Potty in the snow..

[Buddy'sNewMom]

Over the weekend we got our first big snowfall here and Buddy, my 8 month old shih-tzu-poo/cocker, has been having a blast chasing after snowballs, bounding across the snowy yard and digging in the drifts, but it's been two days and he has yet to have a poop out in the snow! He'll piddle without any hesitation but I'm not sure what the deal is with the no poops and I'm getting concerned. He's not having any accidents in the house and is acting normally - doesn't seem ill or unhappy.. but when he gets outside all he wants to do it play in the snow and doesn't "get down to buisness". Hubby laughs at me and says not to worry about it, that when he has to go.. he'll go, but I can't help it. I'm a worried momma. We've shoveled out some areas of the back yard so it's flat and the snow isn't deep for him, but.. ??? Any ideas?

Also, much as he LOVES playing in the snow, yesterday it took us almost an hour to transform him from the Abominable Snowman back into a regular little puppy. The snow sticks to his fur like glue! It doesn't really seem to bother him that much, but when we bring him in we wind up with little puddles of melting snow all over the house as it falls off. D'you suppose they make doggy snowpants?

 

[Renee750il]

Add a little olive oil to his food for lubrication in case he's made himself constipated from not wanting to go in the snow. You're right to be a bit concerned if his diet hasn't changed any; constipation can become chronic and be serious if not addressed.

 

[poodlesmom]

Here's a hint to help you out with the snow that seems to cement itself to them - it works great with my 2 standard poodles. The snow will come out fairly easily if you use a slicker brush on it. You'll have to keep knocking the snow out of the brush into a bucket or something because it does tend to fill up fairly quickly but it does make it an easier job.

 

[Buddy'sNewMom]

Thank you, ladies. I appreciate the suggestions! Much as it pains me to admit it, Hubby was right. When he had to go, he went. Outside, in the snow, at 19 below.