People with small dogs in WINTER / SNOW

PowerNubby · 10-01-2010

I have a Chihuahua who is a pretty cool dog. He's nothing like a typical small dog - he goes hiking and running and always potties outside. Basically said, he is an outside dog through and through and he is not a dog that goes on a pee pad.

I live in Connecticut and am starting to wonder about the colder months. Obviously a sweater is needed to keep his body warm, but what about his feet?

Does anyone where have a small dog that they take outside in the winter / snow?

I don't intend on hiking or going on long walks in the snow, but I do want to maintain the potty outside system.. We will definitely clear a spot for him, but chances are he will want to roam through the snow with our beagle (who LOVES cold weather)

So what do you do?

Yogi · 10-01-2010

I have never had issues with my Miniature Pinschers in the snow or cold. They tend to actually like it outside of when the snow is so deep that when they jump off the back porch they literally disappear in it.

PowerNubby · 10-01-2010

Their feet don't seem to get red or sore? I also was concerned about his belly. He's relatively bare on his belly.. if the snow is 4" deep his will basically be up to his neck..

chiclet · 10-01-2010

I am in the same situation, exactly, but I suspect my dog is a little larger than yours.

Yogi · 10-01-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by PowerNubby

Their feet don't seem to get red or sore? I also was concerned about his belly. He's relatively bare on his belly.. if the snow is 4" deep his will basically be up to his neck..

I have been fortunate to not have any issues with sore or reddened feet from the cold or snow or even wet. It is though safe to assume that small breeds on the whole probably should have some protection from the elements to avoid cold and or wet. A couple of mine also have bare tummies and have never shown any care of regard when they are playing in the snow. Granted I am not leaving them out there for more than 15 to 20 minutes or til they decide to come in. In which case some come in sooner and others literally are having so much fun I have to retrieve them.

metallicrab · 10-01-2010

As long as the outside potty sessions are kept at a minimal time frame, your canine buddy will be fine. The thick padding on their paws are one of many adaptations they have for cold weather. Your canine is better outfitted for the snow and winter months than you yourself are, so he will let you know when it's too cold or when he is cold enough to return to the warmth of your home. I know it is hard to wonder if they are feeling a certain way or maybe even feel sorry for them, but remember that ALL canines are created with natural survival instincts. You buddy will only be bothered by the snow if he thinks you feel it is dangerous for him!

skivvies · 10-08-2010

They make boots for dogs. I've tried putting them on my dog, but she always wiggles out of them. I usually just put a coat on my dog (Maltese) and keep walks short if it's really cold out.

Road salt can irritate your dogs paw pads. If the salt bothers your dog's paws, you can wash them off after you come inside and rub them with vaseline. Some companies also make a balm that you can put on their paw pads before and after they go outside to protect their paws.

Lara's mom · 10-09-2010

I had zero luck with the funky winter boots ($40) that I bought for Lara. I never managed to get all 4 of them on. By the time I was working on boot #3, boots 1 & 2 were off!

I use the balm. The one I have is called "Invisible Boots." I also wash off their paws every time they go out. Toronto is absolutely nuts for oversalting.

chiclet · 03-08-2012

I had a real scare with my dog. I let him out to go to the bathroom, fortunately, I watch him expecially if it is cold, he was running around and suddenly he kind of stumbled, held two paws up and was just starting to lie down in the snow. I was very scared and was prepared to run out to get him in my barefeet and short sleeved shirt.

I opened the door and he picked up and came in. We were at my daughter's and I wonder if he just couldn't figure out where the door was. He also warmed back up almost immediately. I was really scared by that experience.

I finally found boots that I could get on and stay on. I don't know about where you live but around here, I was able to try the boots on in the store.

ameliefrost · 03-16-2012

Generally, dogs shouldn't have a problem with weather. But if you see your dog shaking uncontrollably then it is probably a good idea to make or buy him a sweater (vest). It should protect his belly. The legs should be fine. If the weather is that horrific you can always potty train him.

chiclet · 03-16-2012

Fortunately, we only seem to get a very few days that are that bad. He does seem to have finally developed an appreciation for clothing though.

I have also learned to appreciate paying far more attention to the wind chill and other factors. This was my first experience with days that cold.

Lunareclipse · 03-16-2012

When I had my chihuahua, he was sooo tiny and the snow was deeper than he was tall, so I litterbox trained him. It worked out great for both of us.

sandra0606 · 03-28-2012

I don't think they should have any problem with the snow as they love playing outside and their bodies are more adaptable than ours. For extreme situations, you can opt for a sweater to cover his tummy. Legs should be fine I guess.