The winter season is just around the corner. That means it is time to think about winterizing the dog so that your furry friend will be warm, happy and content during the cold months ahead.
Ideally, every dog should have a warm indoor home. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with having animals in the house, so there are dogs that will have to remain outdoors during the long cold months of winter.
If you keep your dog outdoors, your job is to make sure that he or she is not exposed to howling winds and blowing snow. It is vital that you provide a well-insulated dog house. The structure should be just large enough for the dog to curl up in. The idea is to have the structure hold the dog’s body heat inside.
Dog houses should have protection from Arctic blasts of cold wind. Place the structure where it is sheltered from the prevailing winds.
Ideally, you should include a pet-approved heating pad for the floor. Your dog will appreciate the heat on those cold snowy days.
It is important that you do something to keep the dog’s water dish from freezing. Heated models are available. If you don’t want to spend the money, then you must dedicate yourself to frequent checks of the water dish to insure that it is not frozen. Be sure to use non-metallic dishes so that the dog’s tongue does not freeze to the dish.
Dogs kept indoors will also feel the change in temperatures. Older pets that suffer from arthritis may need to take food supplements or prescription medicines to ease their discomfort. Consider the type of bed you have for your dog. There are orthopedic models available that can help keep your dog comfortable.
If your dog is deprived of regular exercise in the winter, it is a good idea to reduce the intake of food so that he or she does not gain a lot of unwanted weight.
Some dogs will need coats and sweaters to stay comfortable in cold temperatures. Be consistent and take the time to put them on the dog.
It is a good idea to get in the habit of wiping your dog’s feet when he or she comes in from outdoors. This is especially important when snow melt chemicals are used.
Home heating systems also take their toll on dogs. The heat tends to dry out the air, causing your dog to suffer from dry skin. Consider using a humidifier to help put humidity back into the home.
Try to provide regular exercise through indoor games or training sessions. It’s important to keep your dog from becoming bored. Boredom can cause a host of problems such as the chewing of furniture and other destructive behavior.
A little forethought and common sense will go a long way in protecting your dog from winter’s harsh assault.
Remember, you are the dog’s caretaker. It is your responsibility to insure that the pet is cared for properly throughout all seasons of the year.
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