Frigid Temps w/Cold Front on the way (kids, best, outside)

[_redbird_]

We use bales of hay, on top of cedar chips, and old blankets for our GSD. But this weekend, I noticed up in the northern plains, (NE, WY, SD) the temps are going to be minus 10 F with -20's wind chill.

Here in Oklahoma, it's forecasted to drop to 14 F. With a north wind that is brutal. We are bringing our GSD in.

What do others feel is the temp to bring in their outdoor large breeds.

I already know I am going to get some answers from indignant dog owners who think a dog should sleep indoors all the time. But here in OK, our outside dogs are just that,...outside!

[Blondie621]

Dogs are man best friend, they do not belong outside 24/7.
Bring the dog/dogs in, especially in inclement weather.

[maciesmom]

Here is CO - people I know who live in the country and have "outside dogs" allow them in the barn or garage when the weather is cold....

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Ir ead some where on C-D that blankets were bad to use b/c they don't dry out as quickly as straw/hay. My short-haired dogs aren't out for more than 20 min in freezing temps.

[suzannewright]

My big dog lets me know when he's ready to come in. He is "usually" an outside dog, but only during the day. I started letting him in during the day when it hit the 20s. He'll go play in the snow and about 10-15 minutes later, he'll be sitting at the door waiting for me to let him in. It's been down to 0* lately, so he doesn't stay out long....unless he's pulling my kids on the sled (then he LOVES to be outside).

[dreamhunter65]

We had -30 winds this week.With wind chills and such watch the weather and they usually alert to unsafe conditions for pets and humans to be out. Depends on how well hs winter coat is and straw works better than hay. I know coon hounds and such here they have those 55 gallon plastic drums they make houses with and have a wind flap on and wrapped in straw.Rarely do they make it in house.

[musicwriter]

my Aussie Shephard loves being outside, and doesn't care how cold it gets. During the spring, summer, and fall i can leave her outside all day long to run and play in the yard, and she absolutely loves it. During the winter though i only leave her outside for maybe 5-10 minutes, 15 max if it isn't overly cold.
She never stays outside at night. I leave her out no more than 5 minutes at night when it is really bitterly cold. I figure that gives her long enough to do her business.