We woke up this morning and the high is supposed to be 28. If it stays like that it will be the highest low since 1968. 

The thing I worried about was Charley and her little paws and body. Being an Australian Shepard and Border collie I know she still needs to get out and about or she’ll be antsy and drive me and herself crazy.

I looked up on Google “when is it too cold for your dog’s paws to be outside?” I was told, or read, that anything below 30 degrees and below is way too cold for your dog’s little paws.

I tried to tell Charley that as we headed on out. I purposely left our play things at home so I wouldn’t be tempted by her underlying urge and persistency’s to play no matter what the temperature is, for that is how she is. It’s go, go, go all the time, no matter what the weather is. Rain, shine, heat, or just bloody cold. 

And to me, for I have way too much fun playing with her so I needed to scale back our entertainment for the health of both of us. 

I was bundled up, and she was naked as she was the day she was born as we set out on our regular walk up to the university to either wake the bunnies or play a few wacks of the ball. I kept telling her “I’ve not brought a ball, or no flying disc for you, just so you know!” 

It did not deter her what so ever. She kept going gun-ho towards our destination and it wasn’t until we reached there that she realized I didn’t have anything for us to play with. And to be honest, I was bummed I didn’t bring anything because nobody was there and I was warm and bundled so the weather was not a bother to me.

But I had to remember Charley and her nakedness. I don’t put her in sweaters or shirts or rain coats because I don’t think they do any good. The only time she was in a shirt was so she wouldn’t mess with her stitches after an accident. Other than that I think they are more of an inconvenience to her. Being said, I do believe other dogs do need those extra layers of protection, I just don’t think she needs them with her extra coat her breed has. 

I had to reign her back in to focus to go back home. I could tell she was somewhat in a hurry because she wasn’t doing her usual “let’s stop at every tree and find it interesting” with me. She was pretty gun-ho on coming home. I was too, for my face started stinging and my eyes were watering. 

Now that we are at home she has curled up on the bed and started a little slumber. I threw her little blankie over her as she was asleep and I noticed she is now spread out instead of the initial fetal position she was laying in. She is slumbering well.

I have to remember that Charley can not handle cold weather temperatures like I or other humans can. Unless she is decked out in sweaters and little snow booties it’s no weather for her to be in. 

For other dog owners, make sure to check the temperature limits your breed of dog can handle, and take precautions to keep them safe. There are a many of dogs that are left out in the cold as winter approaches, and it’s heartbreaking.  I think sometimes us humans don’t realize they can’t gauge temperature differences as we can, even though they may not act like it. 

Nobody wants to be cold, especially a dog that can not speak or understand what the cold can do to them. 

Be prepared for this cold winter that is ahead for all of us, and keep your pets warm and safe! Look for signs such as shivering and shaking, holding their tail between their legs, hunching and looking uncomfortable, as well as barking and just general unease. If the dog becomes cold make sure to wrap the dog in blankets, put them next to a heater (not too close), and use a hair dryer if allowed.

Signs of hypothermia are tiredness, pale skin, fixed pupils (serious) and low pressure along with muscle stiffness.  Shallow breathing is also a sign. 

Limit your dog for 10-15 minutes if the weather dips below freezing, and look for signs of disorientation and lethargy. 

Keep an eye out for any dogs that may be unattended and experiencing these unwelcome signs and try to help if possible, or call the local humane society. It’s winter time.