Pomeranian is one of the most popular breeds to have since they are cute and adorable. Taking care of them is not easy. In extreme weather like winter, the thing can get even harder. To avoid some unnecessary things, it is better for you to know what temperature is too cold for them.
What temperature is too cold for a Pomeranian?
Pomeranians are counted as small breeds so you will need to protect them in a sweater or jacket if the temperature is under 32 degrees. If it is getting worse to under 20 degrees, it is needed for you to check out for the symptoms to see if they are getting cold.
According to the general rule, a Pomeranian can be outside in the temperature between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for about 60 minutes and 30 minutes if the temperature is between 10 and 32 degree Fahrenheit. If the temperature reaches 10 degrees Fahrenheit, you must limit the exposure to the cold to avoid the bad things.
The cold tolerance
Pomeranians are blessed with double coats and they are originally from Germany and Poland. Since they have thick double coated fur, they are a bit tolerant of cold temperatures. The temperature under 32 degrees is too cold for a Pomeranian, that’s why it is better for you to put on a winter coat for them when it is under 32 degree.
It is always recommended to avoid rainy or cold to avoid hypothermia or frostbite. Every time the weather turns into cold, it is important to check out the reaction of a Pomeranian to the cold weather. Some of them might refuse to go out if the weather gets too cold. When the temperatures are under the normal state, you are encouraged to give them a paper train.
Cold warning signs
If your Pomeranian is too cold, there are a few signs that usually seen, such as:
- Shaking or shivering
- Whining or barking
- Changing in behavior like getting nervous, anxious, or uncomfortable
- Changing the posture into hunching with a tucked-in tail.
- Finding something to rest
- Lifting the paw off the ground
- Walking or wanting to turn around
Pomeranians and hypothermia
If you are wondering how long will it take for the Pomeranian to get hypothermia, the answer depends on the temperature and if there is any sort of protection. If the Pomeranian has a wet coat, the risk of getting hypothermia is faster. Keep in mind that hypothermia can be developed in any long period of time spent outside in any temperature that is lower than the dog has. For the Pomeranian dogs, since the normal body temperature is 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, hypothermia is a body with the temperature of 98 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degree Celsius.
In the cold weather, a Pomeranian can get hypothermia when they get wet from stepping into a puddle or for some uncertain reasons get outside after a bath and when the coat is wet. This medical emergency can happen in as little as 15 minutes. When you are outside and you have your Pomeranian with you and their coats are wet from playing in the snow, they will probably get hypothermia after 20 to minutes. For this, it depends on the temperature. If the coat is dry and the temperature is over 32 degrees Fahrenheit but below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, they can be outside for about an hour. It can be longer up to two hours if they are active and hydrated. If they are active and hydrated and they have a dry coat, as well as the temperature which is under 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the safest time to be outside is limited to 30 to 45 minutes. You can extend the time to an hour if you give them protection such as the winter coat or the other clothing that can make them warm. If you take them outside with the cold temperature of 10 degrees Fahrenheit or less, you only have about 10 minutes unless you want them to get frozen.
Pomeranians and frostbite
Frostbite can happen to dogs, including to Pomeranians. This kind of thing can actually happen to the ones that are left outside for long periods of time in the extreme cold weather. There are some areas that usually get affected, such as nose, paws, tail, and tips of the ears.
Just like hypothermia, the amount of time it would take for the Pomeranian to get frostbite depends on the air temperature as well as the wind chill factor, which could vary. Actually, the chance of getting frostbite from the normal outdoor activities such as walking or being outside is low. In the temperature of 0 degree Fahrenheit with 15 mph winds, the frostbite could happen in just a half hour. It might also occur in a half hour if it is 5 degrees Fahrenheit with 30 mph winds.
Caring for Pomeranians in the cold weather
Here are a few tips to follow in the cold:
- Follow the normal brushing routine to remove the dead hairs and to avoid tangle.
- Apply some conditioner in the morning and before bed time.
- Use a small pin brush to brush them and do it to the roots. It is effective to protect the skin from being dry.
- Bath them every three weeks to prevent dry, flaky, and itchy skin. do not forget to use a high quality shampoo.
- Use a paw balm to protect the paw from the extreme weather. You might also need to get them booties if there are salt or chemicals on the ground that are usually used to melt the ice.
- Feed them with more food, especially the ones with fats and protein so that they will get more energy. Some of the recommended foods include lamb, chicken with skin, organ meats, sirloin steaks, and so on. You might also want to give them fish or poultry if your Pomeranian is less active.
