Indoor dog too cold?

Jens · 02-03-2006, 11:02 AM

My neighbour lives in a very old, large damp stone cottage. The living areas are heated but the kitchen is not. It is freezing.
He has two dogs, an very old ESS and a 9 yr old lab cross.
The lab x is quite over weight and the ESS is nearing the end of her days but looks ok all things considered. I know cold temps mean more food but this doesn't seem to be an issue.
The dogs are shut in the kitchen ovenight and I have seen the lab x shivering as he is curled up in his basket. As I said it is extremely cold, I start to shiver after a few minutes.
I was wondering what effect does this cold have on the dogs? I have suggested a safe electric heater. Are they tough eough to tolerate this cold and warm themselves up in time by shivering? I know dogs can be happy and warm ouside as long as they have sufficient shelter but is it possible to be indoors and have insufficient shelter?
He says in the morning the dogs come into the living area and warm up in no time but it seems a bit cruel and I dot know whether or not to (nicely)interfere and push the heater or am I being soft?

linnie · 02-03-2006, 01:09 PM

well it sounds like they care for their dogs but it also sounds like a nice polite chat might be in order.
Why not mention about doggy heaters you can get for their bed and also if the bed is on the floor and not raised this wouldnt help.
Good luck and keep us posted

Spiritus · 02-03-2006, 01:17 PM

"Adequate" shelter outdoors is typically a small house that is just the right size for a dog's body heat to keep warm. Being out in the open kitchen when it is cold would be no different than being outside without shelter on a calm night.

But then there is also the question.... how cold is cold? Cold can be relative depending upon location. I can't see it being good for a kitchen to drop below freezing - pipes would burst. Here, -20 celcius would be considered cold, while is southern California, temps in the 60's (farenheit) would be considered cold.

***Carrie*** · 02-03-2006, 01:55 PM

If the dog is shivering, he is too cold. Those heating pads for dog beds would be nice. Maybe you could say something or if you have lots of money, could offer it as a gift. LOL.

02-03-2006, 11:02 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jens Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: UK Posts: 28 Rep Power: 54	Indoor dog too cold? My neighbour lives in a very old, large damp stone cottage. The living areas are heated but the kitchen is not. It is freezing. He has two dogs, an very old ESS and a 9 yr old lab cross. The lab x is quite over weight and the ESS is nearing the end of her days but looks ok all things considered. I know cold temps mean more food but this doesn't seem to be an issue. The dogs are shut in the kitchen ovenight and I have seen the lab x shivering as he is curled up in his basket. As I said it is extremely cold, I start to shiver after a few minutes. I was wondering what effect does this cold have on the dogs? I have suggested a safe electric heater. Are they tough eough to tolerate this cold and warm themselves up in time by shivering? I know dogs can be happy and warm ouside as long as they have sufficient shelter but is it possible to be indoors and have insufficient shelter? He says in the morning the dogs come into the living area and warm up in no time but it seems a bit cruel and I dot know whether or not to (nicely)interfere and push the heater or am I being soft?

02-03-2006, 01:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
linnie tibbie girl Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 3,051 Rep Power: 169	well it sounds like they care for their dogs but it also sounds like a nice polite chat might be in order. Why not mention about doggy heaters you can get for their bed and also if the bed is on the floor and not raised this wouldnt help. Good luck and keep us posted
	__________________ Caution...Dogs can leave footprints on your heart

02-03-2006, 01:17 PM	#3 (permalink)
Spiritus Trust the Force... Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 513 Rep Power: 78	"Adequate" shelter outdoors is typically a small house that is just the right size for a dog's body heat to keep warm. Being out in the open kitchen when it is cold would be no different than being outside without shelter on a calm night. But then there is also the question.... how cold is cold? Cold can be relative depending upon location. I can't see it being good for a kitchen to drop below freezing - pipes would burst. Here, -20 celcius would be considered cold, while is southern California, temps in the 60's (farenheit) would be considered cold.
	__________________ Spiritus Belgian Shepherds U-CD Can. CH. Shay CD CGN HIC UKC/Can. CH. Trouble, Lexi, Jesse CGN, and youngsters Constantine and Deja .... and coming soon, our Valentine Litter * R.I.P. BOSS CH. Wren, and much loved puppy Tally *

02-03-2006, 01:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
*Carrie* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: north panhandle of Idaho Posts: 7,413 Rep Power: 283	If the dog is shivering, he is too cold. Those heating pads for dog beds would be nice. Maybe you could say something or if you have lots of money, could offer it as a gift. LOL.
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