puppy in cold weather

[REZA]

Hi,
We are expecting a puppy soon from my aunt, an experienced, non BYB . It is a westie and we will be getting him when he is ten weeks of age. Our only concern is that we live in upstate new york and the weather has been below freezing for three straight days, and most likely will not go above freezing, except for a day or two until March. However, our young puppy will be arriving soon, and despite all the internet research I have done, I have had trouble finding any basic guidelines for puppies in cold weather. I understand the idea of employing basic common sense and what weather may be basically inappropriate at pretty much all times, but what about when the temperature is cold, but not that cold, say around 15 degrees? Should I avoid bringing him out as much as possible? I checked with a local vet and he was pretty vague on the issue...but also helpful, just telling me to keep an eye on the dog and any warning signs he may be showing that he is becoming cold. In the past, we have begun raising our dogs in the spring, but it unfortunately didn't work out that way this time. Any and all help/experiences/advice would be more than welcome! Thanks in advance!

 

[wookie130]

A puppy this size should be kept primarily as an indoor pet...don't plan on leaving a tiny pooch such as this one outside for any amount of time...except to housetrain, of course. To make it a bit easier (and warmer) on your new puppy, purchase a few cuddly and warm sweaters, and boots for the puppy. That way, you can avoid frostbite on his/her paws, and keep her a bit warmer on your frequent potty trips outside. Also, when traveling with the puppy, make sure that he/she has plenty of warm bedding in his/her crate, a bottle of water and a dish, a sweater for him/her, and bring along some extra blankets and bedding. This is in case you have car trouble (believe me, winter in Iowa is always a crapshoot), and are stranded with the puppy in bitterly cold weather. Also, try to keep all exercise and play sessions indoors while the weather is extremely cold...

A little hat isn't a bad idea (if he/she will allow it) to prevent frost-bitten ears.

 

[sam]

Yay a new puppy
If the weather is around freezing the dog should be fine so long as it's active and moving. It gets WAAAY colder than that here and we still go out every day and are out for over an hour. The dogs do ok because they keep moving / running. I don't consider boots unless it's colder than -25 C = below zero F. If the pup comes from a much warmer climate he might be a little shocked at first but he'll adjust.
Use your common sense and if the dog looks cold shorten the walk and pick up the pace.
I have found that potty training in cold weather is actually quicker because the dogs learn to potty quick if they want to go back inside

 

[uhmanda00]

With a young puppy that size and with that cold of temperatures... I would try to keep him/her inside as much as possible. Other than for potty sessions, ofcourse. [Pretty much what the people before me said]

Congratz on a new puppy!

 

[PappiLuv]

I live in Massachusetts and the weather has been chilly here too. My pup is 9 weeks old and very small so I try to limit how long she is outside. A sweater would help your pup stay warm and look oh so trendy too . I'm about to order some from Pamperedpuppy.com (they have some "manly" ones also)
If your puppy seems really cold for some reason you can also fill a plastic bottle with warm water and put it next to him while you hold him.
Also, I'll second what was said above about being prepared, I keep extra food and blankets in the car for me and my pup. Goodluck

 

[jason_els]

Puppies are more susceptible to disease as their immune system isn't as developed as an adults, further the routine series of immunizations cause the immune system to be depressed for a few days following the shots as the immune system is busy creating antibodies to the immunizations. Be particularly wary of wind which can chill low-slung dogs and puppies very quickly.

Two things I'd recommend:

First, an easy way to keep a puppy warm in winter is to get an inexpensive but warm synthetic, non-fuzzy scarf, cut it into a section that will fit comfortably but snugly around the dog, particularly around the lower abdomen so he doesn’t pee on it. Use two or three paper clamps to keep it tight at the top. Keep the remainder of the scarf and you can cut it in length as he grows through the winter. A cheap but effective way to keep the dog warm and always have something that fits. Much cheaper than sweaters.

Once he’s grown you may want to get a coat. You can get some nice ones from Foggy Mountain. I'm not associated with the company in any way, just like their product.

Good luck with your new pup!

 

[bubbatd]

Quick potty times should be fine .........