Here are a few tips to help make your pet more comfortable and safe during the cold wither days and nights.
Always keep your pets indoors, even if they have a doghouse outside. Short-hair dogs are especially susceptible to cold temperatures. An unheated garage or basement should not be considered an acceptable solution. Check with thermometer to determine if the temperature is consistently above 40 degrees.
If for some reason you are not able to bring your pet indoors, check their outdoor sleeping quarters for the following necessities. Doghouses should be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in and allow for sleeping in a curled position. The floor of the doghouse should be raised a couple of inches off the ground and dry fresh bedding should be placed inside. Cedar shavings will work if you don't have a heated bed or mat. When using a heated mat, be sure it doesn't cover the entire floor of the house to allow the dog to choose the degree of warmth needed. A flap of carpet over the opening is a good idea and it will help hold in the heat.
Heated water bowls are also available and not only keep the water from freezing, but the warm water will also help to keep the core temperature of your pets body warmer.
Always conduct regular 'paw checks' for dogs brought in from the outdoors. Be sure to clean away any snow or ice from between toes and remember to dry the paw pads thoroughly. Moisture, salt and other de-icers from sidewalks or roads can become trapped between your pets toes and cause sores or irritation which can also include bleeding.
Frequent brushing of your indoor pets is even more important in the winter months to remove dead skin and hair, this helps to stimulate the animal's oil glands. Low humidity can lead to dry, itchy skin and increased shedding.
Bottom line - use common sense when caring for your pets. If you think its to cold to sleep outside, then it is probably to cold for your pets to sleep outside. Their life is in your hands.
