Doodles, Snow, & Cold Weather

[Frank & TeddyToyDoodle]

Hi, I thought a thread on how to care for Goldendoodles in the cold and snow would be useful.  I have a few observations and questions.  Teddy my 6-month old Toy (11 pounds) and I live in the NYC are so we have had a few small snowfalls and some cold weather, but no huge snowfalls or bitter cold (yet).

(1)  I noticed a few times this week that Teddy was lifting his front paw(s) when we came out to take care of business.  It was like he was in pain or something.  I'm thinking that maybe the cold/snow was bothering him but we were out only a few minutes.  After 30 or 45 minutes, I could see maybe cold or walking in snow bothering him but not within 5 minutes of walking on a light dusting of snow (less than 1" accumulation).  Anyway, after a few seconds, he put his paw(s) down and walked around like normal. When we had a larger snowfall a few weeks ago, he seemed to love playing in it.

Anybody experience this ?

(2)  I didn't think that it was a salt irritation in (1) above because we were on grass and not the asphalt/pavement; plus, Teddy has walked through salt before and no indications they caused any immediate problem (I understand it takes a while to irritate the dog's paws).  I can't get him to wear boots or rubberized socks, so I am wiping his paws with a wet towel 3-4 times each (while distracting him with treats because he fights even this gentle activity).

Is this what most of you do ?

(3)  If it's bitter cold outside (let's say teens or below at night or in the day) or we have a heavy snowfall, is there a set time that beyond that you risk a dog's/puppy getting cold/frost damage to either their paws or body itself ?  I've let Teddy's hair grow long so he has extra protection for the winter (he'll get his 1st cut in the Spring) but he's my 1st dog and I don't know if dogs/puppies feel a big difference between 30-35 degrees outside and 10 degrees or lower, or something like that.  I know myself I feel a big difference going out without a jacket when it's in the 40's vs. the 20's.  Wondering if dogs have some lower-threshold limit, too.

And then there's the thing with his feet, if they are walking on cold pavement/grass vs. snow and/or ice.  Could he damage his feet/paws by walking on cold snow/ice/pavement too long or would he let me know his discomfort ?

Teddy has given me no indication of his dislike for cold/snow -- as opposed to rain when he doesn't want to leave the building lobby and is happy to return in a very-quick 5 minutes or so.  So I'm not sure if I should just limit his winter/cold/snow outside walks to 10-15 minutes.

I would like to hear from experienced Goldendoodle owners (esp. any Toy owners) how they handle the cold.  Thanks !!

[Gunnar's Dad]

Utah.  In the mountains above Salt Lake.  Last week it was -3* on my porch thermometer at midnight.  Gunnar dove right in and went potty, but hurried back to the house instead of chewing landscape bark or trying to eat deer poop or chase quail.

I didn't complain.

LOL

With Teddy being a toy breed he might be a little more sensitive to the cold too.  (no experience or anything to back that up, just a thought)  Gunnar seems to think he is a big tough hunting dog already.