Newb Q's about GSD and weather.

[molotovman]

Well My GSD loves the colder weather, whats the coldest it can be outside and be comfortable for them? same with the heat? it gets as low as 43 degrees here in phoenix and my dog seems to like it outside better. 9.5 month old GSD

[DianaB]

I have a longer haired shepherd.

The low temp here can get in the 30s (sometimes 20s) and as high as triple digits in the summer. In the summer, exercising her can be difficult. We like to let her swim (but not always convenient as we do not have a pool) as she gets too hot walking or hiking for most times above 80, so we try not to do it. If it is above 90, we just don't do it. Instead, we will do the major exercise earlier in the morning or later in the evening (9PM or so) and try to hit the neighborhoods with sprinklers going

She absolutely thrives in the cooler weather and can go for hours in winter. Definitely her favorite time of year. I would expect if it snows then maybe it could damage her pads, but they have shoes for that

Is your dog long or short haired?

[Bennett]

Well, GSDs have a double coat, so mine have always seemed to come alive when the temperature begins to drop in the Fall. A few days ago it was about 10 degrees here and Hildie was still ready for her walk and romp in the yard. I wouldn't leave her outside, but as long as we're moving she's fine. In the Summer they usually turn into dog rugs and stay where it's coolest. In my house this means wherever there is an air conditioner vent. But I've always wondered if local climate affects how the coat grows. Maybe someone else from a warm state can answer that.

Have fun with your pup!

[DianaB]

Siena has quite an undercoat and keeping it groomed makes a huge difference, esp. in summer. Bennett's comment is right on about the dog rugs. I love the analogy.

[Bennett]

DianaB,

The snow is just fine for their pads--even ice doesn't bother Hildie. The real culprit is the harsh salt people put down to melt the ice. When she walks on that she starts limping and I have to wipe off her paws right away.

[DianaB]

I can imagine the salt is not good for the feet. Thanks for letting me know. If Richard ever convinces me that I'd have fun in the snow maybe we can go. I am not much of a fan of the cold

[WayneMeganGSD]

Wherever youre at, Im sure the weather is tolerable for your pup. Just make sure your dog has plenty of water year round. In the summertime, Ive heard of people spraying their dogs down with the water hose. They seem to love it.

[DorianE]

Tonight, we are at 1 degree with wind chills at -15. At this very moment, Anna is outside playing! I have tried for 15 mins to get her to come in and she refuses, just runs off and starts jumping around. She is driving me crazy! Now, I must put everything on and drag my battered bones out to get her! LOL gotta love GSD's.

When she is inside, now keep in mind she has a very very heavy coat this year, she pants constantly! Worries me when she goes outside that she will actually get sick. I keep my house setting on 65 degrees right now because she pants constantly!

[DianaB]

Originally Posted By: The SergeantIn the summertime, Ive heard of people spraying their dogs down with the water hose. They seem to love it.

The hose has been a favorite of Siena's since she was a pup...(How's your search going, btw?)

She was about 3 months here...

and about 6 1/2 months here...



Nearly impossible to water the garden with her

[Kayos and Havoc]

The double coat insulates against heat and cold so your dog should be pretty adaptable to the cold. 43 is not cold and the cool air probably invigorates him, I know does me too. .

Make sure if your dog is outside whether it is cold or hot, that he has plenty of water and shelter.

I would be more cocncerned with the summer heat in Pheonix and make sure he is in during the hottest part of the day.