As the winter approaches, you’re slowly preparing for the winter vacation. You’re actively looking into places where you can go skiing with your family and buy all the necessary equipment.
However, there’s one family member of which you’re not sure how they will handle the cold weather. And that’s your new adopted Corgi puppy.
So, normally, you’re starting to get worried and searching the web every day, hoping you can get some answers.
The topics such as “Can Corgis go in snow?” “Do Corgis need a winter sweater?” and “Do Corgis get cold?” are quickly starting to fill up your search history section.
But there’s no room for panic. Corgis have two layers of coat that protect them from a wide range of hot or cold temperatures: They have a thick, dense undercoat and a fluffy outer coat – which happens to be all over your furniture.
Nonetheless, there are situations where caution needs to be taken to prevent your pup from getting too cold. We’ll explain everything below, so make sure you read the whole thing.
Let’s get started!
Do Corgis Like Snow?
Corgis adore snow! They are a playful and energetic breed that’s always ready for action.
Therefore, if your Corgi is about to experience snow for the first time – there’s no need to worry. Your pup will be having the time of its life.
What’s more, it’s even better if it has another playmate around.
However, there’s a catch:
Corgis, like any other dog, can’t stand the cold weather for a long period of time. Walks and playtime should not last more than 25 to 30 minutes.
That’s simply because once your Corgi’s coat starts to get wetter from the melting snow, the dog will become susceptible to the cold. Also, the risk of hypothermia becomes greater.
Why Do Corgis Love Snow?
Since dogs never lose their childlike fascination with new experiences, snow will be fun and exciting for your Corgi pup. It’s a new material to interact with, just like a pile of leaves in the fall.
Besides that, snow is fun to play with and handle:
Your Corgi will roll and bounce in it for sure. Some scientists also think that many breeds enjoy frolicking in the snow as it represents embracing the cold weather and relates to the sensory features of the snow.
What Temperature Is Too Cold For A Corgi?
Even though Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgi do not share the same ancestor and are very different breeds, they both have two layers of coats that protect them from extreme temperatures.
As we mentioned earlier, they have a straight, fluffy outer coat and a thick, dense undercoat.
Now, when we are talking about how cold is too cold for a Corgi, we would have to consider several things such as weather conditions (wet, dry or windy), time spent outside in the cold, and similar.
But typically, Corgis are indoor breeds and should not be left outside in cold weather for more extended periods.
Going out for a walk around the block or in your backyard so your pup can go potty during extremely cold weather is fine. As long as it doesn’t last more than 10 to 30 minutes at a time, that is.
If the weather outside is cold, and it is raining, snowing, or even windy, your Corgi’s coat should still be able to repel the moisture or water and keep them warm.
However, that doesn’t mean they will stay dry and warm forever.
Unusually low temperatures mixed with snow or rain will eventually break through those layers, making your dog uncomfortable and cold.
You should also keep an eye on their feet because they may get cold faster. You’ll know when your puppy is cold as it will probably start raising its paws in the air. That’s usually the first warning that you should get inside.
The Best Temperature For Corgis
Corgis will generally be most comfortable within a temperature range of 50 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (or between 10 and 28 degrees Celsius).
However, many people say that temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit – which would be the lower limit – and 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 4 degrees Celsius) make little to no difference.
Why Do Corgis Get Cold Despite Their Double Coats?
Although cute, Corgis’ short fluffy legs mean they’re closer to the ground. In other words – cold surfaces draw out body heat way faster than your puppy can retain it.
That’s why they’ll get cold faster than a Husky or German Shepherd, for example.
Moreover, you’ll have to keep in mind that weather conditions are more important than the temperature alone. If it’s raining or snowing outside, and your Corgi gets wet, it won’t be able to remain warm.
It’s important to note that even though the Corgi’s coat is water-resistant, it is not waterproof. If it is around or below freezing, it’s not a bad idea to consider adding a waterproof jacket to keep your pup from getting too soaked – and, in turn, getting cold.
Warning Signs That Your Corgi’s Too Cold
Here are some of the signs that your Corgi is getting too cold; these might help you to act in time:
1. Holding A Paw Up
That’s one of the first signs your puppy is cold. Your dog will try to hold any of its paws off the ground as they’re the first point of contact. Their paws can potentially freeze if your dog spends too much time in the cold weather.
2. Slowing Down
When dogs are too cold, their movements often slow down. If this happens, your Corgi may even refuse to walk. So, the best option would be to pick your dog up and carry it home or to the car.
3. Shaking Or Shivering
Same as us humans, dogs will also start shaking or shivering if they get too cold. Head back inside as soon as you notice it.
4. Hunched Back
If your Corgi hunches its back over, it usually means that it’s getting cold and that your dog had enough of the walk or play outside.
5. Other Cold Warning Signs
Here are some of the other signs that your pup is too cold:
- Seeming anxious or uncomfortable
- Seeking shelter
- Whining
- Barking for no reason
- Tucked in tail
- Curling up
The Dangers Of The Cold Weather
Your Corgi can sometimes get a fever if the weather conditions are extremely hot or cold. To make matters worse, if your pup’s temperature drops dramatically, it’s in danger of getting hypothermia.
A dog’s body temperature is slightly higher than ours – and if it drops below 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius), it can be a cause for concern.
A severe drop below 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit could be life-threatening.
Small breeds like Corgis, puppies, elderly dogs, or dogs with shaved or short coats are at increased risk of hypothermia. The same goes for thinner dogs or dogs with health issues, such as hyperthyroidism.
Signs of hypothermia include:
- Lethargy, weakness
- Acting sleepy
- Trembling
- Pale gums and skin
- Strong shaking
- Dilated pupils
- Decreased heart rate
- Trouble walking or breathing
- Unconsciousness
- Dry nose
- Red eyes
If you notice any of the symptoms, remove your Corgi from the cold, dry them, and warm up with blankets and hot drinks. It’s important to notice these signs on time because they could lead to coma or heart failure if left untreated.
Keep Your Corgi Pup Warm In The Cold Weather
Luckily for you – and your Corgi – there are several ways to keep your pup warm during wintertime. With the right equipment, you can carry on with your daily routine of playtime, exercise, and walks throughout cold and wet weather conditions.
Winter Jacket
If you shaved your Corgi’s coat for some reason or have a puppy that hasn’t grown enough undercoat hair yet, it’s best to consider a water-resistant jacket.
Moreover, if you need to be outside with your Corgi for an extended period, you might also want to consider having a coat or a jacket to help keep your dog warm.
The jacket or a coat will not only keep your dog warm and partially dry but will also protect its belly, which has the least amount of hair. Remember that keeping your dog dry means it will remain warm for longer, too.
Paw Wax
The belly and paw pads are the main reasons why Corgis lose body heat, as they’re in direct contact with the ground.
Paw wax is a replacement for boots. The wax creates a layer that protects paws and keeps your pup warmer.
The oiliness of the wax repels water, snow, and ice. Moreover, it can also protect the paws from cracking as sometimes there’s salt on the ground – especially when there’s snow and ice.
Cracked paw pads can be extremely painful and often require vet assistance. The lotion will keep the paw pads moisturized during the winter months.
Winter Boots
The significant advantage of winter boots is that they will protect the pads from salt and other ice-melting solutions way better than paw wax.
Some brands sell disposable boots, which are meant to be worn one to four times. They’re a convenient option, but you’ll have to replace them after that period as they’ll probably start to develop tears in them.
Bonus Tips On How To Warm Up Your Corgi
Cutting the time spent outside and the number of daily walks will help keep your Corgi warm for sure. Here are some of the other tips you can follow:
- Turn the heat thermostat up
- Put a warm rug/mat near your dog’s feeding bowl
- Get your Corgi a thick, cozy blanket
- Wash and dry your dog’s paw pads to prevent cracks or irritation
- Provide lukewarm drinking water
- Do some indoor exercise
- Buy cozy, high-quality car seat covers
Can Corgis Go In Snow? – Conclusion
Yes, they absolutely can – and they’ll love every minute of it. However, Corgis can’t stay in it for a long time. So, try reducing the walks and plays to a maximum of 30 minutes at a time.
If the weather conditions are too cold and wet, consider a winter jacket and doggy boots to keep your dog warm as long as possible.