 How cold is too cold, 'm I over protective?
#313204 - 01/24/2011 12:56 PM |
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Reg: 11-23-2010
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Loc: St-Lazare, Qc
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Ok we had a cold snap over the last 4 days about -20F plus a wind chill factor.
I put blankets on my boy whn it is belpow freezing. (dobes)
Now I put 2 blankets and boots on them or they won't even go potty.
They lift a paw and shiver when it is close to freezing point.
So no walk but lots of play in the barn.
Am I over protective of them or should I just dragg them out for some play. It takes 10 min just to dress up to walk the 500' to the barn. 
No comments about dobes in a cold place! Montreal,Qc goes from 90F (35C) in summer to (-30C)-20F in winter!
Lucifer! |
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 Re: How cold is too cold, 'm I over protective?
[Re: Ariane Gauthier ]
#313210 - 01/24/2011 01:25 PM |
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Reg: 01-15-2009
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Loc: Lanexa Virginia
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That is pretty darn cold for a short coated dog! If you have a barn in which they can play and get tuckered out, I personally wouldn't force the issue. Their behavior (lifting paws,shivering) is telling you it won't be too much fun for them! Brrrrrrrrr.
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Re: How cold is too cold, 'm I over protective?
[Re: Barbara Schuler ]
#313213 - 01/24/2011 01:57 PM |
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today so far we did 2 1/2hr fetch in the barn.
Walking in the riding arena is boring! it is a 70 X 140 no insulation, no heat ring.
We; horses, dog and human are suffering from some bad cabbin fever!
Lucifer! |
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Re: How cold is too cold, 'm I over protective?
[Re: Ariane Gauthier ]
#313214 - 01/24/2011 02:08 PM |
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Reg: 05-09-2005
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Loc: SE Michigan
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Cabin fever here too...and it's not even nearly that cold. Even my almost 9 year old GSD is full of it lately...the 5 yr old and the pup don't know what to think of it lol.
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Re: How cold is too cold, 'm I over protective?
[Re: Melissa Hoyer ]
#313215 - 01/24/2011 02:23 PM |
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I watch the dogs and let their behavior tell me. If they are happy and comfortable, we're probably good to go. If they're a bit hesitant, then I respond accordingly. My dogs love to be outdoors in the snow, so if they hesitate, then it's pretty cold. Yesterday it was about 0F when we went for the morning run. Kipp and Kenzi sometimes lifted their paws like they hurt, so we didn't stay out too long. Other times it will be between 0F-5F and they'll be perfectly happy out running and playing, so we'll stay out longer.
In your case with dobes that are hesitant to go out in that type of cold, I wouldn't make them any more than was necessary. I'd drag them to the barn for sheltered exercise, but not make them stay outdoors.
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Re: How cold is too cold, 'm I over protective?
[Re: Melissa Hoyer ]
#313216 - 01/24/2011 02:25 PM |
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10 below here this morning.
Just came in from the warmth (hahahahahaha) of the day....4 degrees and a 10 mph wind.
Neither dog cares how cold it is.
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Re: How cold is too cold, 'm I over protective?
[Re: randy allen ]
#313217 - 01/24/2011 02:34 PM |
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Reg: 10-27-2010
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Loc: Central New Jersey
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This morning 6F and I get the look like why you standing there shivering I'm not cold lets play!!! lol  Looks like were getting more snow here on Wed too, where is spring......
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Re: How cold is too cold, 'm I over protective?
[Re: Kyle DeSerio ]
#313224 - 01/24/2011 03:15 PM |
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Reg: 11-30-2009
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Loc: minnesota
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I'm sure your dogs are not wimps, they just lack the insulation of a double coat. I bet they don't like rain either. It's good to protect them from severe cold. They have no feathering on their legs and the tips of their ears are vulnerable too.
Spring will come, they will be tough guys once again.
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Re: How cold is too cold, 'm I over protective?
[Re: Kyle DeSerio ]
#313232 - 01/24/2011 03:29 PM |
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Reg: 10-03-2006
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Loc: Vermont
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Well below zero F here today too, and my Dobe didn't enjoy it one bit. Being a short-coated dog in Vermont, he always wears a coat outdoors in the winter, but we beef it up a bit when it gets crazy-cold. He had on his usual winter rug with an added fleece under it, and a snood to protect his ears. After the early morning frozen-foot dance (which NEVER happens)I put his boots on for his afternoon outing.
Even bundled up he really wanted no part of being outside. He did his business and made a beeline for the door.
VERY unusual for my dog to react to the cold this way, but this weather is extreme even for us.
I have no problem at all with Dobes in cold climates (obviously  ) but they need protection from wind and cold all winter long, not just when the temps are extreme. A single layer of inch long hair doesn't do much at all in terms of insulation. I've known some who were very stoic about tolerating the cold, but it usually just meant they were keeping their misery to themselves, not that they weren't miserable.
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Re: How cold is too cold, 'm I over protective?
[Re: Kristel Smart ]
#313234 - 01/24/2011 03:39 PM |
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Reg: 11-23-2010
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Loc: St-Lazare, Qc
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Then I guess I am good to them. I have some people who told me to let them toughen up.
Waiting for the spring to come then we will bitch about summer. Here it is a national sport to BMW about the weather!
Lucifer! |
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