We may think our dogs are tough and they shouldn't be in the house alone, especially when they are considered a large dog breed. Your pet does need regular exercise and plenty of room to grow, but you should also consider the type of weather you will be leaving them in. Cold weather is one of the most dangerous times of the year for your dog. Even when you have a Huskie or Akita they need to have protection from the harsh cold weather. As an owner you are going to be responsible for their care.
If you must leave your dog outside during cold weather check the weather forecast. You will need to know what temperature it will reach and whether it will be snowing or raining. Shelter will only help your dog so much when left outside in the cold. There are also many different types of doghouses you can have to help keep your dog safe.
First the doghouse should be insulated and large enough for them to fit their entire body into as well as have plenty of blankets and covering to avoid the cold earth or snow. If it is not going to snow several feet then you may be able to let them stay outside depending on the provisions you are providing them and the temperature. Any temperature that is near freezing or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit is going to be too cold to leave your dog outside. Water will freeze if it gets too cold and then they want have part of the basic care a dog needs.
When the cold weather rolls in you are better off keeping the dog inside, no matter what it will be doing. It is rather cruel to withhold proper care just because the dog is a little too big or can get into trouble while inside. Your best option for cold weather care is coming home at least once during the day and letting them out for exercise and bathroom breaks.
We all like to turn down the temperature when we aren't home, but consider what temperature the dog will need to be comfortable. If it is too cold inside you are doing no better by having them inside. So keep the thermostat up at a decent temperature while you are away for the day.
You may need to spend a little more playtime and exercise time with your dog once you get home, but it is important to see they are safe, warm, and happy during the day when you are at work. You can even leave them extra blankets around their bed during the night and when you are away just in case the house isn't warm enough. Most dogs love to cuddle when it gets cold. You will find them in front of fireplaces and heaters warming themselves.
If you do have a fire going make sure you have the doors on the fireplace closed or that the screens are in place. You don't want the dog to get too close just because of curiosity.
Cold weather can be just as harsh on your dogs or dog as it is on you. Keep in mind that extra care needs to be taken even if you are just going for a little exercise out of doors. There are many things you can do such as dog sweaters, little booties, or just keeping up the pace to make sure your dog will not suffer in the cold.
Birds fly south in the winter; people shop for winter wardrobes, weatherize their homes and even prepare their cars for protection against cold weather. When preparing for dropping temperatures, it is equally important keep dogs warm and safe. While many dogs live outdoors in kennels or in doghouses, there are ways to keep them warm and safe from the elements, even in such shelters. Arthritic dogs, especially, should be given special attention in cold weather and dog clothes or other protective devices should be used 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 water-resistant tarp, or other protective covering, to insulate the dog from the elements. Or, consider placing a doghouse inside of the kennel, so that the dog has safe shelter from rain and snow. The dog's bedding should also always be slightly elevated to keep from becoming wet or frozen. Special heaters or heating pads may also be added to the kennel or doghouse to provide additional warmth. If using a heating device, be sure it is designed for use in pet shelters, as regular space heaters are never to be used in animal shelters or enclosures.
If it gets too cold outside, consider bringing a dog inside, especially during the evening hours, and prepare a warm space for them 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 painful joints in cold, damp weather, such can be as painful for an arthritic dog. To help alleviate the effects of the cold on a dog's arthritis, consider dog clothes to help provide additional warmth during the winter season. A dog sweater is advisable to keep their joints warm and to make sure arthritic dogs are as comfortable as possible in severe weather.
Walking Outside:
Remember, also, that paws can become irritated when they come into contact with cold surfaces and salt used on icy surfaces. Special boots that are made for dogs are advisable when walking a dog in the snow or on icy surfaces. This can also help keep the dog from sliding on such surfaces. Be patient, however, with dogs that aren't used to wearing boots as such may take some time for them to get used to.
Protection for Indoor Dogs:
For indoor pets, allowing a dog to sleep in warmer parts of the house and even making sure that their bedding is kept warm is a good way to make sure that an animal is comfortable when cold weather sets in. Just remember to never leave a dog unattended in a room with a space heater or with an open fireplace.
Keeping Dogs Healthy in 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 veterinarian on how to increase the dog's caloric intake, without overfeeding, is the best way to accomplish this.
If a dog ever begins to shake or shiver from cold temperatures, make an effort to slowly, but steadily, warm her, as persistent shivering is a sign of hypothermia, which can be very dangerous to both dogs and humans.
A dog's temperature is always slightly warmer than the average human's temperature. When forecasts get too chilly, a few special precautions are all that's generally needed to make sure that you and your dog are comfortable on winter days.
Both Gerry Ronson & Kelly Marshall are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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