How cold is too cold for doggies....

[Debbie6221]

Our doggie has epilepsy and is on potassium promide to stop her seizures. Because of this her body temp runs hot and she LOVES to be outside when it's cold. Well, we have been letting her spend a lot of time outside, even at night. The temps are dropping now though and she is barking and barking all night to go out. We don't want her to freeze!!! Any opinions? She is a medium sized half sheltie half cocker spaniel. Oh...and now she's diabetic (poor girl)! We just want her to be happy!
Thanks!

 

[Mickey&Donald]

I think this is a question for your veterinarian.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Well, when temperatures got to -20 degrees Fahrenheit and below we used to limit our dog's potty time to just a few minutes in order to ensure she wouldn't get frostbite. Other than that, you're probably fine. Most dogs know when to come in from the cold. Now mind you, that doesn't mean you should be keeping them outside overnight in a doghouse or whatever...that's a totally different question.

 

[Debbie6221]

We will definitely talk to our vet but I wanted to hear some opinions here as well from people who actually let their dogs hang out outside during colder weather.

Thanks Gang!

 

[Mickey&Donald]

The problem is, most people on the boards don't own dogs with such extensive medical issues as yours has. What works for your average, healthy golden retriever probably won't be good for your pup with all of her maladies.

 

[Debbie6221]

The problem is, most people on the boards don't own dogs with such extensive medical issues as yours has. What works for your average, healthy golden retriever probably won't be good for your pup with all of her maladies.

Valid point.............

 

[Momma2dakidz]

Why not just get her a cooling bed?

 

[Pooh67_68]

I like this idea, here is a link.
http://cozywinters.com/shop/kh-1700-1720.html

Why not just get her a cooling bed?

 

[teacups]

I dont know what the weather is like there, but if the rumors are right it's windy... right?
THAT is what will get her. The cold PLUS the wind. Do you have a garage that might make her happy for a while every night? I understand totally that you want to let her out becasue she is asking to go out. That means something in my book.

 

[Tuffcookie]

I, too would check with your vet. As others have said, when the wind is blowing, that makes it even more dangerous when the temps take a dive.

I was awaken at 2:30 this morning by the sound of 2 young pups across the street from me. The people that rent this house left them outside! It was way too cold for them to be out in these temperatures! I put a call in to the humane society this morning so I'm hoping someone will call me back sometime today.

TC

 

[raysnkaysmom]

I might get fussed at... but my dog stays out all the time... She's a husky/shepard mix....and she's been outdoors since about 1yr old (she's almost 4 now). Of course, with the husky in her...she's got plenty of fur and she has places to go to be away from the wind....
but..your dog with the medical conditions...I'd be sure to bring her in when you go to bed so you can hear if something is going on... just IMHO

 

[Debbie6221]

I like this idea, here is a link.
http://cozywinters.com/shop/kh-1700-1720.html

This looks GREAT!!! I wonder if it ends up being more cold than lets say the bathroom floor.. I am definitely going to look into this!

 

[EpcotBeauty]

I might get fussed at... but my dog stays out all the time... She's a husky/shepard mix....and she's been outdoors since about 1yr old (she's almost 4 now). Of course, with the husky in her...she's got plenty of fur and she has places to go to be away from the wind....
but..your dog with the medical conditions...I'd be sure to bring her in when you go to bed so you can hear if something is going on... just IMHO

It makes a huge difference what part of the country you are from. You are from Georgia, and I doubt that state gets too many harsh winter temps and weather.

We let our dogs stay outside but when the temps dip into the 20s and teens, they are allowed in the garage.