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What temp. to start wearing a coat at?

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Jewel, PCD

8.6lbs of fury- in a bow!		 
 
Barked: Mon Sep 6, '10 8:17pm PST 
Just wondering for those of you that put your small dogs in a coat at about what temp. do you do so? Jewel's my first small dog so I'm looking for a little guidance in this...I don't want her to get too hot if I start putting it on her too soon.
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Foxxy

Pocket Wolf		 
 
Barked: Tue Sep 7, '10 9:47am PST 
With foxxy's long coat, she actually enjoys cold weather. Her favorite thing to do is play in the snow. She usually only wears a coat if it's under about 15 degrees F and we're going to be out for more than a couple of minutes.

Tag, on the other hand will probably start needing a jacket in the cool mornings pretty soon. I pretty much judge by their behavior. If they go out and they start shivering, I put a jacket on.

most dogs are way more cold tolerant than we give them credit for. Wolves did evolve during an ice age, so they're usually way more cold tolerant than heat tolerant, and dogs are not too much different.

Edited by author Tue Sep 7, '10 9:51am PST

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Toby

As if I could- get cuter!		 
 
Barked: Tue Sep 7, '10 2:44pm PST 
Like Foxxy says, just watch the dog, if they shiver then it's coat time, if they stroll happily then leave them be. Toby Chi needs a hoody in the rain or snow but is fine other times, Ben never ever needs a coat at all.
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Pepsie

*Pepsie the- Papillon* 		 
 
Barked: Tue Sep 7, '10 3:06pm PST 
I usually put a coat on Pepsie if it's under 30-32 degrees farenheight and she also has a scarf and leg warmers! puppy
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C-ATCH- Bailey CGC,- MX, MXJ

Is today agility- day??
 
 
Barked: Tue Sep 7, '10 3:36pm PST 
Bailey doesn't need a coat until it's under 20 degrees. Last winter Saige needed a coat when it was in the 40s since she was between her puppy and adult coats. I anticipate that she'll fare better this year since her fur is much thicker. Just gauge by how your dog is acting. They'll show signs of being uncomfortable.
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Harvey

Design jewelry,- not dogs!
 
 
Barked: Tue Sep 7, '10 3:40pm PST 
My toy poodles almost never wear a jacket, even in the snow. Obviously, the hairless cresteds do wear them, but not usually until it's around 40 outside or inside when it's less than 65. But, hairless dogs shiver even at 80 degrees so you can't go by that with them. If they are playing and active I believe they are fine but if they are huddled together shaking then it's too cold for them.
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Kitsune

Divide and- cuddle!!		 
 
Barked: Wed Sep 8, '10 7:18am PST 
I also judge by Kit's behavior. If he's running around outside having fun, and not shivering at all, no coat. But if he's shivering and/or not as enthusiastic as usual to be outside, I put his coat on him.
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Jewel, PCD

8.6lbs of fury- in a bow!		 
 
Barked: Wed Sep 8, '10 7:36am PST 
Thanks guys, I was just wondering because it's pretty common for it to be -35C here, which I convertered because I noticed most of you are posting in F and that's -31F. laugh out loud
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Morgana

THROW THE BALL- THROW THE BALL		 
 
Barked: Wed Sep 8, '10 9:19am PST 
Charlie needs a coat in the mornings now... she simply refuses to go out with out one on... I take it off if she starts running or panting... Charlie is a drama Queen though and says she cant handle the cold at all... She is a terrier so I know she can handle it she just doesnt LIKE it so I baby her... Also if she is insisting that the heating blanket has to be on and wrapped around her in the house I KNOW its time for a jacket...
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Milton

Im just a little- guy		 
 
Barked: Wed Sep 8, '10 10:36am PST 
I put off coats as a long as possible. I don't want to put them on too soon, because I want my dog to acclimate to the weather changes. He hates cold weather and detests snow. Poor dog, cause I live in the rockies and it dumps here.

The behavior of the animal is the indicator if they are uncomfortable. My dog would rather poop in the house than go outside some mornings, but I don't let him. shivering, and paw shuffling is a good sign a coat is needed. When Milton paw shuffles, he stands in place picking his feet up and down. Then I will pick him up and carry him back inside.

I recently bought him a high quality coat for this winter. I love snow, but dread it for Milton.
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