COLD WEATHER
OF COURSE, they get cold. Powder puff, hairy hairless, slick hairless - all feel both heat & cold.
What's the answer?
Clothes.
Sometimes, the answer is "layers & layers of clothes".
In AZ, our pups spend a good deal of the day running, jumping & frolicking. Spring,Summer & Fall, faces are covered w/ SPF 45 (CVS, Wal-Mart, Target) - bodies w/ soft cotton summer pajamas.
Pink/white areas of skin burn like a mother - including feet & ears. Pain associated w/ burning is akin to human sensation of burn: painful to touch.
During the heat of day, our dogs retire to a mist-cooled patio or the house, depending on energy levels.
On winter/rainy days, the kids continue to exercise multiple hours, wrapped in layers of clothing. Mens' tube socks (Wal-mart), cut in half, & again w/ arm holes, make terrific stretchy "wife beater" undershirts. Easy to bleach - usually makes it thru multiple launderings before completely worn out. A sock insulation layer helps keep the body warm,however,full body pajamas & coats are usually necessary.
How do I know my dog is cold?
Easy - he'll shiver. Read body language as tho' the pup were a small child - unable to communicate effectively. If he needs exercise, pile on the layers - otherwise, bring him indoors. Cresteds are not outdoor dogs, but they do enjoy lots of enthusiastic romping.
Remember the pads of their little feet make direct contact w/ pavement (burns in summer - freezes in winter).
Some owners report their dogs LOVE laying in front of the fireplace for hours on end. Mine certainly do. The fireplace tends to mesmerize & warm simultaneously.
Almost every store has a pet center - varieties of styles/color clothing is available at reasonable prices.
Weather should not be your sole director. The unwritten rule is: every Crested owner has a flamboyant side - best evidenced by the dog's outfits, including hats & collars.
Skip the Starbucks - buy your dog a new sailor suit.
