Cold weather and the safety of your dogs
The birds fly south in winter; people buy winter clothes, weatherize their houses and even prepare their cars to protect them against cold weather. When preparing for the drop in temperatures, it is equally important to keep dogs warm and safe. While many dogs live outdoors in kennels or kennels, there are ways to keep them warm and safe from the elements, even in such shelters. Arthritic dogs, especially, should receive extra attention in cold weather and dog clothes or other protective devices should be worn to keep them warm day and night.
Protection in Outdoor Habitats:
If a dog lives outside in a kennel, consider covering the top of the kennel with a waterproof tarp or other protective covering to insulate the dog from the elements. Or consider placing a doghouse inside the kennel, so the dog has a safe haven from rain and snow. The dog’s bedding should also always be slightly raised to prevent it from getting wet or freezing. Special heaters or heating pads can also be added to the kennel or doghouse for additional warmth. If you use a heating device, make sure it’s designed for use in pet shelters, as regular space heaters should never be used in animal shelters or enclosures.
If it’s too cold outside, consider bringing a dog inside, especially during the evening hours, and set up a warm space for him to sleep through the night.
Dogs with Special Needs:
Whether the dog lives indoors or outdoors, aging pets often develop arthritis. Just as humans experience joint pain in cold, wet weather, it can be just as painful for an arthritic dog. To help alleviate the effects of cold on a dog’s arthritis, consider dog clothes to help provide extra warmth during the winter season. A dog sweater is recommended to keep joints warm and to make sure arthritic dogs are as comfortable as possible in harsh weather.
walk outside:
Remember, also, that the paws can become irritated when they come into contact with cold surfaces and the salt used on icy surfaces. Special boots made for dogs are recommended when walking a dog in the snow or on icy surfaces. This can also help prevent the dog from slipping on such surfaces. However, be patient with dogs that are not used to wearing boots, as it may take a while for them to get used to it.
Protection for indoor dogs:
For indoor pets, allowing a dog to sleep in warmer parts of the house and even making sure his bedding stays warm is a good way to ensure an animal is comfortable when cold weather arrives. Just remember to never leave a dog unattended in a room with a space heater or open fireplace.
Keeping dogs healthy in the winter months:
During the winter months, dogs often need to eat more calories to help them produce sufficient amounts of their own body heat. Consulting a vet on how to increase the dog’s caloric intake, without overfeeding him, is the best way to accomplish this.
If a dog ever begins to shiver or shiver due to cold temperatures, make an effort to warm him up slowly but steadily, as persistent shivering is a sign of hypothermia, which can be very dangerous for both dogs and animals. humans.
A dog’s temperature is always slightly warmer than the average human temperature. When the forecasts get too cold, some special precautions are usually needed to make sure you and your dog are comfortable on winter days.
