This Is How to Determine If It’s Too Cold For Your Dog To Be Outside

El Paso winters are typically more mild than wild, but we do get cold fronts and the occasional snow day.

If your dogs are anything like mine, they’re up for a romp or two outdoors -- rain or shine, hot or cold, they're ready to go outside and bark it up. But just because they can, doesn't mean they should -- especially on those rare super-cold days.

In case you didn’t know, pets can get hypothermia just like humans. How do you know when it’s too cold for your dog to play or hang outside?

Pet insurance company Fetch Pet consulted its in-house veterinarian and their expert says size, coat, and the elements are the most important factors to consider.

Size

For most large dogs the unsafe potential temps are between 40 to 20 degrees. Anything below is dangerous and life threatening. The unsafe mark for medium or little breeds is 45 to 30 degrees. Anything below is can be dangerous and life threatening.

Coat weight

Consider their coat thickness, too. Dog breeds with heavy, denser coats can still be comfortable in colder temperatures, but if your dog has a thin coat, regardless of its size, and the temperature is below 45 degrees, it’s time to put them in an adorable doggie sweater.

Moisture

Always consider the elements when taking your dog outside. "Walking your dog in rainy, windy, foggy and overcast conditions when it’s below 32 degrees isn’t the best idea."

Cold Weather Safety Chart

Below is a chart created by Fresh Pet to help you determine if it's too cold for your dog to be outside.

One last thing. If you can't or won't bring your dog indoors, consider buying Fido an insulated pet house. At the very least, build some kind of a protective enclosure to shield them from the wind and cold.

Don’t be a d***.