For those of you dog owners that live in places that have cold winters or places that are cold all the time, such as New York, Chicago, etc. How do you keep your dogs warm in the winter when you go out for walks? Multiple layers? Is the dog's hair cut or long? I'm from New York, and this is my first dog, and this will be her first winter with me, and I want to make sure she stays warm and comfy during those walks.
2007-09-24 06:43:21 · 22 answers · asked by Mrs. Wall 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Sorry, I forgot to tell you guys, she's a 14 pound 20 month old shih tzu.
2007-09-24 06:54:56 · update #1
If your dog walks on ice and especially snow in "bare feet" it is important to de-ice her when you get home. I'm not kidding! You can put paws into warm (NEVER HOT) water and melt the ice that sometimes forms between paws. I've had three lab mixes through the years, in New York with lots of snowstorms, and never used coats or doggie boots. My dogs loved playing in the snow and we never had problems except that on occasion they would get wet inside the ears so you can dry them very gently (and never deep, just the outer part). Have fun! I think you are very considerate of your dog's needs and she is lucky to have you!
2007-09-24 06:51:48 · answer #1 · answered by Jane S 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I live in Scandinavia and have never taken any special measures to keep my dog warm on walks, but then I had a Tervueren (Belgian Shepherd), who had no problems with the cold.
For a small dog such as yours who will chill faster, I would recommend getting a special dog jacket to keep her warm.
Another important thing to consider when you live in a cold climate is the dog's paws - ice and snow can get stuck and lumped together in the hair between the pads, scraping the paws and generally causing discomfort. Make sure that you check her paws after every walk in the snow. Also, if they salt the roads and pavement to get rid of the snow and ice, this can also be an irritant. It's a good idea to get some "paw wax" from the petstore (it might be called differently where you come from) and rub it on her paws before taking her out for walks in winter.
2007-09-24 08:09:29 · answer #2 · answered by Voelven 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HI
I live in Michigan Brr cold winter and I have Pomeranian and Yorkies and I let my Yorkies Coats grow out long for the winter as it gets so very cold here and I will put a little jacket on them when we go for a walk But as for my Poms they already have such thick coats as they have the under and over coat I just let them be and they stay warm Allot warmer than I do all bundled up LOL So Dependent on the breed of pup you have You may want to purchase a little jacket for her to keep her warm
Do it soon as we are in the fall season now
Keep Warm and Cozy
2007-09-24 06:56:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a sweaterknit coat that is fairly loose (not too tight fittng) for your dog to wear in weather that is below 32 degrees. Since you live in a city, you also need to purchase leather booties (or at least booties with a rubber type of sole) to protect her feet from the salts and chemicals which are put on sidewalks during the winter.
2007-09-25 10:54:12 · answer #4 · answered by k R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most dogs do okay in the winter as long it's for short periods of time, but they do have jackets that help, as well as boot things (not all dogs will enjoy the boots).. We have a fenced in yard, so for the business end we just let them out and without anything on.. do their business and come in.. for real walks (a way of burning up the extra energy) if it's not too bad out, and the sidewalk is clear enough I'll walk them with the coat and boots, if it's really bad I use the treadmill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s9xaoQE9NM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGHNsjNXbEg
2007-09-24 07:01:52 · answer #5 · answered by kaijawitch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have short haired dogs. We live in Ontario.
Most of the time, their own fur is enough to keep them warm while walking. If it's really, really cold (like minus 40) then their feet get cold and we only stay out long enough for them to do their business.
2007-09-24 07:00:53 · answer #6 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most dogs cope just fine with the colad - better than they do the heat, usually. But that grit and salt put on the roads and pavements can cause dogs pads ALOT of pain. You might want to get her some practical boots?
I'm from Scotland - New York in the winter sounds MAGICAL to me! =)
2007-09-24 06:51:03 · answer #7 · answered by Aye. Right! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What kind of dog is it? I have a shepherd mix and he doesn't need anything on to keep him warm but I also have a chihuahua and she wears a sweater because she does get cold. Check out your local pet store they always sell a variety of sweaters and jackets. See what fits your dog the best and looks the most comfortable. Try to take her with you so that you can try things on her. Good luck!!
2007-09-24 06:51:25 · answer #8 · answered by Jennifer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, just go to pets smart they might have some socks for your dog. If not, just go to a worker and ask them if they can find anywhere that have them. I suggest you put those on with the jacket and take a walk about 5 minutes shorter or maybe 3.
2016-05-17 10:27:31 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally, as long as you keep moving, big dogs will stay warm. You can get booties to protect the feet, but unless you will be stopping a lot, they do okay. If your dog is small though, it may need a jacket.
2007-09-24 06:50:42 · answer #10 · answered by Shanna 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋