The temperature has been climbing all day and we’ve now broken 0 degrees F! (-18 C) so I thought I’d share some of our cold weather activity and precautions.
I don’t keep my dogs inside, as they love to play in the yard, but they definitely get to come inside when they ask. Undómiel has a lovely coat styled after a horse rug which keeps her warm in these temperatures, since she has a slick coat and no body fat to speak of. I usually coat her below 20 degrees F, unless it’s just a quick toilet trip. Penny usually gets to choose if she wants an extra layer, because she’s a Labrador and doesn’t always notice that it’s cold.
Ears, tail tips, and feet are in most danger from cold temperatures, and the worst of this is that winter came so late and sudden this year — I was out in a T-shirt on solstice — that the animals didn’t have much time to adjust.
But that doesn’t stop us from having fun! The dogs went hiking with us late last week, and they still enjoy playing in our yard. Our pond is frozen, with just a bit of opening directly over the pump, which is providing water for local wildlife. Undómiel zips around the yard at Mach 7, jumping in the snow and chasing scents.
We feed a little more, to make up for the extra energy expenditure, but the biggest change is that I need a lot more indoor entertainment for dogs with cabin fever. I had to pick up a couple of pumpkins and some extra bones for chewing. I hope it’s warmer when I’m away (ClickerExpo is coming up soon) and my poor petsitter has to entertain them!
Any good pet/weather stories to share? How do you keep your pets occupied when outdoor walks and playtime are limited?
In our home with three Cavaliers, a blind Tibetan and a big mutt, it’s easy for someone to get underfoot as we spend more time looking out the windows than actually experiencing the current outdoor artic-like conditions.
No one seems to mind the extended indoor time, as each dog seeks out the sunny spot or a bed to curl up and grab a nap until Mom goes for a snack of some kind.
Jack, the shepherd/collie/? mix is the only one who will bark, whine and jump excitedly at the door at the prospect of some rollover playtime in the snow. The below zero temps don’t seem to phase her much, so I do limit her outdoor time to just a few minutes.
The three Cavaliers hesitate at the sliding door when i open it, but a little nudge, then out they go! Their time out in these frigid temps is limited to potty time, and watching them hold up a paw tells me they will make it a quick trip, then run back to the door.
My blind tibbie is the only other one that runs out the door with some excitement as she growls her way out in the snow, nose up and sniffing the air, taking it all in with her heightened sense of smell since she lost her vision.
At least they all know (most of the time!) the potty is outside, and they can come right back in to bask in the sun on a nice comfy bed.
And me? I’ll do the same with a hot cup of tea, a book or a movie, and anticipate the arrival of spring.
Hello Laura,
An excellent post must say!. It is a very informative post. Everyone should well aware of all these factors when the winter comes to save their pet from cold or any sort of illness. It will help a lot of people.
Thanks and keep writing good stuff!
Shyna!