Is 20 degrees outside to cold to walk my dog (he a lab/German Shep mix)?

Question

I just moved from Dallas to Chicago and the weather here is obviously much colder. I like to take my dog for a walk each night, it's between 11 and 23 degrees outside. We usually walk for about 50 minutes. I'm bundled up and warm. What about my dog? Is he okay for a walk of this length and in this temp?

Some additional details. I said Chicago for ease, we're actually in the burbs. The area we walk in is unsalted. I allow him to walk off leash because we are actually in a secluded area, I walk, he runs and sniffs and explores. He's two years old.

Answer 1

He is probably just fine, both of his ancestors have good heavy coats designed for cold weather. He might feel the cold at first, you will have to judge it accordingly, and you might want to get him a coat. But I'll bet he will adapt rapidly, and since he is walking, that is helping him to keep warm.

My Danes, with far shorter coats, still go for their daily walk in -35.

Answer 2

I think since he's not aclimated to the colder weather, I'd start out on shorter walks and see how he does. If he is an older dog, the extreme cold could bother his joints. Watch his breathing after 20 minutes and see how he is doing. After the walk, be sure to check his feet, make sure they are nice and warm, rubbing them if he has been walking through snow and ice. You could also purchase a sweater for him, I know they look stupid, but it would help keep him warm during the walks. Just because they have fur, does not mean they are not affected by extreme cold. I would especially invest in something to put on him if it is windy out, the windchill cuts through them just like it does you. I would say after a week, if you add just a little bit of time each evening, you will know how he does walking in the cold.

My family bred german shepherds, as well as labs, they are not necessarily built for extreme cold weather, so just take it slow ith him. He will do better if he has the thicker coat of the german shepherd, but if he's has a labs coat, I would get him a sweater or something to wear, at least this first winter. Next year his coat should naturally come in thicker in anticipation of the cold.

I had a newfoundland when living in colorado, and he loved snow, but he was made to be in cold weather.

Answer 3

I would probably keep the walks shorter in the beginning as well since he isn't used to the cold weather yet. Maybe 20-30 min. twice a day instead? I'd check his paws from time to time to make sure he doesn't get frostbite on them but otherwise he should be just fine. You may want to trim the fur between his pads a little to help keep down the build up of ice and give his feet a good wipe with a wet cloth when you get in just in case you did walk in some salt.

Answer 4

A short leash walk of 10-15 min. would be best. Even though he has a fur coat, he can still get cold. Keep him inside during extreme heat and cold! A 50 min walk would probably be okay in temps of 40-75 deg. F. Be careful and if he's panting a lot make sure you take breaks on the way home.

Answer 5

I think that he should be fine. If you see that he's cold, bring him back in and dont be out that long until he gets used to the new weather. I would start out by taking him outside and throwing a ball or a stick so he can run around and get warm and also when starting to walk him, walk for maybe 15-20mins per night and slowly stay out longer with him.

Answer 6

You're dog should be okay. Keep an eye out though, his paws are going to be freezing. There are booties and even a jacket you can purchase but most dogs don't want anything on their feet.

If you keep moving at a brisk pace it'll help keep him warm. He'll give you some tell tale signs if it's to cold. i.e. lifting his feet far off the ground, touching gingerly, hesitant to step down - same things if he were on hot pavement.

Good Luck

Answer 7

i have a lab myself and he loves cold weather. colder the better for him.. our walks in cold weather like that are only about 20-30 min.. i cant take any longer than that.. every now and again his paws get frozen so i have to warm them up.. i am going to go buy boots for him but it has not been that cold yet until today..

i may cut the time down off your walks but as long as he is enjoying himself and is in good health i do not see why he wont be okay.

Answer 8

Because he is use to a warmer climate start off with a bunch of short walks until he gets his winter coat in. I understand the 50min walk that type of dog needs it. i had a German Shepard and we took 3 60min walks a day. Just make sure you protect his feet. wash his feet off after every walk. If you want to get him a coat to help do it but it won't take him long to get a winter coat. If you feel thats to long in the cold take him for more walks in shorter time. But he does need the exercise.

Answer 9

Due to the difference in temperature, you might want to consider a doggie coat, for a little extra warmth. Also, if the sidewalks are particularly icy or have been heavily salted or sanded, you may want to consider those little dog booties, to protect his paws from getting all that gunk trapped between his toes.

Dogs don't generally mind the cold, though they have limits, just like people. My dogs will walk no matter what--blizzard, pouring rain, bitter cold--so we prepare for everything. Good luck! :-)

Answer 10

No problem. The dog may not be accustomed to the cold but I have no doubt it won't hurt the dog in the least. Our family dog survived many colder nights outside alone with indigenous wild predators of the Mexican western mountains, lurking in the shadows. Dogs are decended from wolves.