Siberian Huskies + Cold weather

[WolftheRaccoon]

I know that Siberian Huskies have been bred for generations to be out in the cold as sled dogs. With this in mind, I'm having my carpet completely replaced, and Zephyr can't be there while it's going on.

I can't afford doggie day care, and none of my family will look after her. The only thing I can think of is to take Zephyr to work, leave her in the car, and run around with her during my breaks and lunch to get the blood pumping again along with some protein treats.

It's not remotely warm out, so I know she won't overheat...though I'd still crack the windows. She won't enjoy being stuck in the car, but at least her whines won't bother anyone in the parking lot.

Would doing this for a couple days be harmful to Zephyr? We've been out in the cold before and I was much worse off afterwards than she was by far. I think she'd be OK health-wise. Any opinions?

[WolftheRaccoon]

Now that I think about it, if it's a non-issue health-wise, I'm sure Zephyr would like this idea better than being home all day. She'd get to see me several times a day, still be in a place she's familiar with (the car), and best of all, she'd get to socialize with all the other smokers when I let her out on my breaks and lunch. She gets so hyper and happy around other people, and she doesn't really get to interact with other people too often. Psychologically, I think she'd love it.

[AlaskaYorkie]

I can't imagine a Siberian husky having a problem in a car in Washington this time of year, but I suppose it's worth asking: Is your dog acclimatized to the cold? Does she spend much time outdoors as it is, or is she in the house all the time? And how about her safety in the car. Will the car be parked in a secure area, or will it be somewhere where someone could steal her?

Without knowing all those answers, I'd still say she will probably do just fine, especially if you can check on her every few hours.

[WolftheRaccoon]

She's fairly well accustomed to the cold. It's almost 60% indoors, 40% outdoors. My workplace has a security gate where only my co-workers can access. She'll be safe from theft. She's also been in the car for a couple hours at a time when I go out to eat with my father. She usually just keeps the driver's seat warm for me and wags her tail at passersby and either gnaws on a rawhide bone or sleeps.

[alimel]

I am not so sure leaving her in the car while you are at work is such a good idea, is there any other alternative?

[Bclover92]

i think as long as she has warm blankets and such she may be okay.

[golden&hovawart]

Originally Posted by alimel

I am not so sure leaving her in the car while you are at work is such a good idea, is there any other alternative?

Alimel,
you're thinking of Fl. where it's dangerous to keep a dog in the car!.
But her plan doesn't sound bad and dogs do better in cold weather than hot!.
In Fl.,you can't live a dog outside,let along in a car but I've done it,in NJ when the weather was cool!.
Just make sure that the car doesn't get too cold and I would leave the windows partly open so fresh air can come in!.
Maybe yr coworkers will fall in love and allow her,in!.Tell her to use her charms on them!.

[WolftheRaccoon]

Well, I ran out of time and options, so she's in the car now, while I'm in my office. She's got her favorite blanket which doubles as both a bed and a chew toy, a Kong with rawhide pieces rammed inside, and her favorite rubber bone. My first break is in about 45 minutes, so I'll let her out and give her some water and a Milk Bone then. She seems fine. I creeped up to the car and she was sleeping.

[Bclover92]

Thats good, I think she'll be fine...

[WolftheRaccoon]

Well, Zephyr seemed to really enjoy herself today at work...in the car. =P She was very well behaved alone in the car, and was super excited any time me or any of my co-workers paid attention to her. =) Her and I ran up and down hills and she almost tackled me in the snow. She didn't even seem to mind when breaktime was over and I had to leave her alone again. The cold obviously didn't phase her a bit . =)

I love spending time with my girl...I might just keep this up until my employer tells me to stop....or till it gets warm out, whichever comes first. lol