Winter Blues
By CRIVAS
@CRIVAS (1815)
Canada
November 21, 2010 11:34am CST
My dog is a cross between a chiwawa and a terrier. He isn't a very big dog and he is a short hair. Now even though he is only 8 years old, he has cold induced arthritis and as such, going out in the cold is really hard for him. He can't go on walks in the winter and even though I shovel a clear spot for him in the yard, he won't stay outside for more than a minute. I feel really bad for him cause winter in Canada is long and harsh, so I always feel like he isn't getting enough activity. I try to play with him and most days my daughters do too, but I still feel bad. I have tried everything from puppy clothes to booties, but he hates them so much that he won't keep them on, he chews them off. Have you ever had a pet like this? What would you say is the best way to make him happy in the winter?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
21 Nov 10
poor little thing. i also have a chihuahua and they get cold very easily. mostly because they are southwestern bred. from mexico. mine gets way up under covers with me in winter and we live in arizona
where it doesnt get as cold most times as elsewhere. i dont know what to tell you. unless you can train him to keep the clothes on its a problem. 
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
21 Nov 10
Aww, your poor dog..Do you have an opened area in your home or another indoor place you can take your dog? I am fortunate, that when the weather is bad, I have a long hallway and I can throw a ball down the hall and the dogs get exercise in a warm and dry home..
@inu1711 (5285)
• Romania
21 Nov 10
Hi Crivas
I didn't have a dog like yours, but I had a dog that grew old by my side and I know how difficult it is for them when they get old.
Don't worry that your dog don't want to stay outside for long. I think it's normal for an older dog to search for a nice, cosy place to hang out when it's cold outside. If you take him for a walk in the neighbourhood twice a day, this will be enough for him.
As you said he's a chihuahua & terrier mix, I imagine he's quite a small dog, and he doesn't need too much space to move. You can exercise him inside the house. I don't think about running and jumping, but I think about some obedience exercises which will make him tired enough. Don't forget that older dogs tend to sleep more than they used to sleep before.
1 person likes this
