[SoarsieD]

Hello everyone,

I recently stumbled across this forum searching for some answers, and I have fallen in love with it! Most people here seem like very informed pet-owners, so I was wondering if someone could help me with something

I adopted a stray dog as a puppy when I was living in Mexico and a half years ago. As you know, the climate in Mexico is quite warm and tropical! However, I just moved to New York City and my dog gets here in a couple weeks. Currently, the temperature here is still pretty warm, but I know that once fall/winter arrive, it will get VERY cold and even snowy here!

Now, my question is: What is, from all of your experience, the best way to acclimatize and get a dog used to cold weather after only being in warm weather? Are there health risks? Do you recommend those "dog shoes" or "dog coats" in the snow?

Thanks so much for your time in reading, and I hope you hear from someone! - S

[lange]

Hi! I loved this forum too. There is a ton of info here...Thank God for the search feature on here.

I don't know the answer to your question but personally, I wouldn't worry about acclimating a dog to the weather. I would think he will adjust in time as the fall days adjust to winter. Depending on your dogs coat it may even enjoy the cold days ahead. I have a Lhasa-mutt & an akita pup (who as of now has only known Texas heat & Midwest humidity) who both hate heat. Both these dogs have thick fur & were originally breed for colder climates.

As for coats, again I'd think it depends on your dogs fur and how long you plan to be out. The shoes, I have heard they are good for dogs who walk on ice or rock salted roads in the winter. The downside is your dog might not like wearing them. And lets face it, most of us don't use them on our dogs. You could easily wipe your dogs feet down when you get in and check if they're irritated.

On a side note; I'm glad you adopted a stray in Mx. It can be heartbreaking being a dog lover and seeing the amount of strays walking around there. More amazing is how no one seems to notice them. :|

[CorkyMax]

Glad you like this forum--My favorite place!

Here is a link that may be of some help to your question: Dog and Kennel Magazine Cold Weather Tips

Here is a paragraph from another site: Well, dogs naturally have better inner climates that us. But if the puppy is still young, don't keep him/her out in the cold too long. Eventually the puppy will get used to Washington's climate,but there's no reason to be too worried. A dog sweater and 'boots' will help too. This way his/her's body will stay warm and the boots will protect his/her's paws from the cold. That is where most of their body heat is lost anyway. Plus, it will keep the salt used to melt the snow during the winter out of in between the pads. Good Luck!

It seems to me I remember something on this order: Get your dog gradually use to the change in the weather--to the cold anyway. Take it out a lot every day for a good period of time each day as the weather keeps getting cooler--The dog's coat should thicken to help accommodate to the cold. Can anyone else in here add anything to this! Is it true or not?