I live in Arazona, US, now it is too cold for me but Basenji feels good enough to bear such cold, so this is fine to Basenji below normal temperature.
Cold weather excercise
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We live in VT with lots of cold weather, snow and wind and we don't protect her ears. She's never (knock wood) had any ear issues. I hope that helps.
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When we rescued Miles, he had been on the run for who knows how long– his ears had damage from the cold... they turned black but were not your typical "infection" with any production of any kind. Check out some of our pics... but otherwise our kids have been fine while exercising outside.
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I was told that because basenji's have pointed ears that cannot be put down (i.e. the inside of their ears is unprotected), cold weather and wind can cause ear infections. Now that winter is right around the corner, I was wondering what the best option is for exercising my basenji is. Is there something I can get to protect his ears while walking him?
I have never heard that. We have never had any ear infections. Personally, I disagree. the dogs I saw most with ear infections were labs and cockers. Both have floppy ears.
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Floppy eared dogs tend to have more infections because the moisture tends to stay in the ear. Dogs with straight up ears tend to have less because the air can circulate.
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I was told that because basenji's have pointed ears that cannot be put down (i.e. the inside of their ears is unprotected), cold weather and wind can cause ear infections.
I could see where the shape and delicate thinness of the basenji ear might predispose them to getting frostbite and/or a cold induced dermatitis. But it also seems like they'd have to be outside and exposed to the cold for a long time. But since I don't live in an area where intense cold is a problem, I certainly don't speak with any knowledge.
Pat
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You would be right, Pat! But they might have to be left out for an extended length of time. Mine tend to run out and right back in. I know Sue hasn't had that problem either, or anyone else up here who has basenji's and treats them properly.
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That's good news for Rami :o I'm sure he will be happy knowing he can still take his walks, even in the colder weather :o Thanks for all the info!
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You'll probably want a sweater for him though-and just watch long walks. You may need ear socks or a little hat for him if it's really cold.
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Where do they sell hats or ear socks?? What a good idea
I'm already planning on getting him a jacket or fleece of some sort - Colorado weather can be a bit chilly! -
It certainly can-I've never seen the ear socks sold anywhere-I knit them (I'm sure my dogs love me!) You should be able to find ear hats on line or in a pet store/boutique. Anybody ever see them?
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Ruby's Mom happens to have a cashmere hoodie that she can't use anymore. Maybe she can cut it up and make ear socks for you cold weather Bs.
Pat
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Quite true! And it will be nice and soft on her little horns-er-ears!
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Arlene,
Do you have a photo of the ear socks that you have knitted? I would love to see it!
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Yes, we might all be ordering ear socks soon!
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I am a firm believer in Land's End doggy coats. They are made out of the same materials as their squall jackets/parkas. The best features (especially for a long-legged
is the large belly band and the wide velcro flaps across the chest and belly-band. Our B- loves them!The only issue we have with cold weather is the feet. Being in the Midwest, many people salt their side walks. Between the salt and the ice/snow that packs into their deep toe wells, winter is very uncomfortable walking time. We've tried teh snow botties but Rocky will either not move once they are one, or rip one off as we put the other on.
Short of vet wrapping each foot before a walk, I'm not sure what else to do. (Did I mention he likes to eat vet wrap too?)
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No pics yet (funny how you never think of that until someone asks) I have to knit some more (the chew factor you know LOL (Ruby)). When I do I'll take pics. It's basically just like ear muffs-a knitted strap with socks where the ears go and ties under the neck.
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I am a firm believer in Land's End doggy coats. They are made out of the same materials as their squall jackets/parkas. The best features (especially for a long-legged
is the large belly band and the wide velcro flaps across the chest and belly-band. Our B- loves them!The only issue we have with cold weather is the feet. Being in the Midwest, many people salt their side walks. Between the salt and the ice/snow that packs into their deep toe wells, winter is very uncomfortable walking time. We've tried teh snow botties but Rocky will either not move once they are one, or rip one off as we put the other on.
Short of vet wrapping each foot before a walk, I'm not sure what else to do. (Did I mention he likes to eat vet wrap too?)
Try muttluks. I have them for Nala.
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I like the FidoFleece coats - they velcro along the TOP there is a hole to hook the leash on the collar. All you have to do is set your basenji down on the 2 leg openings - pull both sides up and voila. I also have on that is fleese on one side and raincoat on the other side.
I am lucky to have a large fenced area in my back yard so I don't have to worry about salt - I would rather walk myself but - the salt is just too daunting. If I want to walk - I'll find a snowmobile trail to walk on I can be pretty certain that there is not much salt there.
