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I have a 6 mon old boxer mix puppy. Winter's coming-does she need a sweater?
I was told that puppies can't regulate their temp as well as adult dogs. Also, I've never had a short hair dog before. We live in PA, and it does get COLD! I've knitted one sweater for her, but she's still growing-fast. Also, we are considering a heating pad for her bed. Should we do this and should I get knitting in other sizes? Thanks.
Brrr....I'm cold just thinking about PA in the winter!
I would definitely put a sweater on her. It's true that puppies are more sensitive to both heat and cold.
Depending on what your pup is mixed with, it's probably a safe bet that her fur is fine and the coat is fairly close to the skin. This type of dog is really not suited to cold as there is little protection from the elements. Also, most boxers are lean but muscular and have fairly little body fat, which also doesn't help keep them warm in winter.
I'm not sure where she sleeps; if she's in the room with you, then putting her near a wall which isn't an external wall and making sure there's no drafts on the floor is probably ok. Here in California, we rarely get super cold icy nights, but it does get cold. I sometimes put a towel over Jack when he sleeps. He loves that.
And yeah, be prepared to buy/make a few different sizes of sweaters until she's grown.
Try it all! I've seen a lot of dogs wear sweaters, and they seem very happy and warm. If she is playing with other dogs tho, I'd remove it. There are beds that hold in body heat that might be better than a heating pad tho, you wouldn't want her to get burns from a heating pad. Good luck:o)
Lola Penelope
answered 3 weeks, 3 days ago.
Helpful? /0
We have had a series of younger puppies every fall for a long time, mostly Labs. The only time I ever wore a sweater on one was when I was going to have it out for a longer time when it was still small.
If it is inside, it shouldn't need the heated bed. If it is much of a chewer, be very careful about leaving a cord it can reach. Our puppies sleep in a bare crate. Dogs actually prefer it cooler than we do.
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