I have recently started taking Kodee out to run/walk with me. He has built up to running with me for about 20 minutes total (with short walk breaks in between). My question is this: With winter upon us, how do I know when the ground will be too cold for his pads to handle without getting sore? I probably won't take him out and run on snow much (b/c I will be on a treadmill on those days, most likely), but tomorrow it's supposed to be a windchill of about 18 degrees here (temp will be about 25 degrees) in the a.m. I plan on going outside to run/walk since it won't actually be slippery (I try to avoid my treadmill if at all possible! ) . The trail I go on is pea gravel, and his paws are accustomed to that surface. I just never took him running with me in the cold before, as he was too young, and I was too out of shape. Ha!

I have some Musher's Secret, but don't know if it would be any help for cold. I figured I'd use it if I ever salt our deck/sidewalk, and probably wipe the salt off his paws if needed. Any advice? I would consider buying boots if they were absolutely necessary, but I don't know that we'd use them enough to make it worthwhile...

TIA!

My GSD LOVES the snow and cold. We've always exercised the same as always outdoors in the winter.

Just make sure you clean her pads well when you come inside, and remove any ice crystals that form on the hair between her pads.

When the surface is all icy, and/or the snow gets too crusty/sharp, I use boots. But for just snow or cold ground? Nah.

leih

I would use a pair of fleece boots on my airedle when outdoors skiijouring. These would help keep the snowballs from forming on his paws. We would go out in 10 degree weather with out any problems. That dog hair sure keeps them warm.

the more you're out in, the more he'll probably be better handling it. i would just watch him, you should be able to tell if he's uncomfortable.

he's a long coat, right? with teagan even more than luc, i keep an eye on the fur between her pads and clear it out before ice/snow balls can start to develop, especially when it's kind of mushy out or we're going through wet/swampy areas.

I agree that the more you are out the better he will handle it. Hambone is an outdoor dog until I come home. He has 80 acres to run on and he makes full use of it.

I did have to trim the fur on his feet his first two years (he is husky mix) because they got so long and thick, he'd get snow balls so big he looked like he was walking on snowmen. However, he learned to clean his feet periodically very quickly, so I don't trim anymore. But, if we are out together, I make sure to stop every once in a while, and clean his feet or let him do it.
(I have no experience with him on salt).

I would start slowly building up to being out and running..not so much for the snow and cold, but to build up "callouses"? I am not sure that is what I mean, but it could be the difference between a lame dog and one that loves to go with you.

As to the boots, I wish I had thought about that!