Hi all,  The other morning -18F walking Gunner did not last long (200yds), he started shaking his head slowly like his ears were bothering him and whimpering so we turned around and came back. Yesterday -8F deg and he came up lame on his front paw while running through chest high snow, touched his paw and he yelped then he was fine but still whimpering so again we headed home..all is well no ill side affects from either experience once he is in the house.  Other times when it is 0F or above he does ok, but after 45 minutes of XC skiing (me) (Gunner chasing scents through the woods) he is shivering slightly so I am going to get him a coat, but his paws and legs seem ok.  Is below zero just too cold for a velcro dog that does not go outside unless for bathroom breaks or to follow his owners?

 I understand how you feel, I live in C.T. and can tell you that it is just to cold sometimes for a GSP. My dogs are bothered by temps lower than 25, It becomes dangerous in the teens without proper protection. Their ear leathers can become frostbitten, I would suggest to contact petedge.com , they have alot of dog stuff for cold climates..dog boots,coats,etc,, I would also suggest a snoodle that protects your dogs ears. Hope I could be of help...Laura,ruby,sadie.

Acclimation to cold weather is important also. Keep them moving and distracted. Stay out longer every day. Pad dressing helps, I can't get booties on my puppy. Coat is easy and he will keep it on.

With a coat my guy will go out to walk or hunt down to -20F. If he is just going out into the fenced area he will not want to stay out long.

Dan

Double post, oops.