Can Yorkies Go Outside in Winter? (Solved & Explained!)

Yorkies can go outside in winter but only for brief periods and you may wish to buy them a doggie coat. Yorkies are sensitive to extreme heat, whether it be a particularly cold or hot day. 

Yorkies can get chills and need to be protected, either by a doggy coat or by keeping them inside and warm as much as possible.

Can My Yorkie Walk in The Snow?

It is fine to take your Yorkie out for a walk when it is snowing, so long as they have protective clothing and the walk is brief.

Yorkies love playing with their owners in the snow and will walk with you anywhere. However watch out for signs of hypothermia or chills, such as shuddering, cowering, or whimpering.

These are signs that your Yorkie is getting too cold and you should return home to the warm as soon as possible.

How Long Can I Leave My Yorkie Outside in The Cold?

If it is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, then elderly or sick Yorkies should be kept inside at all times, however young and fit Yorkies can stay outside at these temperatures for 10 minutes at most while continuously moving.

For temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, then your Yorkie should stay inside, or else they will be at risk of developing hypothermia or frostbite.

Should I Buy A Coat For My Yorkie?

Due to their small size, Yorkies are vulnerable to cold and appreciate an extra layer if it is freezing outside.

Yorkies benefit from an extra layer when it’s cold outside, as they have to work hard to maintain their body heat. 

What type of coat you should buy depends on the length and thickness of their hair. Short-haired Yorkies should have thick coats, whereas the longer-haired Yorkies can get away with coats and jumpers that are a little thinner.

Can I Take My Yorkie Outside After a Bath?

You should thoroughly dry your Yorkie before you take them outside for a walk. Unless you are experiencing a heatwave and they may benefit front the extra coolness, Yorkies will lose body heat rapidly if you take them outside in the cold when wet.

If time is sensitive, then it is safe to use a blow dryer to dry your Yorkie before heading out. Make sure to keep the hairdryer on a low to medium setting and hold it at least 15cm away from your Yorkies skin so you do not accidentally burn them.

Do Yorkies Like To be Outside?

Yorkies love to be outside! The great outdoors is where your Yorkie shines. They love to frolic and play with you and other dogs in great open spaces.

Being outdoors is great for your Yorkies’ physical and mental health. Not only do they get to run around and cause chaos, but they are also exposed to stimulating sounds, sights, and smells that are great for their brain development and encourage their curiosity.

Are Yorkies Always Cold?

Yorkies are not always cold but they are sensitive to cold temperatures.

Yorkies prefer warm and moderate weather. Because of their small size, Yorkies are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia as they struggle to maintain their body heat.

Warm temperatures work best for the Yorkie. They don’t have to work so hard to stay warm and they remain more comfortable throughout the day.

This is why you see many Yorkies strutting their stuff in an arrangement of wonderful doggy clothing. Their clothes are not just a fashion statement, but essential for keeping them cozy and comfortable when there is a chill in the air.

Should I Keep My House Warm For My Yorkie?

Yorkies will be fine in temperatures that exceed 45 degrees Fahrenheit. However, for your own comfort as well as your dog, you should keep your home heated at around 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is the recommended setting for all homes. This temperature of the most efficient and keeps your body regulated and comfortable, let alone your Yorkie!

What Will Happen If My Yorkie Gets Too Cold?

If your Yorkie gets too cold they will develop hypothermia or frostbite. 

Hyperthermia

Hypothermia occurs when your Yorkie is losing heat faster than it can produce. This depletes the body’s stored energy and leads to decreased body temperature.

If left for too long, Yorkies can experience heart failure and eventual death if exposed to hyperthermia.

Frostbite

Frostbite is another threat your Yorkie may face if left out in the cold for too long. Frostbite isn’t fatal, but it can cause the affected areas of tissue to die.

Frostbite occurs when an area of the body is affected by the cold for too long. The area goes numb, cut off from blood circulation, and may need to be amputated in the most extreme cases.

To be 100% sure that your Yorkie has no chance of contracting either of these terrible illnesses, make sure to monitor their temperature during cold weather and do not let them outside at all if the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Are The Signs That My Yorkie is Too Cold?

There are a few visible signs that you can observe to tell whether or not your Yorkie is beginning to feel a chill.

The first obvious sign is that your Yorkie will start to tremble and shake. A shivering a shaky Yorkie is likely a cold one. However if you Yorkie is shaking at it is warm inside or outside them it could be a sign that they are feeling unwell.

The second sign is that they will cower into themselves and try to make themselves into a ball to try and preserve warmth. Curling up into a ball and almost folding in on yourself is also a human ration to cold weather.

Both of these signs combined mean that it is time to go inside and turn up the heat. Leaving your Yorkie outside in the cold for too long can have disastrous effects on their health.

How Do I Keep My Yorkie Warm?

Firstly make sure your home is warm, or at least the room that your Yorkie spends most of their time in.

Secondly, get them the appropriate clothes. Jumpers and coats designed for Yorkies are readily available.