She is about 20 lbs and she has thick hair, she is a wire fox terrier breed. I like to conserve energy so I don't want to have to have it up high, but I don't want my dog to be cold either, thanks
2007-10-09 03:52:20 · 15 answers · asked by bjspack 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If it's acceptable for you, it's probably warm for the dog.
A dog bed/crate with a blanket allows the dog to regulate his temp.
Imagine how you would feel with a think sweater covering your body?
He will be fine in any consistent temp above 50 degrees and probably lower.
The only exception would be for new born pups. They have trouble regulating their body temp for a few weeks and should be kept warm for 3-4 weeks. I used heated mats.
2007-10-09 04:15:49 · answer #1 · answered by tnerb52 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Honestly, unless you are keeping one of the hairless breeds or you have a hypothyroid dog, you will get cold long before your dog does. Not only that, but water pipes generally freeze if you don't keep the house at least 60 degrees F in the winter time. Fox terriers were bred to work outdoors and were kept outdoors during the years the breed was being developed...if it's comfortable in the house for you and warm enough to keep the pipes from freezing then your dog will be fine.
2007-10-09 03:58:33 · answer #2 · answered by ainawgsd 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I live in Washington state and work in a kennel and it can get cold here, especially up north. You didn't say what kind of dogs, the type of coat and size of dog will be the determining factor in how much or how little care needs to be taken in winter. Straw is Ok if it remains completely dry, but unless they're shredders of blankets and toys I would put some old blankets, clothes or towls in there,. Also how many dogs are there in one house? Body heat will help too. If these are small little thin coated dogs, I would really recommend you let them in.
2016-04-07 23:11:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are able to get comfortable, as in your nose isn't freezing and you don't have purple fingers :) then she should be fine -- she is closer to the ground than you are and warm air rises so if you are concerned that she isn't warm enough, just make sure she has a warm, comfy bed to lay on -- maybe a sweater if you really want to get weird :) My dogs are short coated and not terribly tolerant of cold weather so I usually have a thick bed that is warm for them and put a cozy sweater on them but that was when it was really cold like -40 outside -- they did tend to sleep near the wood stove though :)
2007-10-09 04:10:37 · answer #4 · answered by Nancy M 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It depends on the dog. If he is curled into a tight ball and looks distressed then he is too cold. Some dogs are thin and have thin coats and need clothing in the winter.
You do not have to raise the temperature of your entire house though. Here is a good article on making pockets of warmth for your pets. They can be nice and warm and you can conserve energy. You can make it warm enough for you and then add extra heat for your dog if necessary.
http://www.metpet.com/Reference/House/Warm%20Zones%20for%20Pets.htm
You can also buy a microwaveable pad that stays warm for hours:
http://www.amazon.com/Snuggle-Safe-SnuggleSafe-Microwave-Heat/dp/B000RIAJCO
Clothes help as well. Fleece is decent for warmth but wool is the best for really cold climates.
2007-10-09 04:44:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have a Scottish Terrier and we keep our house at 74 in the summer and at 70 in the winter. I am always worried about him being too hot, not necessarily too cold. I think you'll know if she's cold by the way she acts. Good luck!
2007-10-09 04:21:06 · answer #6 · answered by Hurley 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi there! I have a Shih Tzu who is 20 pounds and has a lot of hair. I keep my thermometer at 74 degrees. Not to hot, not to cold. Hope this helps!
2007-10-09 04:00:31 · answer #7 · answered by atlantagal 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I worry about my baby when I'm not home too. I would say put it no lower than 62F. Also, my dog has a blanket that she snuggles up in, so maybe place a couple of blankets or even towels with your puppy to help. If she is cold, then she will snuggle with a blanket or towel. Good luck!
2007-10-09 04:02:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't keep it too warm. Since she has thick fur, 68 degrees or so is just fine. In fact, you could even get away with cooler if you had to.
2007-10-09 04:08:24 · answer #9 · answered by Tigger 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OMG, who's house is it? Unless the dog starts paying the mortgage I would have the house how I like it. I'm sure anything that works for you will work for the dog.
2007-10-09 04:02:07 · answer #10 · answered by slim 5 · 1⤊ 4⤋