Winter's coming

[M.J.]

As a first time doodle mom, I am looking toward winter and wondering how you prep for the cold? Anyone use booties on their paws for walks? How about doggie jackets? My Porter is 10 months old and loves his walk!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

First I had to look at see where you live ... Now I'm looking forward to Spring to see if you still are loving winter!  lol  While the cooler weather is great and the dogs normally love the snow, the snow tends to stick to their feet and legs and if you think they bring in a lot of dirt now, wait till this winter.  It can be miserable!  Here is a pic of Lucy's snow legs.This took all of about 5 minutes outside.  Even though she could barely move her legs to walk she did not want to come inside.  As for coats and boots, some people use them.  I have coats, Sophie refuses to wear hers, Lucy doesn't mind.  It does help to keep some of the snow off of them if it happens to be snowing when you are walking, but their tummies are still going to get all wet.  There are places where boots are a good idea if you are going to be out for a long time just to protect their pads.  I'm not sure if your area is that cold or not.

[Ginny Nightingale]

First, I love your profile pic! Cute! I agree with Lucy and Sophie's mom--coats are not necessary but would do no harm and some people try Muttluks, one of the brands of boots that actually fit and stay on.  My dogs like the snow but if it is wet sticky snow, they do end up looking like Lucy! Some people put the feet in a tub of tepid water to melt off the snow when they come in---not hot water though! And have lots of towels around for the melting! It is a pain, but fun. Rio can't wait for snow--we had so little last year here in upstate NY! This was taken at Halloween--our surprise snowstorm and the only good one we had!

[Betty Straayer]

I agree, tepid water is the best way to go.  Our two doodles love playing in the snow and when they come in it's hilarious to see all the snow balls on them.  The pads on the bottom of their feet is the most important place to make sure the snow doesn't stay.  It's easier to clean up than the mud they bring in when it rains.  Always keep a tub of water at the back door. :)

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't put coats or booties on my doodles. They love the snow and it can be a messy chore when they come in. My favorite snow picture:

[Dori & Rua]

This is Rua at 6 months, playing in the snow in Omaha NE.  I had a coat for her and booties (but now that I am in California don't think I will need them now.  I would recommend checking the pads for ice...I would just bring Rua in and put her in my jacuzzi with a little warm water to melt off the snow clumps.

 

 

 

[Camilla and Darwin]

I don't use any of those things for Darwin. He does fine, although if we let him play in the snow he gets giant snowballs in his fur. This video demonstrates both his love of snow and the snowballs that result

Find more videos like this on DoodleKisses.com

[Cory Reali]

Oh that video was so cute and then the snowball walk gave me a good giggle!!! Poor Darwin, all that fun and then that!

[M.J.]

Thanks for the input! I'm thinking Muttluks for the sake of the house! It'll be his first winter, since the last didn't produce snow. Can't wait to see his reaction!