[nagdu] dog winterization

[Julie J.]

Robert,

I live in Nebraska.  I wouldn't say the weather here is harsh, but we 
have some pretty cold days in the winter.  I think the wind chill was 
minus 9 this morning.  The high temp is supposed to be around 12 today.  
We had our first major snow yesterday, so winter is just getting started.

I have two dogs, one a lab and Boxer mix, does have a winter coat.  I 
haven't gotten his coat out yet this winter though.  He's gained a bit 
of extra weight from his lower activity level since I broke my foot.  
His extra fat seems to be doing a good job of keeping him comfortable 
outside.  He doesn't shiver.  anyway his fur is very short and fairly 
thin, although it does have an undercoat.

My other dog is a lab mix.  Her fur is a bit longer and thicker, more 
like a lab.  I have never put a coat on her.  I don't think I've ever 
seen her shiver.

As long as your moving the temps you are describing shouldn't be a 
problem at all.  If you need to be outside just standing around, say 
waiting for a bus, for more than 5 or 10 minutes in very cold temps, 
then I'd probably keep my dog moving a bit.

HTH
Julie



On 12/4/2011 10:17 AM, Robert Hooper wrote:
> 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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