When to come in from the cold???

Donna5503 · 11-03-2009, 07:45 AM

Hi guys! I have a Siberian Husky --- he's a great dog! I was wondering - I know these dogs have double layer coating, but how long should a Husky be out in cold weather? My guy will come in for a half-hour and then want to go out again. (not to go to the bathroom) -- just to lay in the yard (and watch for squirrels-lol)

But....it's cold outside & sometimes very damp - I don't want him to get arthritis or a cold --- what do you guys think?

harrise · 11-03-2009, 08:01 AM

When it's daytime and they want to stay out, I leave them out no matter what the temps/conditions. For staying out overnight, my limit is when the forecast calls for temps beyond -10°F. I've never worried about colds or arthritis, they were made for those temps.

Donna5503 · 11-03-2009, 08:11 AM

Hi!....This is my first Husky -- I never let him stay out at night, no matter what the temperature is. But during the day - if it's cold & damp --- I worry -- the dampness won't eventually hurt his bones? I know it hurts mine! lol --- But if it's raining and I make him stay in - he looks so sad!

My screened in porch has a door that opens to the yard -- and I keep it open so he will have shelter from the rain -- and when it rains he lays in the doorway and just waits for it to stop & then goes in the yard.

How long have you had Huskies & how old are yours. I adopted Chubby at 6 months and now he is 20 months.

harrise · 11-03-2009, 08:55 AM

I've had Malamutes since 1991, and Ridik is my first Husky. Aside from the first puppy way back when, all of my dogs have been full grown rescues. If your dog was diagnosed with arthritis, then I would suspect the cold might have more impact. My last guy had arthritis but he still loved to stay out in the 0°F temps with proper pain management. For these dogs, I would start to be concerned if they DIDN'T want to stay out. They also enjoy the garage as their dog house. So they always have somewhere to go if things get real nasty outside.

Wlfdg · 11-03-2009, 09:49 AM

My village dog sleeps outside when it's -40F. In fact he doesn't really sleep inside once winter hits. It's just too warm in the house. My wolfdog will sleep outside during the day no matter how cold it is but likes to be inside at night with me.

Labsnothers · 11-03-2009, 01:46 PM

I have always trusted my dogs' judgment. Years ago, we had a medium sized black mix. If it was sunny, he would lay out in the snow all day when it was 20 below with periods of running around. He was sort of short haired, but developed a very thick undercoat.

Donna5503 · 11-03-2009, 05:55 PM

Thanks for all your help everyone -- looks like I'm worrying too much --- Chubby can stay out a little longer now thanks to all of you!