Farm & Flock— presented by Chicken Whisperer Magazine Cold-Weather Care for Working Dogs

By Bill Costanzo, LGD Program Specialist III, Texas A & M AgriLife, and owner of Rafter C Consulting

Many LGDs stay outdoors year-round for protection.

Although LGDs with proper coats are usually suited for outdoor work, their cold tolerance varies with age, health, body condition, coat quality, acclimation, wind, and moisture. Even LGDs adapted to cold climates need dry shelter, unfrozen water, nutrition, and monitoring. Before winter, assess each dog ' s shelter, coat, age, condition, health, acclimation, and access to food and water. Since cold tolerance varies, manage based on their needs and the weather, not a fixed temperature.

Winter Assessment for Outside Dogs

Acclimate LGDs gradually as temperatures drop. Dogs abruptly moved from a warm environment to severe cold have limited opportunity to develop seasonal adaptations. Closely monitor your LGD during the initial major cold front to ensure adequate warmth.

Consider age when assessing cold tolerance. Very young puppies, senior dogs, and those with health conditions are more vulnerable to cold stress because of compromised thermoregulation, reduced body reserves, or diminished coat quality. Provide dry, protected bedding and closely monitor these dogs during freezing or wet weather.

Assess the dog ' s coat condition regularly during winter. Most LGD breeds have dense double coats with outer hairs and insulating undercoats. A clean, dry, and mat-free coat insulates better than a wet, muddy, or matted one. Long hair alone doesn ' t guarantee cold tolerance.

Monitor dog health and nutrition carefully. Underweight, injured, ill, or recovering dogs need extra attention in severe weather. Working dogs may require more calories in cold weather, but no fixed percentage applies. Adjust diets based on weight, activity, weather, body condition score( BCS), and muscle condition. Consult a veterinarian if weight loss persists despite increased feeding.

Assess an LGD ' s body size, but don ' t rely on it alone for winter hardiness. Larger dogs lose heat more slowly. Coat length, wind, moisture, age, health, and body condition also matter. Watch for winter weight loss and check ears, tail tips, and paws during severe cold and extended winter weather.

Evaluate LGD BCS throughout winter. On a nine-point scale, four to five is optimal for most adult dogs. No validated winter BCS target exists for LGDs, so avoid exceeding a healthy weight. Slightly higher BCS, such as 5.5, offers better

LGD bedding down in some hay to stay warm on a winter day in San Angelo. Photo courtesy of Costanzo, 2021.

insulation. Maintain appropriate BCS and muscle, increasing calories if needed to prevent weight loss.

Signs of Distress or Hypothermia

Hypothermia and frostbite are veterinary emergencies. Move the dog to a warm, dry place, dry its wet coat, and wrap it in heated blankets. Warm the animal gradually; avoid rubbing frostbitten tissues or using hot water or direct heat. Contact a veterinarian immediately and transport the dog for evaluation.

Early Signs:

• Rectal temperature below the normal canine range( about 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit is normal)

• Shivering( although shivering alone does not reliably indicate the severity of hypothermia)

• Reluctance to move, lifting paws, hunched posture, or seeking shelter

Moderate Signs:

• Weakness, abnormal stiffness, or poor coordination

• Slow or shallow breathing

• Confusion, lethargy, or decreased responsiveness

Severe Signs:

• Collapse, unconsciousness, or markedly reduced responsiveness

• Pale or cool skin and tissues, especially the ears, tail tip, feet, or paws

• Persistent wetness, ice accumulation, or snow packed into the coat or between the toes, especially when accompanied by other signs of cold stress

10 AcreageLife November 2026 AcreageLife. com