[nagdu] dog winterization

[Steven Johnson]

Robert,
What kind of footwear does your dog have?  I have found that with the
Pawtectors I use, that they can actually overheat the dog when the temps are
too high and the most ideal temp is when it dips below 10 degrees.  I use no
other clothing for my dogs, nor have I used any for my predecessor dogs.  I
have a lab and they are actually pretty tough dogs.  I also live in the
uppermidwest-Wisconsin where it is nothing to be out working my girl in
temps dipping down into the 20 and sometimes 30 or even colder weather.  At
this point, I usually use the booties on her as it does 2 things; 1.
Protect her feet from the severely cold snow and the sharp ice that can cut
her paws, and 2.  Keep her feet warm as essentially, the booties trap the
heat in their body as they lose heat through their feet.  I am sure you will
get a variety of answers here, but as you said, there are many factors that
will essentially come into play here.  Good luck with the upcoming Ohio
winter!

Steve & Misha



-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Robert Hooper
Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2011 10:17 AM
To: NFB-NAGDU
Subject: [nagdu] dog winterization

Hello All:

I have a few questions regarding winter weather and dogs. Because I live in
Ohio, I experience all kinds of weather-varying from very hot in the summer
and very cold in the winter. Although we rarely experience temperatures
below 0 Fahrenheit, it is not uncommon to see regular temperatures in the
lower thirties, twenties, or teens. I am wondering how long Bailey can
remain outside in such weather. Obviously, I will forego going outside if it
is snowing heavily or dangerously, as that impedes my navigation ability and
would be dangerous for both of us. However, it is inevitable that I will be
outside while snow is on the ground and the temperature is low. I know to
put booties on him if the sidewalks and roads are salted, but is that the
only scenario in which I would use booties? What is the lowest temperature
dogs (German shepherds in particular) can endure comfortably and for how
long? I expect that the answer varies based on a number of factors (breed
and age of the dog, the dog itself, the pace at which the dog is accustomed
to walking, etc.), but I would still appreciate anyone's input and
experience with winter weather, both mild and harsh. For example, will
winter weather clothing be a necessity for him? Although I ride campus
transportation a lot, it is still likely that I will be outside in 10-15
minute stretches throughout the day while walking home, to other classes,
exams, lunch, etc. I not only want him to be able to survive this weather, I
want him to be comfortable enough to work in this weather. The only apparel
I have for him at the moment are his booties. Once again, need I concern
myself with anything extra? I appreciate any tips, advice, anecdotes,
exhaustive research and experimentation, etc. that anyone has to offer.
Sincerely,
Robert Hooper
Hooper.90 at buckeyemail.osu.edu<mailto:Hooper.90 at buckeyemail.osu.edu>
The Ohio State University
0653 Buckeye-Cuyahoga CT
653 Cuyahoga Court
Columbus, Ohio 43210
(740) 856-8195

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