I may be the worst dog owner ever!!
The last two nights where I live have been very, very cold. The house that we rent has a bedroom upstairs that is a loft style setup. There are no baseboards (or whatever they are called) for heat up there. . . .it just rises from upstairs. Our dog sleeps on a big fluffy bed on our carpeted floor up there. We moved into this house about two months ago, and have had the dog for like a month. He is a rescue from Florida.
Long story short, the dog who typically is a great dog, and sleeps until 6:45-7 every morning has been getting up the last two night in the middle of the night to shake (like when they are wet, to dry themselves). He has been waking us up with it, and both DH and I found it to be annoying. We both thought it was because the wind was so loud. When the dog came to my side of the bed this morning I reached down to pet him and my hand brushed against his nose. . . . it was so cold. . . . . . . that's when I had the horrible realization that he wasn't shaking because he was waking up from the noises. . . . he was just too cold!!!!!
I feel like the most awful pet owner on the planet right now. I don't know how I didn't realize that was what was happening! I am going at lunch to get him a fleecy blanket to snuggle in while he sleeps. Any other suggestions?
Re: I may be the worst dog owner ever!!
A dog doesn't have to be in your bedroom to be treated like family. I never slept in my parents bedroom - does that mean they weren't treating me right? This is no different than if she had sent a child to sleep up in their own room, the child let her know the room was too cold, and she made the room warmer.
I'd call your vet and ask what temperatures are ok/optimal for your dog's comfort, and if they have any pet-safe suggestions for warming the area up.
50 in 2012 Reading Challenge: 2 books read
my read shelf:
I believe that pets are members of the family as well. I would never do anything to intentionally hurt an animal. I am beside myself that he was cold for the night.
A cold wet nose is actually the sign of a healthy dog. They constantly lick their noses in order to enable scents to stick to their sniffer for better survival. Noticeably in the winter their nose will feel cooler but that does not mean the dog itself is cold.
Was the dog shivering? Is there some other reason you believe the dog was cold/uncomforatble as in wimpering, barking, or other strange behavior? The shaking could be a result of many things. Mites in their ears, fleas, just a general itch or rearranging of fur (if he is itching you may want to check for these). A blanket for the dog is a great choice as I have blankets for both of mine but they are both big fans of pillows and blankets.
You do not have to have the dog sleep in the same room as you for them to be family. Dogs are animals obviously and as long as they have a place they feel safe/comfortable/loved they are fine. For example: My boy dog prefers to sleep under beds rather than with me. He feels happier and safer there. He will stay in bed until I fall asleep and then leave on his own accord. He is no less family because of where he sleeps.
50 in 2012 Reading Challenge: 2 books read
my read shelf:
Also (in case anyone is interested) I have figured out that this whole stuck in the quote box can be remedied by selecting the back button and trying to comment again. It seems to be due to the scripts loading incorrectly the first time. Not a permanent fix but a work around I use.
The room is probably in the 50s. . . . Outside of my comforter I find it to be cold.
He is a schnauzer mix. . . . his hair is still growing back, I think they hacked it off at the shelter because he was probably matted. . . . he is still underweight for his size at about 20 pounds (we are working on that!)
I also think that coming from FL to NY may have something to do with it.
maybe right close to 60. I'm just thinking that the downstairs when I go to bed is 65 at max and there is a noteable difference walking up the stairs. high 50s??
Also, how close did they shave him? During the summer my dog is clipped as short as possible and the "itch" from the growing hair makes her shake for weeks. Maybe there is something there?
Get a raised dog bed. The floors hold the cold. Just like camping. You need to put something in between the ground and the bed to absorb the cold. Even 1-2 inches off the floor will make a difference.
this is a fancy one, but there are plenty of budget verions out there:
http://www.petco.com/product/113886/New-Age-Pet-Eco-Concepts-Chestnut-Bunk-Bed-with-Cushion-Raised-Dog-Bed.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch
Websites/blogs where our wedding has been featured:
http://www.dapperq.com/2013/11/a-very-dapper-wedding/
http://www.onabicyclebuiltfortwo.com/2013/10/wedding-christina-g.html
http://4realequalityweddings.com/2014/05/16/g-christina/