Proper Care for Dogs Outside in Winter'

Pets have a tough time when cold weather sets in, so knowing how to provide proper care for dogs outside in winter's frosty conditions is highly important.

Enduring the frigid conditions of winter is hard for many of us, and dogs are no exception! Even dogs with roots that reach back to arctic Husky breeds will find the cold weather difficult to deal with. It has been quite a long time since man´s best friend was roaming free in sub-zero temperatures!

Even the most hardy outdoor dog breeds can be prone to problems caused by the cold. So, it's no wonder house dogs that spend the majority of the day warmly snuggled up find the cold a great shock when they go outside. Both types of dogs face winter challenges, so here are some tips for providing proper care for dogs outside in winter's icy grasp.

Outside dogs are by no means immune to the effects of cold weather. Although these dogs spend the majority of their time outside, a quick drop in temperature can still be a shock.

Care tips:

• Ensure access to fresh water: Consider using a heated water bowl in dog runs o keep your pet's water from freezing. Failing this, a floating ball will help to stop ice forming across the entire surface, that is if your dog will leave it there. Plastic bowls are safer than metal, but they can crack when frozen.
• Provide plenty of shelter: The cold weather is often accompanied by strong winds, so it is vitally important that a dog kennel provides adequate shelter. A well-insulated dog house attached to the kennel will keep your dog warm and dry. It is important that the kennel has flooring so the dog is not lying directly on the cold ground. When a dog gets cold, he uses his own energy supply to keep warm. By giving adequate shelter you are ensuring that your dog is still full of energy during even the coldest months. This is especially important for working dogs.
• Increase an outside dog's food rations: Dogs use more energy keeping warm, so this means that they burn more calories and require extra nutrition to meet their needs.
• Bring your dogs inside when wind chills drop below 0 degrees.

House dogs that spend the majority of their time inside will find sudden exposure to the cold quite a shock. Just because dogs have fur does not mean that they do not feel the chill, and some breeds of dogs are more prone to cold than others. Dogs with fluffy or long coats do enjoy a greater degree of insulation than short-haired dogs, but even the best insulated dogs will still feel the contrast in temperatures when stepping outside.

• Protective clothing such as a dog coat will provide a dog with added warmth when taking walks and runs outside. These are readily available in a variety of sizes to accommodate most breeds, and achieving the proper fit is very important. If the garment is too small, it will be uncomfortable, and if it is too large, the dog might get tangled up in it. If you are handy with a pair of knitting needles why not knit a sweater? This way you can ensure a proper fit as you go.
• If a dog is allowed to play outside in the garden, bring him in if he starts to shiver or whine.
• Keep an eye on your dog's paws. The salts used to keep pavements and roads clear from snow can crack and dry the paws of a dog causing him pain and discomfort. Additionally, ice balls build up very quickly and cling to the fur between the pads, causing your dog pain.
• House dogs sometimes develop an aversion to going outside in winter and this can put a real crimp in house training. It is important to address this issue quickly before it becomes a problem. If a dog stops asking to go outside on his own, take him out anyway at regular intervals during the day. This will remind him of acceptable behavior!

• Watch out for frost bite. Signs include:
  • Pale gray skin
  • Skin is completely cold and hard to the touch
  • Tissue looks red upon thawing
  • Tissue begins to turn black a few days later
• If a dog becomes excessively cold, warm him up gently; over heating a chilled dog can be equally problematic.
• Older dogs, young puppies and sick dogs will succumb even quicker to winter's cold blast, so keep an even closer eye on these pets.

Providing proper care for dogs outside in winter's worst weather will ensure these pets make it safely through the season until spring returns once again.

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