[liam57]

Need advice on temperature tolerance:
We live in central Texas and have a well maintained energetic two year old 80 lb male golden retriever. He is an excellent security dog, and that is needed in our area. So, we prefer for him to be outside at night, keeping an eye on things, but don't want him to suffer in temperature extremes. We know how to keep him cool, we are used to that here in Texas, my dilemma is regarding how cold is too cold.
His outdoor world is a covered screened porch, attached to the house, with open access into the back yard. We tend to bring him indoors when temps are 35 F or below...or 40 F if wind/rain. The issue is that he never shows any classic signs of being cold, even when we have kept him outdoors into the mid 20s, doesn't seem to matter much (he does have typical long thickish golden retriever hair).
He has a K and H warming pad but rarely ever uses it no matter how cold it is, and when he does use it, it is for short time. Even in low 30s F, he will often lie on cold concrete driveway instead of using cushions in the supposedly more comfortable porch area.
So, we want to bring him inside as needed during uncomfortably cold weather, but his 'uncomfortable' is hard to determine.
Folks in colder climes might have some helpful input. Are we a little too protective?

 

[Knute]

I would welcome such moderate temps. Our forecast is predicting -40F wind chill beginning tonight and lasting well into Thursday.

I lived in southern China for several years with my mini-schnauzer. The temps rarely went below 35F. I did nothing to keep my dog warm on walks. We were frequently on 1-3 hour walks. If your dog is lounging on concrete, then he isn't cold. I'd suggest to build a dog house for him to allow an escape from the weather. You could insulate it and place any sort of cushion in it.

The protections I use for low temp walking are a body jacket below 20F, body jacket and booties below 10F. These are wind chill temperatures. Not sure what to do for the pending insane wind chill. Officials state exposed skin will freeze in less than 10 minutes in -40F wind chill. I may need to lay out potty pads and just plan on staying inside with clean up duties.

 

[Lillith]

I live in North Dakota. The temp is currently -12 with a -42 windchill factor. Earlier today it was closer to -50 because it's Wednesday and that's blizzard day, apparently, and the dog want to go for a walk. My dog will stay outside for about 20 minutes in that weather voluntarily, but I watch him quite carefully for signs of him getting too cold. Sometimes he's having too much fun and forgets he can freeze. -20 with a brisk breeze is where 5 minutes outside is the best he can do, so basically a potty break. Anything above 10 degrees and he's quite comfortable, however. In 20 degrees with sunshine he laid in a snowbank to watch cars go by. 30s are wonderful for him.

For a big long coated dog like a Golden, the 30s is fine. He probably loves it. If he's choosing to lay on the concrete instead of warm cushions....he's fine. Dogs are smart and they know where to go to warm up if they get too cold. He should, of course, have a doghouse of some sort so he can take shelter if needed. An insulated dog house is a great idea.

 

[liam57]

I would welcome such moderate temps. Our forecast is predicting -40F wind chill beginning tonight and lasting well into Thursday.

I lived in southern China for several years with my mini-schnauzer. The temps rarely went below 35F. I did nothing to keep my dog warm on walks. We were frequently on 1-3 hour walks. If your dog is lounging on concrete, then he isn't cold. I'd suggest to build a dog house for him to allow an escape from the weather. You could insulate it and place any sort of cushion in it.

The protections I use for low temp walking are a body jacket below 20F, body jacket and booties below 10F. These are wind chill temperatures. Not sure what to do for the pending insane wind chill. Officials state exposed skin will freeze in less than 10 minutes in -40F wind chill. I may need to lay out potty pads and just plan on staying inside with clean up duties.

We are sorta spoiled with these moderate winter temps. Thank you

 

[liam57]

I live in North Dakota. The temp is currently -12 with a -42 windchill factor. Earlier today it was closer to -50 because it's Wednesday and that's blizzard day, apparently, and the dog want to go for a walk. My dog will stay outside for about 20 minutes in that weather voluntarily, but I watch him quite carefully for signs of him getting too cold. Sometimes he's having too much fun and forgets he can freeze. -20 with a brisk breeze is where 5 minutes outside is the best he can do, so basically a potty break. Anything above 10 degrees and he's quite comfortable, however. In 20 degrees with sunshine he laid in a snowbank to watch cars go by. 30s are wonderful for him.

For a big long coated dog like a Golden, the 30s is fine. He probably loves it. If he's choosing to lay on the concrete instead of warm cushions....he's fine. Dogs are smart and they know where to go to warm up if they get too cold. He should, of course, have a doghouse of some sort so he can take shelter if needed. An insulated dog house is a great idea.

That helps put it in perspective, thanks!