Cane Corso in the cold?

[Ben Curtis]

I live in Maine, and this morning was 17 degrees outside. My Cane Corso puppy, Leo, is about 13 weeks now and he really does not like the cold. I know this breed does not handle the cold very well, and I am wondering how long is too long outside for him? I would never leave him chained outside for any length of time. I am more wondering about how long of a walk can he comfortably handle in these temperatures? I cut my usual 30 minute walk with him in 1/2 today. He was not shivering when we were out walking, but he did seem like he go a bit to cold.

I have never been a fan of clothing on dogs, but I have been putting Leo in jackets for a few weeks now, just to try and help him deal with the cold. He grows so fast it's hard to justify putting him in anything more than a cheapo Walmart jacket. This picture is him in his Rudolf fleece. It was also his first time walking on ice. I have got to say he did very well, and actually seemed to enjoy it... even though you would not know it to look at his face in this picture.

 

[kevinmuaythai]

My 5 month old CC flips out in the snow and will stay in it for an hour easily! Some times I have to stop her from rolling and sliding in it so she doesn't whine from being cold. And when we're done she runs right in and sits in front of the fire. But she never shakes while in it, or shows any sign of being cold. And its her choice to play in it so long. This was at about 25 degrees. But generally I try and keep her to a limited 30 minutes in the snow/ice (she love to dig in to ice and eat it). Because she has gotten to a point where she was whining from being in it...(then why lay in it!)

 

[mmyrto]

Hera goes nuts with the snow too, she refuses to come in the house i have to drag her and after 5 minutes she wants to go back out again. I put mooshers secret wax on her paws to protect them from snow and salt they throw. Why do you say this breed doesnt do well in cold condition i've never heard of that , their coat is quite dense.

 

[Ben Curtis]

I've just read multiple places that they don't handle cold or heat very well, when I was researching the breed. They might be comparing them to huskies or something for all I know. I'm glad to hear it does not seem to be much of an issue. Leo shivers when he goes outside just to pee. It sounds like he is just being wimpy There coat is dense but not very long, and it also does not have the oils like a lab does that help protect it from moisture. Those are part of the reasons I was also under the impression that they do not handle the cold very well. Most dogs love going for walks. Leo likes the walk when he gets out there, but it takes quite a bit of coaxing to get him to cross the door threshold. When he sees us putting on our jackets he goes immediately to the backside of his crate. It's funny how great this breed seems to be at conveying the way they want things to be.

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

It depends on what they are used to. I have a female that would prefer to not spend much time in it but she does pull my girls around in the sled and will play in it but if you head to the door she is hot on your heels and is in front of the fire before you can take your mittens off. I have others that think it is awesome stuff! Each will be different but if you get them used to it then he will be fine on his walks.

 

[Mooshi's Mummy]

Please be careful on the ice...slipping and sliding around like scooby doo could do some damage to joints quite easily. I would stay away from the ice altogether if it was me.

 

[Ben Curtis]

I am well aware of the joints. The ice today was not slick at all. I would say slightly more slippery than my concrete floors. Joints are a constant concern of mine. Leo would rather jump off a drop off than walk around it. He is his own worst enemy when it comes to joints.

 

[Mooshi's Mummy]

Typical puppy LOL. Just so long as you know, its better to be told then not I alaways think.

 

[DennasMom]

A 13 week old puppy will have a lot harder time in the cold than a grown dog, too... so once he gets older and has a chance to 'bulk up' for winter, you can probably forgo with the jackets.

 

[musicdeb]

Beautiful baby! Love the coat!

 

[jersey girl]

I agree with DennasMom....your boy is still a baby,and as he grows I am sure he will tolerate the cold just fine. I also put Mushers on Crickett's paws before she goes out in the snow...keeps them protected and soft.

 

[angelbears]

Typical puppy LOL. Just so long as you know, its better to be told then not I alaways think.[/QUOTE

My thoughts exactly. What about frostbite on their pads?

 

[ruthcatrin]

Highly recommend Musher's Secret, it'll prevent snow-balls between the toes and help prevent frost-bite, and generally protect the pads.

 

[Smokeycat]

Highly recommend Musher's Secret, it'll prevent snow-balls between the toes and help prevent frost-bite, and generally protect the pads.

I've got to try that for Jiggers.

 

[ruthcatrin]

I was quite delighted with it. Lasted about a week for Apollo, though last winter was screwy so that may vary, before I had to re-apply. Just make sure you coat the hair between the pads as much as the pads.

 

[Smokeycat]

I've got booties for him but his feet are so small for a dog his size that getting them to stay on properly is almost impossible. They also fill up with snow that then melts so his feet get soaked and then it freezes between his toes anyway on a long walk.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Eeww

 

[Cody]

Aurora hates the cold Black Jack LOVES IT. I have to drag him in lol.
Depends on th dog

 

[Sadies Mom]

Highly recommend Musher's Secret, it'll prevent snow-balls between the toes and help prevent frost-bite, and generally protect the pads.

Does that stuff work for summer heat too?

Never mind....I googeld and it does. Might have to get some so we can walk in the summer. Winter is not bad here

 

[ruthcatrin]

Its supposed to, I've never tried it for that. We just avoid the pavement when its that hot.

They sell little containers so you don't have to buy a ton to try it. And two of my local privately owned petstores carry it.