Best thing to dog is just observe the reactions of the dogs and watch for signs of distress like shivering - with active pupppies they can keep playing outdoors for a pretty long time and usually stay comfy as long as they are moving and active. Inside dogs sometimes don't have the tolerance for the cold that fully outside dogs do so just supervise and observe. Dogs need to drink more in cold weather and might need a few more calories or a higher fat level in the food if they are doing a lot of outdoor winter activities. Keep an eye on feet, too as indoor dogs feet can be a little more sensitive and they will do the "holding foot in the air" signal of cold feet - heck it was cold enough today that even the sled dogs were standing on three legs when they exited the nice warm dog baxes and hit the snow. When the weather is really cold booties and dog coats are really appreciated by some dogs and help the dog conseve energy and keep the muscles warm and limber.
David, regardless of the breed, if they have a good coat and are used to the cold most likely they can handle it. My Aussie is in an outside kennel and she looks twice as big now than she did in the summer. Even her legs and feet seem to be thicker because of the coat. I bring her in 15-20 min every evening for socializing with the family and she's panting pretty good when I put her back out. My short coated JRT is a house dog, yet when I hunt him, he never shows the cold till he's back in the truck at the end of the hunt. My Border Terrier, another house dog, wont stay out more than enough to do her business. If your dogs have shelter outside they should be fine.
Its cold here too, and you can tell like Lynn said by the dogs reactions if its cold. My shepherd would just look at you after being out for awhile and his ears would droop. I used to put an old wool sweater on him and he did a lot better. Pin up the sides to make it fit better, when he was too hot he would just pull it off. I also would give him warm water to drink, cold water or snow brings down the core body temperature. Make sure they have dog houses out there with a good flap on the door to keep out cold air. If they are cold they can go in there.
I always accompany my dog outdoors and when I get too cold we go in. My dog starts to shiver when it hits –40 degrees Celsius and below. I have to put a coat on her and we have to keep active and run hard to stay warm. Usually that’s only a 30-45 minute outing. In those temps exposed flesh can freeze in less than a few minutes (for humans) but I’m sure dogs are not too far behind that guideline?
I keep a close eye on my dogs when they are outside in the extreme cold. I can usually tell when they are cold and need to come inside. They usually don't try to stay out too long when it is below 0 or really windy and cold. I do limit their time outside when it is below 0. Of course one of the reasons for that is I am outside with them and do not want to be out in the cold any longer than I have to be <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Both my pups have coats and all-weather booties. When they are "geared-up" it seems like they never want to come back (as seen in the "Heely Dogs" video on my website). Especially my spitz. The cold just plain doesn't seem to bother her. Even when she isn't wearing all her protection, she just trots out like it summer.
But my GSD .. well .. let's just say its improved his recall some. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
Being as scientific as ever (remember the poopy log?)- I set the kitchen timer for 5 minutes and waited to call them in. I've increased it for a few minutes each time. When its really cold out they seem not to mind for 17+ minutes. But then my GSD figures out that it really IS cold. Finkie (Spitz), well, lets say I'm not ready to let her sleep out there yet. But I haven't found an upper time limit.
As far as the spitz goes, those northern dogs will let you know when they are cold. Watch for her to sleep in a tight circle, that means she is cold, bring her in. My siberian refused to come in the house at age 4 months, been outside 24/7 since, If I drag him in he bites me!
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