10 Ways to Keep Your Dog Warm in Cold Weather (Page 2)

6. Open a door to the dog. Even cold-weather dogs cannot handle severe temperatures, so make sure dogs have an option for coming inside. If you don’t want to constantly open the door, consider installing an electronic dog door. To deter entry by thieves and unwanted critters, these doors only unlock when your dog nears wearing a special transmitter collar.

7. Dress the dog for the weather. We think some dog clothing is silly and degrading, but boots and sweaters for some dogs just make sense in the winter. Dogs regulate heat through their paws, and snow and ice on their feet can be very uncomfortable, particularly if ice builds up in hair around the paws. Dog boots can protect those paws. Also, small dogs and short-haired breeds may be more comfortable in a sweater outdoors in winter.

8. Groom dogs appropriately for the weather. While short-haired dogs may need an extra synthetic layer of clothing, long-haired dogs have a natural extra layer, but only if their hair is left to grow long and un-knotted. On the other hand, as noted above, the hair around paws can accumulate uncomfortable and dangerous amounts of ice and snow, so keep it trimmed.

9. Warm the dog’s indoor bed if the dog lies directly on cold, hard flooring. Make sure the dog’s bed is protected from drafts. Raise the bed off the floor and consider using a hot water bottle or a microwavable heating pad. These pads are designed to stay warm for up to 12 hours.

10. Feed dogs appropriately for winter. Dogs that are spending time outside in the winter may be burning more calories just staying warm, so they need an extra helping of food. Also consider a fatty-acid supplement to keep indoor dogs from drying out in heated homes. On the other hand, some indoor dogs are getting less exercise in the winter, so they might need less food.

Related:
Does Your Dog Need Boots? DIY Dog Booties!
5 Ways to Keep Pets Warm in Winter
Cold Weather Pet Tips
Image: Bethan Hazell/stock.xchng

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Duane B.

8:16AM PST on Dec 31, 2012

Thank you for sharing.

December 31
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LMj S.

7:12PM PST on Nov 8, 2012

Thank you for info.

November 8
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Cheryl B.

5:13PM PST on Dec 10, 2011

thanks for the info

December 10
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Against H.

12:16PM PST on Dec 9, 2011

I have a Lhasa Apso male who is five years old today. He has very thick fur that should keep him warm, but he seems to get cold nevertheless so, I bring him in when it gets in the teens. Thank you for the great article

December 9
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Laura C.

8:46AM PST on Nov 27, 2011

Thank you. Shelter from the cold wet ground really helps.

November 27
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Boris B.

8:19AM PST on Nov 27, 2011

"Even cold-weather dogs cannot handle severe temperatures..." I think that depends on the dog. I have racing Siberian Huskies that live outside, and that breed does well in temperatures down past 60 degrees below zero. In fact, they are happier and more energetic when it gets very frigid. They are much hardier than humans! It never gets down past about -20 F here, so it's never too cold for them.

Michael C.

7:38AM PST on Nov 27, 2011

That photo looks like my Sammy, and he loves his blanket, he gets so cold w/o it.

Each night he sleeps on the bed, he allows us to join him, life with a dog, is there any other way.

Nikhil V.

5:34AM PST on Nov 17, 2011

Such a sweet article