Dogs in Snow?

[CohenCottage]

Ok, ladies living in the western mtns, I need your help! We are planning ski trip at the end of January to Telluride Co. I'm planning on taking one of my dogs (the one in the photo), and I'm wondering if she needs a jacket to go XC skiing or snowshoeing? As you can see from her photo, she is a Golden retriever; HOWEVER, she has very short (1 1/2 "), soft hair, and her chest and belly are hairless. I know she'll be fine for short periods of time around town, but will she be okay if we are out for several hours in deep snow? She already has mutluck boots to protect her feet from ice...

Thanks!!

[chyna]

Since you are from the warmer states I would really suggest you put a sweater, snowsuit or jacket on her. My dogs are hairless as you may remember and they can take a few minutes of the cold which I'd say your dog would too but for long times outdoors I would definately get something to protect her and keep her warm.

And the boots are a must too, I do have a mix breed (part spitz of some sort perhaps) that while the snow itself doesn't bother her much she does have problems with the snow collecting in her paws. Since your dog is used to boots I would bring them.

Another word of advice, check on the rabies quarantines. I never even thought of such a thing until recently when I found out my county is under quarantine and dogs/cats aren't even supposed ot be coming and going. Not that I listen to that but being out of state they might comedown harder on you.:)

Hope you all have fun, bet your baby will love playing in the snow. :)

[CohenCottage]

Thanks for the advice...I will check the quarantine regs, but she has vaccination certificates, so hopefully we will be okay!

[LindaLK]

Hello Cohen, :)


I agree with Chyna. Because your dog is not acclimated to the cold, I would put a doggie coat on her, and the little boots. Her pads are not use to the cold and the ice. I also would not leave her outdoors long term. Her lungs are not prepared for that kind of cold.


Also, I would get a Health Certificate from your vet. When animals are transported across state lines, it is required that you have a Health Certificate verifying that your dog is up~to~date on shots, as well as not infected with any known diseases. ie., Bordadella, Parvo or Rabies. They can have your dog quarentined if you don`t have documentation. Best to CYA.


Enjoy your trip!



Hugs,
Linda :)

[Gigi]

Hi Cohen Cottage- What a beautiful dog! I love dogs- we have 3 rescues and adore each of them...

Keeping a dog warm...you are on the right track---just make sure they are plenty of blankets to wrap up in and lay on when back from the outdoors!!!