How do you get around the pitfalls of having a small dog in a snowy city?

Question

My Pom is cream colored and small.

I live in Denver, where it's been snowy and/or cold for 6 weeks (the first storm was the day after we got the dog, actually.) So there are certain spots where there is still a couple feet of snow, and other spots where the ground is covered in sheer ice.

My first concern is the dog getting too cold, as he's so small. How cold is too cold for a Pomeranian? Or any dog?

My second concern is the 12 inch deep puddles and thick grimy areas of melting snow at every crosswalk.

We live in the city, so there's a crosswalk, you know, every block.

The grimy puddles get his pretty cream fur matted and turn it black.

Would you walk your dog at all? (He's so much happier when we do.)

I am new to having a dog in a city, and new to small dogs in general, so I'm sure there is a solution to this problelm that I haven't thought of yet.

Okay, not mud puddles - more like grimy slush ;-)

Answer 1

That's funny, I live in Colorado Springs!

--First, get the pup a sweater. If it fits right you'll just have to wash up the dog's legs and half the tummy after the walk. Make sure you do a quick brush up after each walk to keep the mats down. As you know, Poms need a GOOD brushing everyday, be sure to brush right up from the skin, otherwise Pom Pup get close to the source mats.
--Second, yes, walk that puppy! You wear a dirty coat because you WILL be picking up the little darling everytime you come to a mud puddle. It's one of those facts of life, dogs, puddles, and dirt. Thank goodness you don't have a Lab!
Try to pick the longest blocks. Or take the your walks in the parks where you may not encounter those muddy curbs.
Are you right in Denver proper or in one of the subs? (My brother lives in Littleton)

Get a pair of studded overshoes for yourself, you'll need them for the snowpack and black ice on the sidewalks (that'll keep you from using the well worn slushy/dirty places). I studded my own shoes with machinist screws, it REALLY helps!

BTW, YOU have mud puddles? We haven't seen enough warm days to melt beyond icy slush. :-D

Oh, yes, was reading some other answers...don't walk a little dog for too long, it'll get cold long before you do.

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Answer 2

I live in Ft Collins so we are in the same situation. I dont have a small dog, but both of my roommates do. we dont ever take them out while it is cold. they can go into the backyard to go to the bathroom, but that is about it. I also know a lady who has a mini pincher and lately she has taken him out only around the block. she keeps him away from the snow and in the dryest areas she can find. if not, snow builds up on his paws and he gets way too cold. and I know that it is supposed to begin snowing again this weekend, so it isnt supposed to dry up soon. if your dog really craves the walks, get some little doggie booties and a little jacket from a pet store. i know this sounds a little paris hilton, but the highs here have only been into the low 30's and there is soooo much snow you may have to take your chances looking like a paris hilton wanna be until it warms up. also, the coat and booties should keep your dog clean and warm. also dont keep your dog out longer than about 15 minutes. he will freeze no matter what.

Answer 3

If it's really cold there, get your dog a sweater made of 100% wool so that it is waterproof.

Perhaps you can just take him/her out to the bathroom in your yard. It will eventually get nicer out and you will be able to walk your dog without issue. Check with the local animal shelters in the area. Our local shelter has a small dog social where small dogs meet bi-weekly for some indoor play time.

Good luck. We're only two months from Spring.

Answer 4

I live in Boston and I travel frequently up north (north of Boston)When we have snowstorms and it snows or the weather gets into low cold weather (and the wind chill makes it feel like it's below zero) I still take my dog out on walks.

I am sure to dress her up on a sweater/coat because she's a Toy dog (miniature pinscher). I also purchased doggie booties to put on her feet to help with the snow as well as the sale that can harm dog's pads on their feet.

Although many people say dog clothes are ridiculous, they're not in some cases such as cold weather and small dogs. Without her sweater my dog will shiver horribly in cold weather and in the snow.

My dog does not mind as much, she still gets cold and runs inside; however I have to be firm and make sure she does her business (all of it) and then we are able to go inside.

As for exercise I tend to do indoor exercise by playing games. We play catch, fetch, we play around by me chasing her and playing with her toys. She gets plenty of exercise.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

yes your dog can go out in the snow i have two of the poms they love just watch for their paws if they start licking them it is too cold i just visited denver during the storm and my dogs love it it looks like they are swimming in the snow also poms have two coats of hair so they should be allright i live in mo. now they still love the cold

Answer 6

get your dogs some of the little doggie boots with the rubber soles on the bottom of them that they sell at petsmart. I used to live in boston but now am in fla and I remember getting the dogs boots while I lived in the snow . good luck and hope i helped. Hope it stops snowing soon .