What temperature is too cold for my senior dog's daily walk?

Hello. It really depends on the overall conditions & how long your pet will be outdoors. Temps around freezing are very tolerable for dogs during short excursions outdoors & longer walks where they will be moving pretty consistently. Temps that get down into the teens, a strong wind or rain, your basset might appreciate a coat, but most dogs can easily tough things out for their daily walks & many resent wearing a coat. There is nothing wrong with putting on a coat, but even a short haired breed can puff up their coats a bit creating an insulating air pocket over their skin. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Yes keep up with daily moderate exercise. As Lucy ages the length of the walks and exercise may decrease but should still be done at least twice daily. Many people stop exercising their dogs as they age. This results in muscle loss, and increased joint instability causing pain and arthritis. When you maintain the muscle mass it helps support the joints and keeps the tendons and ligaments strong. Dogs with arthritis actually have less discomfort when they are up and moving. So keep up the regular exercise and listen to Lucy and don’t push her when she’s had enough. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Lucy.

That's a good question. What I find is as long as Bailey wants to go and isn't sore or lame afterwards then let him go. I do recommend limiting jumping and severe rough housing with other dogs as those things are more likely to promote an injury. Keeping senior dogs fit and lean reduces the development and pain of arthritis. When they have strong muscles they support the joints and activity keeps the joints lubricated. Please listen to Bailey and as he ages he will not want to go as long and as far. I still want you to keep him active but don't push him, let him decide on his activity level. Having a day of rest between strenuous days is also helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bailey.

If you meant the sweetener erythritol, it is not toxic to dogs. Xylitol is the sweetener that is very toxic to dogs. If it is very hot or humid out, keep walks short. A 10-15. Inure walk is fine. Monitor Quinton for excessive panting, lethargy or lameness. Let him be your guide. A good exercise for dogs with arthritis is swimming. It is low impact and will keep him cool.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lexie. If she has a jacket and boots, those will help to protect her from the elements. If not, several short outings will be safer than taking her out for a long walk. I would keep the outings short (maybe 10 mins or so) depending how cold the windchill is where you are located. If she doesn't seem be enjoying herself, this is a sign that she is uncomfortable. It is always best to err on the side of caution. If you are at all concerned, I would just give her additional exercise later this week when it warms up a bit. I hope this information helps!

If her stool looks normal than it could be related to the cold temperatures. She could also have a problem with her back or hips causing pain so you could have your vet take a look at her to make sure there isn't a medical reason. If it is related to the cold temperature outside, you could put a coat or sweater on her and some doggie boots and see if that helps at all.

I would exercise her at her pace. If she appears painful from her arthritis, then cut the walk short. I think any exercise she gets is great, and it's awesome you take her for three walks a day. I would keep up the good work!