Little dogs in the snow... (Bend, Redmond: moving to, activity, dog parks)

[DarlingDactyl]

I'm moving to Redmond in just a few days, and joining me will be my two little dogs. They are both chihuahua mixes (you know, the kind that gets cold easily) and have never been in the snow before.
I like to keep them as active as possible, and activity is an absolute must for my boy dog as he's pretty high energy, and needs a good "outlet" for his energy or else he can get destructive.
Anyone have any tips for keeping their doggies active when it's cold outside? Anyone in Redmond or Bend wanna have some doggie play dates (I could sure use some friends in the area!).
Thanks in advance you guys!

[Coniferian]

There's two dog parks in Dry Canyon (off Black Butte) and one is for small dogs. It's a good-sized fenced and grassy area for them to run around in. When it gets below freezing we put a Thundershirt on Ozzie, our blue heeler/cattledog mix.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

I've got Papillons and they love the snow. They can be out in the snow for about 10-15 minutes as long as they are moving-- and they move fast. If I get them inside before they chill, they are fine. The big problem with snow is that it sticks to their toe fringes, which you probably don't have with chihuahuas.

If weather is really bad, exercise your dogs indoors.

If you go to Bend Pet Express, they can sell you all-weather gear for your dogs. Get them coats and boots. Well behaved dogs are welcome inside and you can try things on to make sure they fit.

For small dogs, you will have to shovel them a path in the snow so that they can go out and potty.

[BendLocal]

Originally Posted by oregonwoodsmoke

The big problem with snow is that it sticks to their toe fringes, which you probably don't have with chihuahuas.

If we are going to be out in the snow for a while I use Musher's Secret.

Mushers Secret-all season paw protection for your dog