Runners – Dogs & Cold weather
Courtney011691
Posts: 55
*First off, sorry if this has been previously discussed. I searched but couldn’t find the answer anywhere so my bad if I lack adequate search skills.*
I adopted a greyhound/whippet mix back in April. He’s only three years old and pretty energetic. I’m talking running laps around my apartment energetic. The only thing that seems to really wear him out is going on a run, usually 3-5 miles (or in his case more of a casual trot). But, being that he’s a whippet, he doesn’t have much fur. Many places on his belly and the insides of his legs don’t have any. With the winter coming up I’m a little worried he’s going to be too cold to go for a run. Michigan winters typically start in a week or two and can continue until mid-May. I can't imagine the next 5 months of a hyper, stir-crazy, apartment-lap-running dog. Any advice on cold weather running gear for dogs? I don’t want him to be cold but don’t want him to overheat either. I’ve found a few coats online but was curious if anyone had any recommendations as to what worked best, waste of money, etc. Also, any thoughts on a point temperature-wise where I shouldn’t take him?
Or, have I gone about this the wrong way. Is there something I can do with him indoors to burn off some energy?
I adopted a greyhound/whippet mix back in April. He’s only three years old and pretty energetic. I’m talking running laps around my apartment energetic. The only thing that seems to really wear him out is going on a run, usually 3-5 miles (or in his case more of a casual trot). But, being that he’s a whippet, he doesn’t have much fur. Many places on his belly and the insides of his legs don’t have any. With the winter coming up I’m a little worried he’s going to be too cold to go for a run. Michigan winters typically start in a week or two and can continue until mid-May. I can't imagine the next 5 months of a hyper, stir-crazy, apartment-lap-running dog. Any advice on cold weather running gear for dogs? I don’t want him to be cold but don’t want him to overheat either. I’ve found a few coats online but was curious if anyone had any recommendations as to what worked best, waste of money, etc. Also, any thoughts on a point temperature-wise where I shouldn’t take him?
Or, have I gone about this the wrong way. Is there something I can do with him indoors to burn off some energy?
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Replies
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We have one of these (harness goes over coat) http://www.chillydogs.ca/index.php/product/index/30.
My dog (Havanese) gets a shaved body, to deal with indoor overheating, but keeps her head fur. Your whippet might enjoy http://www.chillydogs.ca/index.php/product/index/41. If you are crafty it looks pretty simple to make.
We have one of these too http://www.petvalu.com/in-our-store/products/dog/supplies-and-accessories/apparel/canada-pooch-dog-coats-black
We also have muttluks if your dog will wear boots, it takes them some getting used to, http://www.muttluks.com/product_home.php?cat=2 (we have the all weather ones)
We also have a dog pack similar to this one, and have ordered one of these for hiking, camping, long walks, and trail rides http://www.gear4dogs.com/dog-packs (you can store their water, doggie bags, etc in the dog pack)
My daughter loves to dress the dog up (and the dog doesn't mind) so we have a whole doggy wardrobe for her.0 -
http://www.truefitdogcoats.com/Whippet/
http://www.truefitdogcoats.com/Italian-Greyhound/
http://www.truefitdogcoats.com/Greyhound/
There are also breed specific cuts on coats depending on your dog's size. A friend has a coat from this manufacturer for her great dane and it fits perfectly.0 -
Thank you! These all look great. I'll be ordering some tonight
I also dress him up sometimes. He actually enjoys it since he's usually so cold. He's gonna look pretty great in his Halloween bumblebee costume0 -
Adorable!0
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My gsd can actually only run in winter. It's too warm for him most of the year.0
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My brother also has a whippet mix that he runs with. He lives in Colorado so they're out in very cold weather. She wears a quilted water resistant coat and he has booties for her for when it's snowy or icy.0
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Ruffwear.com amazing stuff. I have a husky and wolf hybrid and I bought them their approach backpacks there. REI sells there stuff and it's pretty heavy duty.:) maybe a jacket/vest and some booties??0
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I have a boxer and I ride horse with her running around with me in -10C and she does fine as long as she is moving. She does like cold weather and loves snow but also loves to sit on the furnace vents lol.0
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A jacket is a fantastic idea. You can also do nose work if you are just looking for a solution to tire the dog out. Mental stimulation can be almost as exhausting if not more than just a walk/jog.
The only thing needed for a winter run for my GSD are shoes because rock salt causes pad burns.0
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