Cold weather precautions.

[angelchampy]

I've been watching a Dachsund this week and we got hit here in PA with 16" of snow with ice on top of that. Usually he goes out, does his business, and gets back in. But the snow is exciting to him so he wants to sniff around, etc.. Trouble is, after about 2 min. he starts lifting his legs up b/c he can't stand any longer and I end up running over, picking him up and getting him inside. Now, he doesn't get a chance to go to the bathroom. And this is repeated over and over. He keeps doing the same thing. I tried boots his parents left. He won't leave them on. I have a sweater and coat on him so he's not cold, just his feet. And now he's messing in my house. Any ideas?

[chocolatepuppy]

Trouble is, after about 2 min. he starts lifting his legs up b/c he can't stand any longer and I end up running over, picking him up and getting him inside. Now, he doesn't get a chance to go to the bathroom. And this is repeated over and over. He keeps doing the same thing. I tried boots his parents left. He won't leave them on. I have a sweater and coat on him so he's not cold, just his feet. And now he's messing in my house. Any ideas?

Keep repeating over and over. My Lacey is good for about 3 minutes when the temps are below 20*F. We just have to keep taking her out for very short periods until she goes. Her feet cannot handle the cold. She weighs just over 70lbs, so not so easy to pick her up. Good luck.

[angelchampy]

Wow, I can't believe it that would happen to a dog 70lbs. I thought it was only b/c he was so tiny. No, I don't think you could pick up 70lbs. At least I have an advantage with that. My Sherry was 55lbs and even when her back/legs were bad toward the end, I had her in a sling to support her walking and she didn't seem to mind the cold. As a matter of fact, she loved the snow so much it was sad that she couldn't roll around in it like she used to. She was a Shepherd/Collie mix. Thanks for the tip. I'll do that. Right now, I have papers down in the kitchen in case he has to go.

[chocolatepuppy]

Thank you for the tip angelchampy! My Lacey has had surgeries on both of her back knees and had to be walked with a sling, maybe that could help us, never thought of that! Her back feet are the ones that give out and it may be due to the fact her back legs are weak. Also, she doesn't have fur on her feet like my other dog Layla who can handle the snow and cold much better.