy in the freezing air! 

How Cold Can A Blue Heeler Be Outside? 

Blue Heelers find the temperatures of 50 to 70°F gentle. They can withstand a lower range, from 40 to 50°F, but you should give them a warm jacket. 

Blue Heelers (Australian Cattle Dogs) are strong animals with a double coat that is thick and water-resistant.

This coat protects them from rain, wind, cold, and snow. As long as your pet moves, he can endure temperatures as cold as zero.

How well a Blue Heeler tolerates the cold also depends on the weather. At the same degree, a wet, windy day will seem much colder than one that is sunny.

Another factor is the amount of time spent outdoors in the cold. The impacts of the cold can initially appear mild, but they can eventually freeze the whole body. 

how cold can blue heelers tolerate

1. A Blue Heeler can endure a mild cold

How Cold Is Too Cold For A Blue Heeler?

A temperature below 15°F is dangerous for Blue Heelers. Although they can endure the temperature range of 15 to 40°F, you’d better give them a jacket. 

Blue Heelers and Red Heelers have thick coats, letting them feel at ease when winter comes. However, it doesn’t mean that these animals are not afraid of the cold. This table will reveal how freezing your pet can withstand. 

Temperature Recommendation
50 to 70°F Ideal conditions
40 to 50°F Good
30 to 40°F The bottom of the safe zone 
15 to 30°F Potentially dangerous
0 to 15°F Dangerous in long periods 
0°F or lower  Dangerous 

Over time, the effects of the cold on your dog’s body worsen. What might first appear acceptable will soon become painful and intolerable.

Time could change from unpleasant to dangerous depending on the weather.

Humans can be comfortable in the snow when dressing warmly and dry. However, your dog may go from fine to deadly without your notice.

To protect them, pay attention to the following signs: 

  • Shaking or shivering (to get warm)
  • Whimpering and whining
  • Tail tucking between legs
  • Slowing down
  • Looking weak
  • Burrowing the ground to find warm places 

Bring your lovely pet indoors as soon as you are aware of any of these symptoms since they might be the early warning signs of hypothermia.

Your pet shouldn’t spend much time outside if it’s too chilly for you to be there. 

how cold can a blue heeler be outside alone

2. The extremely cold weather is dangerous for your pet

How To Keep Your Dog Safe In Cold Weather? 

When the weather is getting cold, think about how to protect your pet. Here are some tips you should try.

Limit your pet’s time outdoors.

Dogs are vulnerable to frostbite, especially on their sensitive tail and ears. Hence, keep them at home during periods of extreme cold. 

Avoid dehydration.

Even though it’s not hot outside, dogs can still become dehydrated in the winter. As a result, always bring a bottle of water when walking with them.

Check your pet’s dry skin.

Dogs are susceptible to dry skin in the wintertime, especially if they stay inside when the temperature drops. Fortunately, keeping dry skin is not complicated.

You don’t have to bathe your Australian Cattle Dog often. But if you do, use a soothing oatmeal shampoo. 

Another at-home solution to try is coconut oil application on your dog’s coat, combined with a vet-recommended fatty acid supplement.

Manage your pet’s diet.

The amount of calories your dog needs varies depending on his weight and coat thickness. Dogs with minimal body fat and short, hairless coats may require more calories to stay warm during the cold season.

On the other hand, Blue Heelers with thicker coats and higher fat densities require fewer calories. They don’t need to spend much energy since they are more insulated from the frost.

Buy a warm dog bed.

Safe heated dog beds work well for your pets. Search for one with an auto-shutoff that is designed specifically for dogs. 

Consider grooming.

During the colder seasons of the year, you might want to think about a long hairstyle for your dog since pets want furry coats to stay warm when the winter arrives.

Shaving your dog’s coat can make it extremely difficult to maintain their warmth and regulate their body temperature, especially if they have a double coat like an Australian Cattle Dog.

how cold can a blue heeler be outside be

3. Learn how to protect your dog

Conclusion 

So how cold can a Blue Heeler be outside? Temperatures of 50 to 70°F are gentle for Blue Heelers. If the temperature drops below that range, equip your pet with a jacket or even keep him indoors. 

Winter can be dangerous to pets. So check our guide carefully when the cold comes. Your pet will appreciate it. 

Thank you for reading!

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