Bernese Mountains dogs (also known as Berners) are incredibly energetic to the extent that cold weather doesn’t seem to limit their urge to engage in outdoor activities.
So, if you have a Berner who can’t keep calm and always want to go out even when its chilling cold and you can’t help but ask, ‘How cold can Bernese Mountain dogs withstand?’, then read on as I got you covered.
I will be providing you with accurate answers on what cold temperatures Bernese Mountain dogs can withstand and for how long.
I will also walk you through some of the telltale signs that show your Bernese has been exposed to too much cold.
And please don’t fail to read to the end of the article, as I have selectively provided you with some practical tips on how to keep your hound warm during a cold season.
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How Cold Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Withstand?
Adult Bernese Mountain dogs can withstand cold weather as low as 10.4 °F (-12 °C).
They can stay in the cold for approximately 30 minutes without experiencing any adverse effects caused by exposure to extreme temperatures.
But it’s essential that you don’t leave your Berner outside and unsupervised for long durations during cold seasons.
How Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Adapt To Cold Weather?
The Bernese Mountain dog’s long thick, and water-resistant double coat helps this dog breed adapt to living in cold weather(s).
Their large size and energetic nature also contribute favorably to their inherent ability to live in cold areas or regions.
How Do You Tell That Your Bernese Mountain Dog Is Too Cold?
Below are the telltale signs that indicate your Berner has been exposed to too much cold;
#Shivering Or Trembling
Shivering is characterized by involuntary shaking of either a part of your dog’s body or its whole body.
When exposed to too much cold, your Berner’s skeletal muscles will resort to ‘shaking’ in order to produce heat/warmth.
#Excessive Barking, Howling, Or Whining
Berners tend to be excessively vocal when they want to communicate to you about something.
So, if you notice your Berner barking, whining, or howling more than usual when you are out during a cold weather, it’s an indicative sign that it’s trying to tell you it is feeling cold.
#Reduced Level Of Activity Or Movement
When your Berner gets too cold, its level of activity and movement may be significantly reduced.
This is usually caused by muscle stiffening that’s caused by loss of heat and excessive contraction of the muscles.
#Curling Up
A curled-up position in a dog can be simply be described as a dog assuming a ball like shape.
Usually, your Berner will take this position as a way of conserving heat, especially when it has been exposed to too much cold.
Note! A dog that’s feeling warm sleep with its legs extended
#Its Inner Gums Appear To Be Discolored
The normal color of your Bernese inner gums is usually pink.
However, when it’s exposed to too much cold, the pink color tends to become discolored, and a pale blue coloration takes over in your dog’s gum.
This shows that your dog isn’t receiving enough oxygenated blood due to excessive exposure to cold.
#The Paws And Ears Are Cold To Touch
If your dog’s paws or ears are cold to touch, then that’s a telltale sign that your Bernese Mountain dog is too cold, and it’s time that you both head indoors if you are in the outdoor space.
Pro tip; If your Berner, who enjoys going out for walks, is hesitant to continue walking after a walking period of at least 15 minutes, then it’s safe to assume that your dogs’ feet have become extremely cold.
Tips On How To Keep Your Bernese Mountain Dog Warm During Extremely Cold Weather
#Invest In Warm Dog Clothes
A Dog Jacket Or Sweater
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A [amazon link=” B07G5W3HGM ” title=”dog jacket” link_icon=”amazon” /] or a dog sweater will help keep your Berner warm when you are out for a walk or a run during the cold weather.
Ensure that you get your dog a jacket or a sweater that covers its neck and belly and is long enough to reach its tail’s base.
Also, make sure that it’s waterproof, has buttons or a zipper (makes it easy to take off and on), and snuggly fit your dog.
Consider getting your hound a jacket or sweater made by the use of 100% cotton, as this fabric is most of the time hypoallergenic.
Booties
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[amazon link=” B08DD5CZLB ” title=”Dog booties” link_icon=”amazon” /] serve to cushion your Bernese paws or feet against the adverse effects of stepping on cold surfaces.
When buying your Bernese Mountain Dog boots, ensure that the shoes have; shoelaces that make it easy for you to put them on your dog.
A textured sole to provide a firm grip (snow can be pretty slippery).
And that the boots are made by use of waterproof material, which helps keep your dog’s feet dry.
#Cold Proof Its Crate
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You can cold-proof your dog’s crate by keeping it insulated.
You can achieve this by; Placing a warm, clean and breathable [amazon link=” B077GK2GBC ” title=”blanket” link_icon=”amazon” /] on the top of the crate to cover it.
Ensure that you leave at least ¼ of your dog’s crate uncovered to promote free air circulation.
You can also use warm water filled in clean plastic bottles to warm your dog’s crate.
Place at least 4 bottles filled with warm water and wrapped with a piece of cloth at the corners of your hound’s crate to maintain a heated sleeping space for your hound.
#Avoid Taking Your Dog Outdoor
If it’s possible, avoid taking your dog out for outdoor activities and if you do so, ensure that you stay for a maximum of 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Pro-tip; Make your indoor space feel more like an outdoor space for your Berner. You can do this by; selecting a well-ventilated and naturally lighted room.
I recommend using a spare bedroom, your Foyer, or your garage (if it’s underground) to create a more like outdoor space for your Berner.
Be sure to install durable temporary fences to keep your hound’s movements somewhat limited when it’s playing or running around.
#Provide Your Bernese Mountain Dog With Enough Beddings
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Providing your Bernese Mountain dog with enough beddings will ensure that it stays warm thus getting enough sleep during a chilling night.
Enough rest or sleep is essential as it determines both your Bernese mental and physical health.
Pro-tip; Make sure that your dog’s beddings are easy to clean, absorbent, tear-resistant, and breathable.
I recommend purchasing [amazon link=” B07Z987NQY ” title=”dog bedding” link_icon=”amazon” /] made of cotton.
#Provide It With Enough Food And Water
Providing your dog with enough food and water will help keep it warm during a cold season.
Extra tip; provide your Berner with foods that take a bit more time to digest, as this helps keep your dog warm throughout even when it’s not performing any activities.
I recommend feeding your Berner with Food rich in quality proteins and fats as they take more time to digest.
Pro-tip; Warm your dog’s food before feeding but ensure that it’s not hot as it may end up damaging your Berner’s esophagus, which is very sensitive to hot drinks and food.
You can also mix your dog’s wet food with its dry food. This not only makes it a bit less cold but also adds flavor to your dog’s meal. Don’t overfeed your Berner, as you risk having it become obese.
#Interchange Water And Waterless Bath Session
Consider interchanging your doggie’s bath by giving it a bath that uses water and a waterless bath during the cold season.
Consider reducing the number of times you bathe your Berner with water. Always use warm water to clean your hound.
Immediately after a bath, dry it with an absorbent towel and use a dog dryer to dry its hair thoroughly.
This will help reduce the risks of your dog acquiring cold-related respiratory illnesses, which may sometimes be life-threatening.
NOTE! A waterless bath cannot be used to clean the whole body of your Berner, so be sure to interchange this method after every 3 times you employ it.
Below are the number of ways through which you can use a waterless bath to keep your Berner smelling fresh and clean;
Use A Waterless Shampoo
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You can do this by; using a dog-safe [amazon link=” B01J8JMFKG ” title=”waterless shampoo” link_icon=”amazon” /].
Ensure that you thoroughly rub it in your Bernese coat. Use a clean towel to wipe off the excess waterless shampoo.
Use Vet-Approved Dog Wipes
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Use a [amazon link=” B07NHL31CC ” title=”dog wipe” link_icon=”amazon” /] to clean dirty spots on your Bernese coat.
Ensure that you clean your hound with a hypoallergenic wipe and one that doesn’t easily disintegrate when used.
NOTE! Dogs tend to add weight during cold seasons due to reduced physical activity. So, ensure that you still keep your dog active by engaging it in physical exercises.
Conclusion
Adult Bernese Mountain dogs can withstand extreme cold weather with temperatures of -4°F (-20°C). for around 30 minutes without experiencing any adverse effects caused by exposure to cold weather.
Your Berner will exhibit the following signs when exposed to too much cold; Shivering or trembling, reduced levels of activity and movement, excessive vocalization, and assuming a curled-up position.
Also, your dog’s inner gums may discolor, or its paw may feel cold on the touch when it is exposed to excessive cold for a long time.
You can keep your dog warm during a chilling season by; Insulating its cage, investing in a dog jacket or sweat and laced shoes.
You can also interchange its bathing methods (waterless and water baths) and provide it with enough water and food to keep it warm and prevent it from getting respiratory illnesses associate with exposure to cold.
