The American Beagler Forum

My hound is an indoor/outdoor dog, that is to say when I'm home she can be inside but when I'm out she's in her kennel. The problem is that it is starting to get cold pretty quick and she dosen't seem to be producing a winter coat yet. Any suggestions to how I might be able to help the process or will she just gradually start producing one? It gets pretty cold here in the dead of winter (colder than -20 C)and I don't want her freezing when she's out in the kennel.

to my knowledge some fine hair dogs dont get a winter coat or at least mine dont,,,,,,

Are your winters cold where you are ringtail?

i live in indiana,,,,,,,,southern part it dont really get to 20 below,,,,,,it has got down to o alot of times but not that harsh

you should leave her outside all the time and then she will gradually get her winter coat it may be to late now.

Is she outside more or inside more? That will determine the thickness of coat. Does she have an insulated dog house? She should grow sufficient coat in her time if out more than in. So you have to decide where you want her most of the time. She can be in the house evenings but if you want her out, she needs to be out overnight. My beagles sleep under the down duvet! They still produce quite a coat. I live in Ontario 1 hour north of Toronto. It gets pretty cold, dogs should be well protected outside when really cold out )insulated dog house with lots of bedding). Carolyn

I would say she is probably 50/50 in and out. Her house is nice and insulated, lot's of wood chips and 2" styrofoam arround the outside. She does sleep inside at night. Because she is a house pet as well as a hunter leaving her outside all the time is not an option (besides we like her company), and she can not be left alone inside so never putting her out will not work either. Is their any special foods or supplements to get her coat up to snuff?

Why don't you buy a crate for in the house? Mine are 11 and 4, always crate them when we go out, saves furniture, rugs etc. They still hunt most days except when -20 celsius. Then it's too cold for me to be out with them anyhow. I use Vari Kennels medium size. Dogs are happy, I'm happy!!! Her coat will come in to what she needs most likely. How old is she? Each of my beagles has a different coat and the thickest is not the warmest. Depends on the dog. I give fish oil caps and feed raw (a radical) so coats are unbelievable for health. Carolyn

thanks for the tips. I guess I'll just leave her and hopefully she'll get a good enough coat.