It’s Starting To Get Cold!
Winter has arrived, the days are short and the temperature has dropped to the point that it’s cold outside. We have the heat on, a burning log in the fireplace, a cup of hot cocoa in our hand so we are ready to face the cold. The question is, what about our best friend and loving companion, our dog? We need to take special precautions for them. They are dependent upon us for their safety and comfort.
For An Outside Dog
If your dog is outside, be sure to equip them with a dry, warm, non-drafty structure. Even though an outside dog has long fur and is of sufficient size, these dogs need the protection of an appropriate shelter. In addition to proper clean bedding, supplemental heat (heat disk, heated bed or heat lamps) will be required if cold conditions persist. Any electrical sources of heat should be professionally installed so that the wiring is not exposed for your dog to chew and create a shock hazard. Also, there have been instances when improperly installed heating devices have caused a fire.
Of course, if weather conditions are severe and especially at night when temperatures drop, bring your dog inside. This is the prudent course of action. Prepare them a bed in a warm area of the house and let them out only when necessary.
For An Inside Dog
Precautions need to be taken for an inside dog as well. The typical house dog is usually smaller. These dogs may need the extra warmth of a dog coat. Be sure to get one that is easy to put on. Most dogs prefer that their legs not be restricted. Any type of garment with legs will not be accepted easily and will be difficult to put on. If your dog resists wearing its coat, try putting it on for short durations with lots of praise and plenty of treats. This way they will associate good and treats with the coat. Gradually, you can increase the time as your pet gets use to the garment. Limit their exposure to extreme weather, as the cold can bring on an illness.
Whether your pet is a house dog or a yard dog, both will require more calories during the winter months. During these months you will need to feed more and supply treats during the day. For excellent dog food and treats take a look at the information at Dog Food Recipes. With a few precautions, observations and preparedness, your dog will stay warm this winter. Also, consider the information available at: Do It Yourself Training for tips on preparedness, training and care.
What are your thoughts and ideas?
Please take the time to comment below. What are your thoughts, ideas or suggestions for preparing your pet for winter? I look forward to reading your responses.
Good reminder Elaine. Winter can be extra hard on some dogs. Booties are a good idea if the snow is heavy and you have to walk where they have used salt or sand. The option is to soak their paws in warm water and dry thoroughly when you return. This way they don’t track over the house and they their paws don’t get irritated. I’m all for happy paws!
This is GREAT information. If saw how my dog lives, you would laugh. He has his own over-stuffed chair and his own fleece blanket. At night, he waits to be “tucked in,” and he likes the blanket to completely cover him. Around 5:30 am, he gets up, brings the blanket to either me or Leon, and climbs up in the middle of our king bed and we cover him back up and we all finish out the morning together until it’s time to get up. Ahhhh… the life of a dog! I do worry, though, about all those pooches and kitties out there in the freezing weather. I wish I could house them all.