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posted 02-13-2004 10:36 AM         

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I have a poodle and a chihuahua and I would never dream of leaving them outside for any longer than they have to. I am asking this question as a result of something I saw. I have a friend with 6 dogs (first off...thats more than the city allows them to have anyways) and they very frequently leave their dogs outside for extended periods of time..into the night. Why? Because they dont want to hear their barking inside. Now I know some dogs are suited for the outdoors...and it does not snow (very often) here in vegas...but these dogs are: malteses, a lhasa, american eskimo (probably fine), a blind pekingese and an elderly sheltie. When I go out in the evening...I wear four layers....the temperature outside is usually in the low 40s to 30s. Often it dips down to low 30s.

I'm wondering what temperature is okay for dogs to be out in for any extended period of time? For a maltese for example? I know I might not be covered in hair but my general rule of thumb is that if I cant sit outside for any length of time without freezing my butt off...I'm definately not going to leave my dogs outside. Any input? Thoughts?

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posted 02-13-2004 11:07 AM         

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I don't have any definite answer for that. I tend to watch my dog for any signs of being cold. She has never shown any. She LOVES the cold and the snow, especially. But I also don't leave her outside. She does go outside to eat and I have tried laying a blanket out for her so she doesn't have to lie down in the snow, but she prefers the snow.

I would be just as worried - if not more worried - about the summers in Vegas. Can you imagine an American Eskimo outside in the summer heat? Although probably better than a huge black dog or something.

Low 40's to 30's really isn't that cold. I only wear 4 layers when it gets close to 0, and I don't even live in a cold state!

Do the dogs have shelter? Do they look cold?

Jamiya

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posted 02-13-2004 11:35 AM         

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I think it depends on the dog and whether or not they have some shelter. I think the smaller dogs are probably more susceptible to the cold than larger dogs.

I leave my dogs outside for extended periods of time, all night, all day, etc. But they are St. Bernards (loooove the cold) and have a screened in porch. This is during the winter months. During the summer, I tend to let them stay inside during the day because it gets really hot and humid and have them go out at night.

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posted 02-13-2004 11:48 AM         

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No shelter....and Im talking about 4 small (ranging from 4 to 15 pounds) toy breeds with single coats. No snow or anything...but 30s for a 4 pound maltese seems....I dont know. Just doesn't seem right.

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posted 02-13-2004 11:56 AM         

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You're right - that doesn't seem right. Some terriers that small are pretty hardy, but a maltese? And ANY dog left outside should have shelter!

Jamiya

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posted 02-13-2004 12:00 PM         

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I know people who have heated doghouses and fancy things like that for their larger dogs that get left ouside...but there is NO reason that a toy dog should ever be left outside IMO. Toy dogs are inside dogs. American Eskimos and Pomeranians are the only ones that I can theoretically see standing chilly temperatures with any decency.

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From:Albany, Ga, USA
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-13-2004 01:40 PM         

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Yeah.. i agree... that is kinda chilly for those kinds of dogs (except the eskimo)I mean it would be almost ok, like more right maybe, if they had a heat lamp. I have one of those for my labs when its cold outside. They love it! Since I live in Georgia it doesnt get THAT cold, and since i live in SOUTHWEST GA.. it hardly ever gets below 20.
RARELY almost..
Anyhow..too bad tho for the dogs...i guess calling the city on them wouldnt do anything but get the dogs put in a shelter.. id buy them a heat lamp! but i dont live there!
wish i could help more.. i love animals way too much i guess!!
stephanie

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posted 02-13-2004 04:14 PM         

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I WISH theyd put them in the shelter...I'd go get them!

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posted 02-13-2004 04:22 PM         

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If you suspect that any of the dogs might be suffering, you might consider calling the humane society or animal control officer. They would go and look the animals over, and they might have a better idea of who is and isn't suited to be in the cold for prolonged periods. Perhaps the maltese is especially thick-coated, for example. If they don't find anything horribly wrong, they might just decide to make a suggestion to your neighbors as to what conditions might be a little more humane for the pets. Sometimes a visit such as this is enough for people to clean their act up a little.

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From:Santa Maria, Ca.
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posted 02-13-2004 04:51 PM         

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Hi Mistress, You said this is a friend of yours, right? If you have the means to help, perhaps you could suggest footing half the bill for a dog house, or you and your friend could build one for next to nothing. Do they have enough food and water at all times? do these people pay attention to them? or are they just "there" so to speak...I'ts really your call, as to what the next move would be, such as: animal control or whatever. You know these people better than anyone here would. What would you do???

Sincerely, Susan

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posted 02-14-2004 12:05 AM         

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Semi ex friend of mine actually. I commented on this while we were friends and other things...and all of my comments were shot down. "We work for the humane society so we know what we're doing and you dont" type reaction. Lots of attitude and believing that once a month helping the humane society makes them experts on dogs. I think I might make that call. If everything is all right..nothing will happen and life will move on...at least I'll feel better about it all though.

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