In Latvia, representatives from the Food and Veterinary Service highlight the importance of considering various factors before determining how long pets can safely stay outside in cold weather. These factors include the animal's adaptation to outdoor conditions, whether it has been outdoors since autumn, availability of shelter, and its nutritional status, particularly fat layer. Short-haired breeds may struggle more with the cold than those accustomed to outdoor living.

Veterinarians explain that there is no universal temperature limit that applies to all dogs; the amount of time a dog can spend outdoors depends on its lifestyle, level of physical activity, and adaptation to weather conditions. For instance, dogs that regularly go on long, active walks can tolerate cold more effectively than those that primarily stay indoors and only come outside briefly.

Signs of hypothermia in pets are crucial for pet owners to recognize. Symptoms include shivering, lethargy, and difficulties in movement, which indicate that a pet may be suffering from the cold. Early detection and understanding of these signs can help pet owners take necessary precautions to protect their animals from cold weather hazards.