Cross Breeds

Help? Dog + Snow Question?

I am going to Lake Tahoe tomorrow, and it is supposed 2 be fairly cold there, then snow during the week. (anywhere from 30-60 degrees) I am taking my two English Springer Spaniels and they have never been to the snow before in their life (they're 6 yrs old). What precautions should I take? I am worried it will be too cold for them... I already trimmed their paws so snow/ice doesnt get caught in them (but left fur between their pads). Any suggestions/precautions?

Public Comments

1. you can buy some doggy coats, or just keep them inside when you are inside. light the fireplace or have a thermal.
2. Take along a coat or sweater for both in case they mind the cold, but with the warmer temperatures I doubt that you will have any problems.
3. Watch their paws because of the salt put down for ice I would wipe their paws. The salt burns the pads of the paw.
4. You may also want to trim the fur from between the pads, as if it gets wet and then gets cold again they can get ice crystals between their toes which can cut their feet up. I've never found my dogs to have problems in the snow as long as it was only for short durations, about 20-30min at a time. I never put coats or anything on them, just watch for signs of cold and check feet, ears, tails, etc regularly to make sure they're not too cold. Dogs run hotter than people do, plus they're usually pretty active which helps them stay warm. The other thing to watch for is that they don't fall into the snow (somewhere that's not been compacted and is just feet of powder), dogs have not idea that the bank could be 10 ft deep and can get caught up in one. Hopefully it's been warm enough to create a layer of ice a foot or so down, but watch around tree trunks and other areas that may be softer. bring lots of towels. Have fun!