Tolerance by Unacclimated Beagle Dogs to Freezing and Subfreezing Temperatures

Beagle dogs (3 and 6 months of age) unacclimated to cold air temperatures were exposed to temperatures near freezing (32 F) or subfreezing (near 20 F), while housed in simulated transport crates. All exposed dogs safely tolerated 4 hours of continuous cold exposure as evidenced by maintenance of rectal temperatures within an acceptable normal range. Heart rate, respiration rate, and behavior (barking and excessive movement) showed no deleterious change during exposure. No significant differences between males and females were found for rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiration rates. However, the males displayed more barking and excessive movement than females of the same age. The micro environment air temperature in the simulated transport crate was increased significantly (P. 0.001) by the presence of a dog during exposure to freezing temperatures. Results indicate that no harmful stress was encountered by the dogs exposed to 32 F and 20 F for 4 hours.