Cross Breeds

dog question about the really cold weather?

I live in Florida and we have recently had what is to us any way a really cold snap, we even had snow flurries in Daytona this morning...anyway this morning when I went to take my 2 little dogs out to do there constitutionals they were not real happy about being in the cold and wanted in right away. What do dog owners do about the cold and walking there dogs in the winter up north? I couldn't imagine my little 2 out in the snow!!!

Public Comments

1. Most dogs get used to it. Sometimes we have to buy them sweaters and go for really really short walks. :-) My dog only weighs 7lbs and he doesn't start shaking until it gets below freezing- anything warmer than that and he's happy to run around outside playing, even without a sweater.
2. We suit up best we can, and hope to God they go real quick! But I have Nordic breeds, so they love to hang out in the snow, and New England is having a fruitful winter! Try getting them little jackets if they are short haired breeds, otherwise they might just not like the weather and they'll do their business quick, which is fine.
3. We use sweaters when it gets too cold for my dogs, and their fur just isn't enough.
4. I live up North and my dog sleeps outside in the cold! haha He refuses to sleep inside cause it's too hot in the house for him....seriously! But he is a husky and he absolutly loves the snow...every year when the first snow flake hits the ground he does his little happy dance. Not sure what kind of breeds you have, but small none the less. Some people up here get little booties to protect their feet from the cold...but it's dependant on the dog(s)...my friends dogs hate the cold and refuse to go out walking in the winter.
5. wow here cold is 35 degrees but ok i usually give my dogs a coat on or only have them outside a short time when it is 35 degrees. here 60 is HOT but ok you did not specify how cold it is. and my dogs a used to walk through 5 foot drifts of snow as play for hours. but my little dogs i give them a coat.
6. I got my little doxies little coats and even boots. You can find them at Walmart, petSmart and most animal shops and even on line. I live in Indiana and we had to shovel a 'spot" for the little guys to go. Have you ever seen a doxie jump in snow. LOL poor little guys
7. Well, first of all they are little dogs. They don't hold up to the cold very well unless they are built for it. Second of all, us people up north here put sweaters or big jackets on them. Sometimes a T-shirt will work. It will preserve body heat and your little cuties will want to walk outside again. Have fun and I hope I helped you.
8. Even if the snow is several feet deep I still make the effort to get the dogs out. I dig a long large path and they willl go to the bathroom in the path. Then they will run around and play. If the snow isn't deep they will run around in it and play. Most the time when it is really cold out they will go outside and do their business and then come right back in.
9. Dogs are just like people in the sense that they just can't spend as much time outdoors when it's cold. And your dogs aren't used to the cold in the first place so it's probably a huge shock to them. They can get cold really easily, and sweaters don't help very much since they lose most of their heat through their feet and respiratory system. Just walk them as long as they are comfortable and then come inside. Small dogs will not be able to stay outside as long as large dogs. And be careful of your dog tracking in rock salt or other snow treatments that could poison them. Wipe their paws off on the way in. Good luck!
10. Hi, I live in Florida, too. My dogs seemed surprised about the weather this morning, but really perked up once they got used to it. Most dogs love cold weather, but if they are short haired, like a Chi, they might need a sweater if they are going to be out for more than a few minutes.
11. We have a heater to keep their water from freezing and let their fur grow more. We also recently bought a small shed that acts as a big dog house. If it gets below freezing we bring them inside.
12. I have Miniature Dachshunds, and live in Pennsylvania, right on Lake Erie where we get dumped on by lake-effect snow from January to March. Right now, the snow is over my dogs' heads, and it's about 20 degrees out. While they don't love cold/snowy weather, it doesn't seem to especially bother them either. Just yesterday I had them at the beach, and then a local park, and they were running around having a blast like it was the middle of July. Today they were chasing each other all over the yard. I could barely see them in all the snow, but I know they were having a good time out there! As long as they are not outside for an overly long time (obviously it's important to keep a close eye on them, to make sure they are not too cold), the weather doesn't seem to bother them. Dogs "up here" and in other cold places just learn to live with it. Some dogs even love the snow! Now, if the temperature reaches dangerous levels or it's a total blizzard, I just play games with them inside until the weather gets a bit better. They still do go outside to potty, but they do it quick and come back in. Some people I know use puppy pads during the winter, but I've never been a fan of those!
13. Many dogs can acclimate to it, they have fur ! But short haired breeds can wear dog coats and paw protectors. My dog hates to be in the cold in the backyard but will gladly go o a run or hike with me in the cold. So as long has he is exploring and exercising, he doesn't mind.
14. I know some folks inthe north, and they prep a spot that is out of the snow and rain, stays fairly dry, for the animals to use. I dont think that I would consider doing that for just a couple of days in Florida. Your dogs will be fine being outdoros for a few minutes.
15. Well for one thing your dogs, especially if they are smaller dogs are going to have to adjust. Animals are just like humans, if the weather is changing dramatically our bodies have to adjust and if they don't adjust over time then you will get sick. Your dogs are used to the hot weather and their bodies are not used to the recent cold. I myself, am located in Canada, and no we do not live in igloos. We have just as hot of summers as you guys do, if not hotter. But my dogs are just used to the weather. hot, cold, snow, rain. If you want to take your dogs out for a walk, but don't want them to freeze, I suggest just playing with them for a half and hour to an our inside. That will keep them warm and they can still exercise. But if you really want to take them out for a walk, you can buy coats and boots for your little dogs to keep them warm. Otherwise just make sure their warm, so they do not get sick. If you want to get your dogs used to the cold, so they still have energy and are happy. Take them outside for a little bit each day, increasing the time outside. But be careful not to keep them outside too long as this will give them a cold. Hope this Helps. Good Luck!!
16. Yeah, it's tough. I travel with my dog and sometimes we go to some cold places (as in....Winnipeg...in November!). 1. If possible, do it during daylight and when the sun is out. 2. Get a coat or sweater for your dog. Foggy Mountain makes some superb coats that don't restrict the dog's movement and ability to pee/poop yet provide tremendous coverage. 3. Run. Seriously...go out and take a jog or whatever pace your dogs can handle. 4. Get them revved up before you go out. Now, that's about getting them out. Here's what you do to compensate for the lack of outdoor exercise: 1. Classes in an indoor center (my guy and I do an agility class every week for one hour, sometimes two classes) and then a trial on the weekend (during cold weather it's often indoors). 2. Soft squeaky toys and tennis balls that don't damage furniture if I bounce them off the credenza or wall. And the dogs chase them.\ 3. Stairs. Practice recalls up and down stairs. Call the dog up the stairs, praise and treat, then throw a ball down the stairs for your dog(s) to fetch. Repeat. A lot! 4. Doggie playdates. Invite a doggie friend over that will get your dogs going. Put them in a basement or playroom with a couple of good toys and have them go at it.
17. I have a puppy that used to hate the snow and now he loves it. I got him his own sweater until he started getting used to the sweater and the snow so hes not afraid to play in it or do his buisness. Then when he really liked it i didnt need the sweater. But i still use it when its cold outside.
18. l have a year old whippet,he has boots,coats and hats,that he wears when ever we go outside in the snow,or in the direct sun of the summer. it's not for the fun of dressing him up(its not fun believe me)it is necessary for some short haired breeds like whippets,who have very little body fat to keep them warm and no natural sun protection. it is so worth it though because he is the perfect dog for me.