Doggy sweater and doggy shoes for Pomeranian Pup?

Question

I live in Chicago... getting cold here... snowing and in the low 30s now. My 8 wk old pom LOVES to be outside but I'm afraid he'll get sick due to the cold. Everyone tells me my puppy's fur will definitely keep him warm in this weather but I don't believe them. Against their advice, I put a puppy shirt on him and brought along the thin cape I found at Petsmart. As we got to the end of the block, my bf noticed our puppy was shivering. I ALMOST PANICKED! We decided to get back to our place ASAP. I put on his cape but could still feel him shiver as I carried him. [*I couldn't find a heavy cape that would fit him at Petsmart!] Here is my question: what is the lowest temp an 8 wk old pom can tolerate without any clothing on? Do I need to get him doggy shoes?? *The woman at a small pet store near our place told us he didn't need shoes, just a type of protectant on his feet (to protect against the salt that is spread over street n sidewalk). He had that on and his feet seemed ok.

Answer 1

I had my first Pomeranian for over 18 yrs, and now I have another Pom that I got last Jan. When we first took her outside, she would also shake. I think that it was more about being in a strange place, and being scared. She does not shake any more. Poms are bred down snow dogs, they like the snow. Just don't leave them outside for prolonged times. A puppy isn't used to the cold and they don't have a large store of fat reserves to keep them warm,plus they don't weigh very much. Keep your puppy warm. I used a sweater to keep my little girl warm last winter, this year she doesn't want anything to do with it. I'd reccommend boots if your taking it for a walk off of your property, because you don't know what kind of chemicals or salt products people use on their side walks and you do not want to irritate or poison your puppy if she were to lick it off of her paws.

Answer 2

If he doesn't mind having the shoes on, I would say, go ahead and put them on. I have five chihuahuas, that I'm in the same situation with, and when it gets that cold, I usually try and find them a heavy doggie sweater, to keep them warm. It keeps them much warmer than a cape or a tee shirt. Just make sure you never leave him outside alone and without supervision, good weather or bad. The reason I say this to you, is my vet advised me, that with such a small dog, there is the threat of predators, like any wild animals and was also told that eagles, falcons, hawks, vultures, or any kind of large bird, would have no problem scooping them up and carrying them away. He should always be kept indoors, and only taken out to potty, or go somewhere with you.

Answer 3

Here's a good rule of thumb. If you are cold when you walk outside fully clothed, then chances are your dog will be too. Doggies shoes are wonderful to protect the little feet in the cold. When it gets below 40 degrees, you shouldn't keep any dog outside for longer then 30 minutes at a time. If you are cold when walking your puppy, chances are he's going to be cold too. Try a sweater or jacket instead of a cape or thin shirt. If he's still cold, encourage him to hurry up and do his business so you can go back inside. If he's shivering inside the house, keep him bundled up until he stops shivering. Dogs catch colds too.

Answer 4

http://www.dog.com/clothes.asp?Category=Dog%20Clothes

Nice variety of coat coats and sweaters and boots.

Cold Weather Tips
Brrrr…it’s cold outside! The following guidelines will help you protect your companion animals when the mercury dips.

All puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs. Extra car should be taken when letting your pup run around in the cold.

Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.

Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

Answer 5

PetEdge has a GREAT selection of coats, jackets, sweaters, shoes/booties, etc. They also have a lot of doggie "purses" if you wanted to constantly carry your Pom around.

You can shop online or request a free catalog. Sorry, I don't have any more advice or info. http://www.petedge.com/

As for salt, if you don't get shoes/booties and your dog walks on it, make sure to clean his feet when you get home. You don't want him to lick it off his paws and get sick! :o)

PS - on the website above... On the left side click on "Pet Accessories"... then go to Clothing & Gear.