The Cold and Dogs

[avoncallingu]

It's -28 with a wind chill here. I have heavy coats for my dogs but I worry about their ears and feet. Any advice? They are a mini-Schnauzer and a Mini-Poodle.

[MortgageQueen]

Dog Boots? Or just have them out for minimum time to do their business.
I have a squishy rubber ball I throw in the house for my guys to give them a little exercise on days like that. . . .or a tug rope.

[walkonby]

I just do the coats with small trips to do their business and back home. I find our guys come up lame anyways if I extend the walk, 1 of their feet/paws lifted in a limp " pick me up " sort of gait. We also use the backyard as a backup area to let them tinkle in the wee hours. ( our two are just under and just over 20 lb dogs )

[avoncallingu]

I have 2 pairs of dog-boots - one guy "sort-of" lets me put them on - the other has a fit! But we will have to try. I heard about using vasoline, but then they would track it into the carpet. Yes, the one does the "lift me up please" kind of look.

They are off to the groomer now - so she may have some ideas. She's a dog expert. They won't just "do their business" any-old-place! It has to be "just right" so sometimes, they just don't go.

We found a dead crow just down from us this morning - no signs of trauma - maybe it was just too cold for it. Chatham is "crow-central" in the winter - THOUSANDS of them gather around here for the winter. Luckily the garbage was being picked up today so I reverently wrapped him/her up and sent him/her off to the landfill.

Last night when we drove over the bridge, I saw a whole lot of ducks "on the ice" then, I thought, maybe they're stuck IN the ice because it froze up very fast. But I can't save EVERY creature - though I'd like to - Nature has her way, I guess!

Thanks for your suggestions! Good luck with your critters!