Are most dogs used to the winter cold?

Question

My boyfriend has a Black-Lab Mix. During work he lets him outside, so that he doesn't have any "Accidents" in the house while he is gone. He makes sure to leave a warm bed in the garage (Leaving the door a crack open for Champ to get in and out for him to use the backyard.) He leaves food & water in the garage. Sometimes I worry though that he is cold. I just want to make sure that he'll be okay. Suggestions?

Answer 1

Champ should be fine. Most dogs adjust very well to temp changes. I have a lab that lives outside year round. As long as he has plenty of water he won't have a prob.

Answer 2

As long as the bed is up off the concrete floor and the dog has a warm place to stay, I don't see any reason that the dog won't be okay outside. If you are really concerned, take a look at the igloo type dog houses that you can get at most large pet stores, they are a bit expensive, but the dog would probably be more comfortable in an enclosed house than just a bed on the floor. If your boyfriend has been leaving the dog outside like this everyday, then his body will automatically sense winter coming on and his fur will be thicker and warmer for him. As far as the food and water, they make heated water dishes for outside dogs that will be good in the really cold weather to keep the water from freezing.

Another thought, how about a doggie door coming from the house into the backyard? That way the dog can go outside when he wants yet be inside the house when it is cold, snowy, rainy whatever. You can also find them at large pet stores or off the internet.

Answer 3

Dogs freeze just like everyone else when it gets cold-that's so sweet that you worry about the dog. But the garage should be ok and Champ knows when its too cold or him and he'll go into the garage. The God who loves dogs will also bless your friend for giving Champ the use of the garage and NOT tying him up outside. I also put my dog(stray that I rescued into out garage that is a bit insulated and paneled but since its fairly big I also get several bales (tied) of hay or wheat straw that I make a 3wall_back and 2 sides area with a heavy rug on the floor . The bales of wheat straw(can also be any material in bales that insulates) insulate the cold from getting into the inside---and the heat from the dog makes the area warm-one side is left open for my dog to get in and out. I've also-in other places-taken chairs,boxes to make walls and then draped old rugs over them but drape on the floor so closed on the bottom so no drafts come in. If you use wheatstraw be sure garage has no flammables near it that can set it on fire. Also be sure the door stays open and can't accidentally close.

Answer 4

Champ needs some kind of enclosure even if in the garage or a floor heater, thats what my dad has for his dogs that stay in the garage and they have a doggie door to get in and out...Dogs can tolerate cold temps to a certain degree although they do get hot and cold such as you and I do...I know some people tend to think animals are made of stone...Get a large box or construct a large cardboard enclosure that is fully enclosed except for a hole for him to get in and out and put blankets in there for him...I have a black lab that just had 9 puppies and we have a very large cardboard whelping box that we made for her and it stays really warm, although she is not outside but in the lower level of my home which is not completed and can get a little chilly (we do have central heat) which helps....The garage is extremely cold in the winter so try some sort of enclosure....Not sure where you live, but I live in Idaho where it has been this week between 12 and 15 degrees in the evening...

Answer 5

I think most big dogs do well outside year round.As long as they have shelter, water, food, a nice bed. I also think bigger dogs are much happier if they are outside several hours a day where they can exercise rather than laying around all day in the house with nothing to do. I know our blue heeler mix would go nuts if she had to stay inside all the time. Frankly, to me it is cruel to make them stay inside all the time. Specially herding breeds, and other working breeds. They just need more exercise.

Answer 6

Dogs left outside should have a small enclosed area with straw in it and a roof so that their body heat will warm the area while they are in it. If they are in an open area, their body heat will dissipate and could cause them serious problems. Even in a garage, with no enclosure the dog will lose a lot of body heat to the ambient temperature.

Answer 7

My brother in law had something similar, but he also provided a proper shelter for the dog in the garage... like a dog house, lined with hay bales to keep it warmer. You also have to be sure to check the water in the winter as it will freeze and then the dog can't drink, which is very bad.

If it were me in your position, I would consider talking him into crating instead if you can.

Answer 8

canines want a shield from wind, rain and snow. Sled canines sleep exterior year around. they supply beginning exterior and look after their domestic canines interior the lifeless of iciness. a sturdy shield is needed. And it relies upon on the canines coat. My neighbor has a pit bull on a truck chain approximately 5 feet in length on the returned of his backyard. The undesirable element has in basic terms adequate chain to get into and out of the canines abode. He has lived like this for type of three years. A pit bull would not have a sturdy coat for residing exterior interior the iciness. A canines exterior with out shield or no longer a ideal shield might die.

Answer 9

get a doggie door and leave him in the house. block him off to just the one room that allows him outside. however dogs handle cold alot better than people do.

Answer 10

he should be fine. he has a nice warm bed to lay in if hes cold. and if your still worried if hes cold, give him a old blanket or one you don't mind smelling like dog.