2 winter-related questions (cars and coats)

[Jen W]

We all know not to leave our dogs in the car in the midst of summer, but what about the winter?  I was happy when fall came b/c it meant I could take my doggy on errands again.  But how cold is too cold for a dog to be left in a car while you run in to a store?  It's rare that she's in the car alone for more than 15 minutes, but I live in WI where it can get pretty darn cold.

Do your doodles wear coats?  Boots?  Since my doggy is so shaggy it's easy to think she doesn't need a coat, but is that true?

Thanks for any advice!  

[Adina P]

I guess if it is too cold to leave your dog outside in your yard for that period of time, it is too cold to leave them in the car.  I don't think it gets COLDER than the outside air in winter the way it gets HOTTER than the outside air in the summer. 

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

I guess my stance with the errands (Winter and Summer) is that I really don't feel the need to bring the dog on errands.  She is fine at home by herself for a few hours.

I'd say any colder than about -10 C / 15 F then I wouldn't bring my dog if I wanted to bring her on errands.  That's about my limit for walking her.  She doesn't wear a coat or boots, but she is a tough doggie seasoned with Canadian winters ;)

[Breanna]

I don't bring my dog on errands unless I have to because I am a worry wart and don't want her getting stolen. I agree with the others that if you would leave your dog in the backyard for the same amount of time it's relative. 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

If it is too cold to leave a child, than it is too cold to leave a dog in the car. Personally, I would never leave my dog in a car. Too many things could happen.

[Stella]

The OSPCA have been advertising on our local radio about the dangers of leaving your dog in the car in winter. They say the car does end up colder than the outside temperature. I would probably leave my boys in the car down to -10C. My big dood had a thick coat, my other doodle is very thin skinned so if I am leaving him in the car I put a jacket on him (I sometimes take them with me and leave them in the car when I go to see clients). I also have a couple of old comforters in the car so they have something to snuggle up into if they do get cold.

[Breanna]

The coldest it's ever been since I lived in Redding (Northern California) is 17 degrees, overnight low. On the flip side, it reaches 117 in the summer time. 

[Hua]

Charlie has booties and winter coat. I only make him wear those when it gets below -5 C.  Any colder than that, I don't let him out (the potty breaks are also cut short), I live in Calgary Canada, so it gets pretty cold here.  This week's been -25C with wind chill. 

[Amy & Albee]

This is our first winter with Albee too. I'd like to get him little booties for our walks, I like the ones that RuffWear makes, but we haven't committed to buying them yet.

As far as their coat is concerned - we just got Albee groomed yesterday and our groomer said she likes to make sure they aren't too shaggy in the winter because the moisture from the snow can make it easier for them to mat. I don't know about your girl, but Albee seems to be enjoying this cold weather!