temperature and keeping dogs in the garage

Question
I have a 3 year old bichon and poodle. I live in Atlanta. I leave my dogs in the garage when I go to work at night-16 hours a night. I do not want to crate them for that long. I think it is mean for them not to pee in such a long time since they are such small breeds. How cold is too cold to leave them out in the garage in the winter. they have food, water & well padded beds.

I was thinking of putting a programable electric heater with a screen and well wrapped cord with duct tape in to keep the garage at 50 degrees,but I am afraid of the energy bill since I cannot afford to insulate my garage.

Please help.

Answer
I think any dog, unless it is a thick-haired, double-coated breed like a husky or shepherd, cannot handle temps for any length of time below 65 (possibly 62) without added warmth. Your two can grow pretty long coats (which will then mat up without constant care), but those are single coats with no undercoat. And if they are house dogs the rest of the day, they will have trouble adapting back and forth from one temperature to the other. In a garage, you also must be careful they don't get into oil or antifreeze drips from any vehicles that might be parked in there.

One thing that you can do is to get them an exercise pen or have an enclosed area for them inside the house, and then put down newspapers or those wee-wee (potty) pads for them. With your long hours, I think that would be your best solution. http://shop.ebay.com/items/exercise%20pens?_dmd=1&_sop=12&tt_encode=raw&crlp=190...

Good luck and best wishes to you.