How Long Can a Golden Retriever Play in the Snow? (The Facts)

People aren’t the only ones who enjoy a winter landscape. Golden Retrievers absolutely love playing in the snow! Running, jumping and frolicking in the snow suits a Golden’s sense of adventure, but you want to make sure that they stay safe from the damaging effects of the cold. So, how long can a Golden Retriever play in the snow before it becomes unsafe?

A Golden Retriever should only play in the snow for 30 minutes at a time. Any longer than that, and you run the risk of your dog getting too cold, and suffering from frostbite. You can increase your Golden’s time in the snow by outfitting them with warm protective gear such as a jacket and paw protectors.

A Golden Retriever will play in the snow until he drops, he cannot tell you when he’s too cold, so it’s your responsibility to be aware of the signs. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about Golden Retrievers playing in the snow, signs he’s getting too cold, and a few safety tips for cold weather fun.

Golden Retrievers & Low Temperatures

Golden Retrievers are high-energy dogs and require a lot of exercise regardless of the weather outside. However, they’re also not meant to be in the cold or snow for long periods of time. So, let’s go over a few facts about Golden Retrievers and cold weather, such as how cold is too cold and how long they can be in the snow.

Golden Retrievers have long, thick double-coats that might make you think they’re well suited for cold weather, but you’d be wrong. Their warm fur coat certainly helps them tolerate some cold temperatures and stay warm for a while, but not for as long as you might think.

Golden Retrievers are most comfortable in temperatures between 45℉ and 90℉. As we already know, it must be below freezing in order to snow, which means it’s a little too cold for them to be in that kind of weather for very long.

However, it’s perfectly safe for your dog to play in the snow for a little while. Golden Retrievers love the experience of chasing snowballs and jumping in giant drifts of snow. But try to limit his time in these conditions to about thirty minutes at a time. Just as with people, it’s necessary to ensure your dog has the proper cold-weather gear for safety and comfort during the colder winter months.

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Signs Your Golden Retriever Is Too Cold

As a Golden Retriever owner, it’s critical to recognize the signs when your dog is too cold. Because your furry friend cannot speak for themselves, as pet owners, we’re responsible for their best interests and noticing when something isn’t quite right with their behavior.

Here are a few signs to look for that will tell you that your Golden Retriever is too cold:

• Shivering and shaking
• A lot of whining or barking
• Stillness or slowness while walking
• Limping or continuously lifting their paws off of the ground
• General discomfort or anxiety (this is not a sign by itself, instead would be coupled with other signs)
• Seeking warm places to go

These signs and symptoms may not be an exhaustive list, but at least some of these signs will be apparent if your Golden is in the cold for too long. Once you notice one of more of these signs, it’s time to get your Golden out of the harsh elements and get him warmed up again.

Recommended Reading: The 19 Best Toys Golden Retrievers Will Actually Play With!

How To Warm Your Golden Retriever

If you notice your Golden Retriever showing signs of being too cold, here’s how you should warm him after coming in from a snow day:

1. Dry him thoroughly. Your Golden Retriever is likely to be a little damp and maybe even icy after playing in the snow. Before settling in, make sure he’s completely dried off. Leaving your dog with damp or wet fur will keep him feeling chilly, even in the warm temperatures of your home. For perspective, think about how hard it can be for you to warm up when you have wet hair.
2. Give him a heated dog bed. A heated dog bed, such as the Homello Waterproof Electric Heating Mat (Amazon), will be your dog’s favorite thing in the wintertime, but especially coming inside after playing in the snow. These innovative dog beds have plenty of safety features to avoid overheating your dog. They also have chew-resistant cords and are waterproof.

Homello Electric Heating Mat

Golden Retriever Safety Tips for Cold Weather and Snow

Just because it’s cold outside, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun in the snow with your best friend. So, let’s go over a few ways to ensure maximum comfort for cold weather or when it’s difficult to avoid the snow.

Winter Accessories for Golden Retrievers

There are a few options that make winter weather more tolerable for your Golden Retriever. And, best of all, they’re easy and affordable to implement. Consider getting each of these winter accessories for your Golden Retriever – you won’t regret it, and your dog will thank you.

First, you can get your dog a warm jacket. A winter jacket such as this ASENKU Dog Winter Coat (Amazon) will do the job. You want your dog’s winter apparel to be thick, warm, and windproof to keep them comfortable as long as possible. It should also be compatible with the leash or harness that you already use. While a jacket might not be necessary for a healthy adult dog, a senior dog or a Golden Retriever puppy will be more susceptible to cold temperatures.

Second, you can get your dog booties. Waterproof and anti-slip dog shoes, such as the XSY&G Dog Boots, will keep your Golden Retrievers feet warm and dry in snowy weather. These are also great for protecting your dog’s paws from the salt spread on sidewalks in more urban environments.

Paw Protecting Dog Booties

That salt can be extremely painful on your dog’s paws. Even better, these boots can be used in warmer months to protect your puppy’s paws from hot asphalt. They might take some getting used to on your dog’s part, but it won’t take long.

Third, apply some paw butter. A dog’s paw pad is very sensitive, and during the dry winter months it is susceptible to drying out and cracking, especially after being outside in the elements. By regularly applying some Bodi Dog Paw Balm (Amazon) you can protect and repair the skin on your dog’s feet from any painful damage.

Alternatives to Outdoor Play For Your Golden Retriever

During the colder months, your Golden Retriever will, of course, have to go outside to go to the bathroom, but it might be best to avoid frigid temperatures as much as possible. There are tons of ways you and your dog can still have fun inside. Let’s look at a few way your Golden can get exercise and stimulation without going outside during the coldest months:

• Set up a playdate. Invite another puppy friend over to play with your Golden Retriever. Playing with other dogs is an excellent way for your pup to exercise and practice critical social skills.
• Play fetch. Even in medium-sized apartments, your dog can get some exercise by chasing a ball or toy around. Best of all, Golden Retrievers love to play fetch.
• Give him brain teasers. These games are great for mental stimulation, which can tire your Golden Retriever out almost as fast as exercise. Check out the Outward Hound Dog Twister (Amazon). This is an interactive treat puzzle toy that will keep your dog entertained. Save these exciting toys for when your Golden cannot go outside, so it’s an unexpected fun activity! These are especially good toys for food-motivated dogs like a Golden Retriever.

Recommended Reading: 11 Best Games To Play With A Golden Retriever (Very Fun!)

If your dog really wants to play out in the snow, let him play for a bit when he goes out to use the bathroom, but keep playtime limited to a few minutes before calling him back inside.

Final Thoughts

Golden Retrievers are amazing pets, always doing their best to make you happy. As pet owners, we want to do our best to reciprocate their love and affection. One way to do that is to ensure that their safety is your top priority during cold and snowy weather.

Even though your dog cannot tell you when he is too cold, you now know all of the warning signs. Playing in the snow is perfectly safe for short periods of time (about 30 minutes), but keep an eye out for those symptoms. Otherwise, consider getting special outdoor apparel or avoiding the cold temperatures altogether.

Sources:

• AKC: Winter Tips For Dogs
• Wikipedia: Dog Booties