As snow began to enter New Jersey’s forecast this week, PetMD expert Dr. Jennifer Coates warned that whether it is safe to walk a dog in cold weather “it depends on what breed you have.” The comment — part of winter pet-safety coverage carried by the Safety tip some NJ pet owners forget while walking in the snow — underscores that canine tolerance to cold varies sharply with coat type, size and individual condition.

Dr. Coates, identified by her PetMD affiliation, urged owners to let breed differences guide decisions about how long to spend outdoors and whether to outfit pets in coats or booties. “Breed and coat type are the primary determinants of how a dog handles cold,” the article states, echoing broader guidance from national animal-welfare and veterinary groups.

Practical comparisons help explain why a single temperature cutoff is of limited use. Sources citing the American Kennel Club and practicing veterinarians outline general temperature bands: above about 45°F is usually comfortable for most dogs; between 32°F and 45°F warrants shorter outings (roughly limiting exercise to about 30 minutes and exercising caution with small or short-haired breeds); and in the 20°F to 32°F range, walks are best kept to 10–15 minutes for vulnerable animals, with increased risk for thin-coated, small or very young and old dogs as temperatures fall further. For more information, see A Dog Walk Temperature Chart for Every Season – Amenify.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals framed a straightforward test: “if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet.” Local owners are already adjusting routes and timing as snow is forecasted, shortening walks and avoiding slushy sidewalks where salt and chemicals can harm paws. Regional outlets such as Nj1015 have run complementary pieces advising residents to rethink daily routines as winter conditions begin to shift.

Veterinary guidance in the piece emphasized observation of each animal rather than strict temperature cutoffs. Dog owners can assess an individual pet’s cold tolerance by watching for clear behavioral and physical signs: shivering or trembling, whining, lifting paws off the ground, a tucked tail, hunched posture, anxiety or reluctance to continue walking. Those signals, together with factors such as coat thickness, body size, weight, age and overall health, should guide decisions about when to shorten or end an outing. For further insights, refer to Understanding Your Dog’s Tolerance to Cold – WoofCrate.

The story also noted practical winter-care measures beyond the walk itself. Owners are encouraged to keep dogs’ bedding elevated and insulated away from drafts, ensure access to room-temperature water so pets do not become dehydrated, and protect paws with wax, balm or booties to guard against ice, salt and chemical irritants. The report advised drying dogs thoroughly after outdoor exposure to reduce chill from wet fur. Additional winter care tips can be found in Dog Care in Winter: The Ultimate Pet Parent Guide to a Snug Season.

For broader context, the article pointed readers to background resources that catalog how different breeds respond to cold, including third-party summaries such as Amenify and guidance aggregated from veterinary sources. Those materials supply comparative charts and breed-specific considerations that complement Dr. Coates’s recommendation to tailor outdoor time and clothing to the animal rather than rely on a single rule of thumb.

The Asbury Park Press item carrying the guidance was published at 5:02 a.m. ET. It presents counsel for owners managing walks and exercise as colder weather arrives and snow moves into forecasts, and it reflects both national associations’ plain-language advice and local reporting on changing conditions.

For New Jersey dog owners, the message is straightforward and practical: monitor your pet, consider breed and coat, and modify walks and home preparations as the season changes. The combined guidance from PetMD, the ASPCA and veterinary groups offers a simple framework for those decisions as winter closes in.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.