Some dogs love the snow

Ralph likes to keep a close eye on the neighborhood - and when there's something going on down the valley, the best spot is in the middle of the pasture below the house.

If we'd go for it, he'd lay outside and let himself be covered in snow as long as the temperatures don't fall below about 20 degrees. When it gets colder than that, he joins our short haired dogs in making quick trips in and out!

But... Although he seems to think snow and cold in moderation are just fine, when he comes in he needs that snow and ice removed from his "feathers" and between his toes. We trimmed those feathers this year, just to keep the snowballs from annoying him so much.

City dogs need more than snow and ice removal - if you've been out on sidewalks where de-icer has been used, your dogs need their feet washed with soapy water, rinsed, and dried.

The salt and toxic chemicals that make walking easy for you are NOT good for your dog's feet - and are even worse for his tummy when he starts licking it off. If I lived in the city, I think I would invest in doggie booties.

I've posted a whole article on cold-weather dog care at my Do You Love Dogs site, so if you aren't sure what to do, give it a read.